Revenue Department to amend tax on foreign income remittance

[EVENKEEL]

12 minutes ago, DezLez said:

It is not a joke!

It is a scaremongering troll!

That's all it's been since lister started this. 

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/8/2025 at 6:15 AM, EVENKEEL said:

You so badly want a tax certificate required don't you? 

No, I don't. 

 

I just don't trust the Thai government and / or officials, especially where money and foreigners are concerned, and things can change here at anytime. 

 

What's wrong with considering the possibility? 

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/8/2025 at 7:07 AM, DezLez said:

It is not a joke!

It is a scaremongering troll!

What will you post IF a Certificate of Clearance is needed in the future? 

 

I've given examples of how things can change here at any time.  Eg. the introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. 

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/8/2025 at 6:15 AM, EVENKEEL said:

You've become a joke.

You're an ostrich.  Don't look at it and don't think about it and it will all go away.  

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/7/2025 at 11:27 AM, oldcpu said:

Yes. Exactly my worlds. Do  you disagree with that?

No, I just pointed out you contradicted yourself. 

 

On 6/7/2025 at 11:27 AM, oldcpu said:

Yes, and many expats income comes from countries where they keep most of their money outside of the country (as savings), and when the many expats in this group bring in that money into the country it comes under Ministerial instructions por.161.162, and this money  of the many is tax exempt.  Plus many expats have been taxed already, where  per DTA their  (for example Canada's DTA with Thailand in regards to pension income, and pretty much all country's DTAs with Thailand in regards to  civil servant/military pensions) where Thailand has no taxation rights, and the income is exempt from the Thai tax assessment, and hence the tax threshold for filing a Thai tax return is not reached if no other remitted or local Thai income.  

 

One needs to know the details of their DTA to understand if foreign income (that is not savings from pre-1-Jan-2024) is  exempt, or not exempt, in Thailand.

 

Many expats do not fall into the demographic you mention, thus, should have filed, but did not.  

 

Do you think the Thai's will not introduce some compliance measures in the future? 

 

On 6/7/2025 at 11:27 AM, oldcpu said:

Sure. Many things are possible. But the Thai government is not talking about it. 

Another contradiction. 

 

So, it is possible, but to discuss the possibility on this forum is "scaremongering."  Go figure. 

 

On 6/7/2025 at 11:27 AM, oldcpu said:

In this case, neither do you.

Correct, but then again, neither do you, either. 

 

Once again, what's wrong with discussing the possibility?

 

On 6/7/2025 at 11:27 AM, oldcpu said:

Which is why I stated expats need to be familiar with the wording of their DTAs.

DTA's don't make assessable income tax free.  Tax may still be owed in Thailand, but credits are received for tax already paid in one's home country.  The guy in the video explains it quite well.

 

On 6/7/2025 at 11:27 AM, oldcpu said:

That is just a lot of speculation. Many things can happen in the future.  Currently Thailand is talking about , and considering, no taxation on remitted income.   Will that happen also?  its just more speculation.  Who knows what the future will bring?

So, yet again, what's wrong with discussing all possibilities? 

 

Why is such discussion branded "scaremongering" when you even agree it is "possible?" 

 

You say Thailand is not talking about a Certificate of Clearance, but are talking about taxing worldwide income, yet discuss Thailand taxing worldwide income and it's "scaremongering."  Too funny. 

 

On 6/7/2025 at 11:27 AM, oldcpu said:

and then one goes and get a needless tax clearance certificate when there is ZERO need to do such, when one pays an agent or accountant to file their tax return so they can get that certificate, then, yes,  I see that as paranoia.

As per the law, I knew I had to pay tax.  I minimized my remittances throughout the year.  How is abiding by the law "paranoia?" 

 

On 6/7/2025 at 11:27 AM, oldcpu said:

Prudence dictates file a tax return if required,

Ok, but the Thai government MAY require a Certificate of Clearance in the future to ensure one is prudent.  

 

[BritManToo]

18 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

You're an ostrich.  Don't look at it and don't think about it and it will all go away.  

Me too,

And in the past, as now, it's always gone away.

Why would I expect the next foolish decree not to go away?

[BritManToo]

26 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

What will you post IF a Certificate of Clearance is needed in the future? 

 

I've given examples of how things can change here at any time.  Eg. the introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. 

First advertised as having to fill in before boarding a flight.

Now you can fill it in on arrival, same as the paper version.

Effectively it's gone away.

 

Announcement banning cannabis on 1 Jan 2025.

Also gone away.

 

Having you Thai D/l on your mobile phone.

