57 minutes ago, norsurin said:

Remind u what happened before that when the banks in Thailand lost all values.My friend had 600.000 baht in Bangkok bank and lost all his savings.

False story..this never happened.

If you really believe it happened give precise date/year and details.

 

(PS..I have been banking in Thailand with many different banks since 1974..money always safe).

The government guarantees savings accounts (to a limit) so in the event the bank goes tits-up your money is protected. 

 

In the event the government goes tits-up, we’re all screwed anyway. 

You can open an account with a Thai brokerage, but you'll likely be limited to SET holdings.  Thai stock market is bigly small, and inhabited by some large entities that can easily swing the market, not in your favor.

 

Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn (probably others as well) offer mutual funds focused on foreign stocks or bonds, but these are mostly funds managed by western brokerages.  You'll be paying the standard fees on those funds, plus the excessive management fees and loads to a Thai bank that simply holds the shares in your name.

 

Good news is that Thai tax law is designed for the rich.  Capital gains are not taxed, SET listed stocks of course, but also the above foreign funds held by a Thai entity.  Dividends are taxed, but most of these funds do not pay dividends, even if the base fund does.  In that case, the dividends are added to the NAV and are not taxed.

 

You could also open an offshore brokerage account.  My wifi and I both have Schwab International accounts.  They will accept your Thai phone and address, and will need your Thai TIN if you are tax resident here.  You can buy US ETF's but not US-domiciled mutual funds.  Keep the funds offshore, potential Thai tax only due if/when remitted.

37 minutes ago, mogandave said:

And let’s not forget what happened before that when market crashed in ‘29 and my grandad lost lost it all, and had to take a job in a grain elevator to support his family. 

 

But as I said, if ฿800k is a large percentage of one’s savings, they should move it to Thailand.

Many need a agent to help them with the 800.000 baht.Means no savings and live almost from hand to mouth on daily basis.

30 minutes ago, norsurin said:

Many need a agent to help them with the 800.000 baht.Means no savings and live almost from hand to mouth on daily basis.

And many, with or without the ฿800k, just use an agent because it is convenient. 

 

I do not see anything wrong with people using agents to save time and effort, nor is there anything