Gone away.

 

New tm30 on each arrival.

Gone away.

[BritManToo]

On 6/8/2025 at 2:21 PM, EVENKEEL said:

That's all it's been since lister started this. 

Yep, and he's also gone away!

[KhunHeineken]

4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

And in the past, as now, it's always gone away.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card recently came in.  One day it wasn't there, next day it was a requirement for entry to Thailand.  That's how quick things change here. 

 

This year no Certificate of Clearance needed for extension, next year it's required.  What's stopping them from doing it, nothing.  Will it mean you have to pay tax, maybe, maybe not.  It could go the way of the Certificate of Residence, which should be free, but most pay 300 baht for it.  Just another earner and document required by immigration. 

[KhunHeineken]

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

First advertised as having to fill in before boarding a flight.

Point being, not required and now required.  Right?

 

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Now you can fill it in on arrival, same as the paper version.

See the above reply.

 

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Announcement banning cannabis on 1 Jan 2025.

Link please. 

 

Some politicians wanted it banned, but I didn't see an official announcement of it being banned. 

[BritManToo]

1 minute ago, KhunHeineken said:

Thailand Digital Arrival Card recently came in.  One day it wasn't there, next day it was a requirement for entry to Thailand.  That's how quick things change here. 

 

This year no Certificate of Clearance needed for extension, next year it's required.  What's stopping them from doing it, nothing.  Will it mean you have to pay tax, maybe, maybe not.  It could go the way of the Certificate of Residence, which should be free, but most pay 300 baht for it.  Just another earner and document required by immigration. 

I've already answered that one,

Digital arrival card same as paper arrival card.

Completed while waiting in immigration hall.

[KhunHeineken]

4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Yep, and he's also gone away!

What's that saying about "death and taxes" and you think taxes have "gone away."  

 

It's only just starting.  

[KhunHeineken]

Just now, BritManToo said:

I've already answered that one,

Digital arrival card same as paper arrival card.

Completed while waiting in immigration hall.

You missed the point again.

 

One day not required, the next day required. 

[BritManToo]

Just now, KhunHeineken said:

What's that saying about "death and taxes" and you think taxes have "gone away."  

 

It's only just starting.  

For me, death will come first.

[Yumthai]

34 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

What's that saying about "death and taxes" and you think taxes have "gone away."  

 

It's only just starting.  

Speculating on something bad happening in the near future is the definition of "scaremongering".

 

50 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

So, it is possible, but to discuss the possibility on this forum is "scaremongering."  Go figure. 

Constantly pushing the idea of the possibility that something harmful but improbable will happen is also "scaremongering".

[oldcpu]

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

No, I just pointed out you contradicted yourself. 

There are no contradictions in my post. You simply fail to read and draw wrong conclusions.

 

 

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Many expats do not fall into the demographic you mention, thus, should have filed, but did not.  

 

Nonsense. You have no statistics for that. 

 

Many expats prefer NOT to keep most of their money in Thailand. So that group typically are covered by por.161.162 when they remit income to Thailand.  Many expats income come from countries with DTAs with Thailand where the DTAs need to be examined to  assess if Thailand can tax such income.  I gave you examples (civil service/military pensions) where Thailand mostly can not tax such in most DTAs. I gave you the example of Canada, where Thailand can not tax pensions from Canada.  How many DTAs have you actually spent the time looking at?

 

You make statements of demographics with nothing to backup what you state.  I pointed out aspects of DTAs with regards to tax exemption.

 

 

 

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

 

Do you think the Thai's will not introduce some compliance measures in the future? 

 

Thailand may do a lot of things in the future, such as making foreign income remittance tax free. They are talking about that now!!  Are they talking about tax certificates now? Are they?  Are they? No.  Again - your paranoia.

 

 

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Another contradiction. 

 

No contradiction. You simply can not read.

 

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Once again, what's wrong with discussing the possibility?

 

The thing is , you go BEYOND calling it a possibility in most of your posts. You infer it is about to happen.  Again, there has been no mention of government circles about bring this tax clearance certificate back.  In 100% contrast there has been talk, in Thai government circles, of going beyond por.161.162 and making foreign income remittance tax free for some more time.

 

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

DTA's don't make assessable income tax free.  Tax may still be owed in Thailand, but credits are received for tax already paid in one's home country.  The guy in the video explains it quite well.

 

So what?  I have ALWAYS maintained one MUST look at the DTA of their source income, and if and as appropriate, file or not file a tax return. Further in cases such as civil-service/military-pensions, and Canada pension, no tax credits needed.  Thailand simply is not allowed to tax such.

 

Why can you not understand that?  Maybe you need to spend some time reading DTAs as opposed to pontificating on tax credits?

 

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

So, yet again, what's wrong with discussing all possibilities? 

 

As long as it is made clear this is your speculation , while mentioning there is absolutely NO talk in the Thai government about the tax  clearance certificate being re-introduced, then there is nothing wrong.  Have you added that caveat? No. You have not.

 

THAT IS WHAT IS WRONG.  Clear enough for you?

 

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Why is such discussion branded "scaremongering" when you even agree it is "possible?" 

 

Because you fail to omit this is 100% your speculation.  Clear enough for you?

 

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

You say Thailand is not talking about a Certificate of Clearance, but are talking about taxing worldwide income, yet discuss Thailand taxing worldwide income and it's "scaremongering."  Too funny. 

 

Indeed. Thailand is talking about extending por.161/162 with no tax on remitted income. And you are spending money to get an unnecessary tax clearance certificate. Too FUNNY. MUCH MUCH TOO FUNNY

 

 

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

As per the law, I knew I had to pay tax.  I minimized my remittances throughout the year.  How is abiding by the law "paranoia?"

 

 

That fine.  Do you mention that? No.  Instead you infer others MUST get a tax certificate, with no caveats that it is your speculation with  NO THAI GOVERNMENT STATEMENTS  saying otherwise.  Nor do you mention you had to file an income tax return because you are not bringing in por.161/162 excluded from tax saving, nor do you mention you had to file an in one tax return because Royal Decrees nor  DTAs exclude you from paying tax - unlike many of us where were exempt from paying Thai tax.

 

Frankly - you are deliberately misleading, extrapolating your situation to many, where there are many with which your situation does NOT apply.

.

[EVENKEEL]

19 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

No, I don't. 

 

I just don't trust the Thai government and / or officials, especially where money and foreigners are concerned, and things can change here at anytime. 

 

What's wrong with considering the possibility? 

A zombie apocalypse is also within the realm of possibility. I'll start stockpiling weaponry, just in case.

 

I'm still convinced that lister started the thread for personal gain. That's a point of view I'm entitled to.

[Peter Crow]

Wherever I start talking about that income tax thing my wife goes SSShhhttt!!!!

 

You guys are bad luck magnets.

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/11/2025 at 5:51 AM, BritManToo said:

For me, death will come first.

Well, you know what they say about death and taxes. 

 

For many, death may be the only way to escape tax. 

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/11/2025 at 6:37 AM, Yumthai said:

Speculating on something bad happening in the near future is the definition of "scaremongering".

I'm speculating the price of gasoline will increase in Thailand in the near future, due to the war/s in the Middle East.  Is that a reasonable hypothesis, or "scaremongering?" 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 6:37 AM, Yumthai said:

Constantly pushing the idea of the possibility that something harmful but improbable will happen is also "scaremongering".

Only to ostriches. 

[CallumWK]

As an officer of the revenue department in my home country recently explained to me, it is impossible for a revenue department to trace international transfers to bank accounts, unless they investigate a particular account.

You think they gonna continuously monitor hundred of thousands of foreigner accounts?

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

There are no contradictions in my post.

You contradict yourself not only in one post, but across multiple posts. 

 

On one hand you call it scaremongering, yet, then go on to say that expats need to be aware of the very things you say is scaremongering.  You contradict yourself. 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

Nonsense. You have no statistics for that. 

Most pensions from abroad go over the threshold, do they not? 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

Many expats income come from countries with DTAs with Thailand where the DTAs need to be examined to  assess if Thailand can tax such income. 

Why do they need to be examined if it is scaremongering. 

 

Australia's DTA with Thailand only covers service pensions, not the aged pension.  Is your DTA the same? 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

Many expats prefer NOT to keep most of their money in Thailand.

It's irrelevant where the money is kept.  It's the remittances into Thailand that the Thai government seek to tax. 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

Thailand may do a lot of things in the future, such as making foreign income remittance tax free. They are talking about that now!!  Are they talking about tax certificates now? Are they?  Are they? No.  Again - your paranoia.

Thailand is also talking about taxing worldwide income, aren't they? 

 

Once again, you contradict yourself.  "Thailand may do a lot of things in the future" but to discuss what Thailand MAY do in the future is "scaremongering."  Go figure. 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

I have ALWAYS maintained one MUST look at the DTA of their source income, and if and as appropriate, file or not file a tax return. Further in cases such as civil-service/military-pensions, and Canada pension, no tax credits needed.  Thailand simply is not allowed to tax such.

DTA's are complex instruments, and not every expat is Canadian. 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

As long as it is made clear this is your speculation ,

I'm not speculating on it.  I simply disagree that it's scaremongering to discuss it. 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

Because you fail to omit this is 100% your speculation.  Clear enough for you?

Wrong.  It's just discussing the possibility.  A possibility that you agree actually is possible.  Clear enough for you? 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

Indeed. Thailand is talking about extending por.161/162 with no tax on remitted income. And you are spending money to get an unnecessary tax clearance certificate. Too FUNNY. MUCH MUCH TOO FUNNY

I simply covered my a** because I don't trust the Thai government and / or Thai officials.  Went through the process for the first time, so well prepared for if / when any enforcement starts.  If it all goes away, I won't bother with it in the future. 

 

On 6/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, oldcpu said:

That fine. 

It's fine for me.  Filed, declared, paid a bit of tax, got the paperwork to prove it, all legal as far as the Thai tax man is concerned. 

 

Question for you.  How many expats do you think are out there that by the letter of the law should file and pay, but did not? 

 

You can only plead ignorance for so long before it bites you on the a**. 

 

[SingAPorn]

I do not trust a word of anything comming out from the authorities. There will be fuss and hassle if one stays to long in Thailand and they will just continue to chase away foreigners and the retirees who are those bringing in the big money - much more then the hoards of teenage drunk brits or westerners or chinese etc...

[KhunHeineken]

10 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

As an officer of the revenue department in my home country recently explained to me, it is impossible for a revenue department to trace international transfers to bank accounts, unless they investigate a particular account.

You think they gonna continuously monitor hundred of thousands of foreigner accounts?

Easily covered at extension time. 

 

Expat needs to produce a bank document showing total deposits for a year, in the same way they need to show a bank document showing 800k.  However, it must be stamped by the TRD, or, be given a clearance certificate that tax has been paid, then said expat can process with his extension. 

 

"I'll just have multiple bank accounts and just show them one bank account" you say.  Well, here's the thing about that brilliant idea, they know your bank accounts.  

 

Yes, yes, I know, I know.  Scaremongering. 

 

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/12/2025 at 12:20 AM, EVENKEEL said:

A zombie apocalypse is also within the realm of possibility.

I would bet on a higher possibility of being taxed than on a zombie apocalypse. 

[johng]

Zombie apocalypse is looking more and more likely though.

[CallumWK]

17 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Easily covered at extension time. 

 

Expat needs to produce a bank document showing total deposits for a year, in the same way they need to show a bank document showing 800k. 

 

If I don't make any deposits, then there is nothing to show, or are you now gonna claim that we will be forced to make deposits?

 

Also if I don't tell immigration of the existence of the account to which I make deposits, they will not know about the account or the deposits, and neither does the revenue office, as I have proof of for 2 years already.

[JohnnyBD]

1 hour ago, CallumWK said:

If I don't make any deposits, then there is nothing to show

Very true. One could simply make ATM withdrawals using a foreign bank card, and not make any deposits. Some foreign banks like mine will reimburse the 220B fee. Or, one could live off of savings, and not make any remittances. No bank deposits. No way to track.

[yozah]

It is not that heineken is necessarily wrong. He is just repulsive teachers pet who already pays his taxes like a good boy and wants everyone else do the same.

[oldcpu]

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

You contradict yourself not only in one post, but across multiple posts. 

 

No. You just failed to read. My point has always been about you talking about and you going for a NEEDLESS TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE.

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

 

On one hand you call it scaremongering, yet, then go on to say that expats need to be aware of the very things you say is scaremongering.  You contradict yourself. 

 

No. I never posted about expats needing to get a Tax Clearance Certificate.  The MOST that I posted about a Tax Clearance certificate was that it is ON the books (for a different purpose) and if Thailand wanted to, they could bring such a measure into play. However i also noted the Thai government thought such a PIA and hence I did not, and I do not, believe they will bring such into play.

 

Stating forum members should consider their own tax situation is NOT a contradiction. 

 

Not in the slightest.

 

You simply can not read or you like to make up imaginary viewpoint to debate from, since you can't debate the actual view points stated.

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Most pensions from abroad go over the threshold, do they not? 

 

Do they?  If their pensions from abroad are civil service or military, per most DTAs they can not be taxed by Thailand, which per Royal Decree means they are exempt Thailand tax for such pensions, and hence exempt the Thai tax calculation, which means they are not to be considered as assessable income when reviewing the Thai calculation.

 

Further, if their pension is from years prior and as of 1-Jan-2024 was prior year savings, per Por.161.162 any such remitted income is exempt from Thailand tax, and hence exempt the Thai tax calculation, which means they are not to be considered as assessable income when reviewing the Thai calculation.

 

Further, if the DTA (like Canada's DTA with Thailand) states only Canada (and NOT Thailand) can tax Canadian sourced pension, then per Royal Decree means they are exempt Thailand tax for such pensions, and hence exempt the Thai tax calculation, which means they are not to be considered as assessable income when reviewing the Thai calculation.

 

Show me your references for demographics. 

 

I have read the Royal Decree, I have read a number of DTAs, and I have read some of the Ministerial Directives/Instructions, ... and note they mean MANY, ... MANY,  ok ?? MANY expat's remitted income is exempt Thai tax and not to be included in considering the assessable income threshold.  To a large extent it depends on individual DTAs which expats should famiiarize themselves with in regards to the source country of their remitted income.

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Australia's DTA with Thailand only covers service pensions, not the aged pension.  Is your DTA the same? 

 

No.  My "aged" Canadian pension(s) are not taxable by Thailand per the Thai-Canada DTA.  My civil service European pension is from working in Germany where German civil service pension is, to the best of my knowledge, not taxable by Thailand. 

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

It's irrelevant where the money is kept.  It's the remittances into Thailand that the Thai government seek to tax. 

 

No it is not irrelevant.  It is very relevant with timing being important.

 

As a non-resident to Thailand, I brought a LOT of money into Thailand prior to 2019 when I only became a Thai tax resident in 2020.  I have been living off of the pre-year 2020 money ever since.  Also , for myself,  NO REMITTED money brought in to Thailand after 31-Dec-2023.

 

I also have an LTR-WP visa, but I have not had to use that for any taxation exemption aspects as of yet.  And I have relevant DTAs which exempt me from Thailand taxation.

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Thailand is also talking about taxing worldwide income, aren't they? 

 

Thailand talks of a lot of things.  Don't they. ok?

 

Thailand are also talking of stopping taxation on remitted income for a while.   Will they?  Or is it just talk? ok ?

 

Did I say Thailand talks of a lot of things?  I think i did.

 

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

 

Once again, you contradict yourself.  "Thailand may do a lot of things in the future" but to discuss what Thailand MAY do in the future is "scaremongering."  Go figure. 

 

Nonsense.  If you want to see real scaremongering, look in the mirror while you read your own posts.

 

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

DTA's are complex instruments, and not every expat is Canadian. 

 

Absolutely !! Which why I have stated MANY times expats should be familiar with the DTAs of their source income country with Thailand.  For example, in my case, also familiar with the Thai-German DTA.

 

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Wrong.  It's just discussing the possibility.  A possibility that you agree actually is possible.  Clear enough for you? 

 

 

Clear enough for me.

 

Obviously its not clear for you, ...

 

...  as you fail to put a big qualification every time you post about Tax Clearance Certificates, ... you totally fail to note that there is NO TALK, NONE, NADDA, by the Thai government , for the Thai government possibly re-introducing the Tax Clearance Certificate. NO TALK. NONE. NADDA.  Further, if I read your posts correctly, you paid money so to get a Tax Clearance Certificate when NONE was required.  Absolutely NONE required.

 

Good job! lol !! lol !! lol !!!!!!!

 

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

 

I simply covered my a** because I don't trust the Thai government and / or Thai officials. 

 

Covered needlessly.  I think that should be clear to ALL on the forum, except for 1 person.  That person is you.

 

 

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Question for you.  How many expats do you think are out there that by the letter of the law should file and pay, but did not? 

 

You can only plead ignorance for so long before it bites you on the a**. 

 

 

I don't know how many.  Nor do I claim to know how many. 

 

I do know many expats, likely myself, who through either their income source (DTAs with Thailand), or their living off of pre-1-Jan-2024 savings remittances to Thailand, or who are living off of money brought into Thailand when a non-resident, have no income that qualifies as being assessable in Thailand. 

 

The biggest group (of those that I noted in the previous paragraph) have DTAs which cover them from a tax threshold (to file) perspective.

 

Clearly we won't agree on this.  Your paranoia drove you to ask for a Tax Clearance Certificate (when such not necessary) and then you proceeded to post multiple times how that was important.  There is no talk about such Tax Clearance Certificate being necessary by the Thai government but that has not deterred you.

 

There is likely not much point in us pursuing this. 

 

Do you really believe many on this forum will believe your paranoia about needing a Tax Clearance certificate?

.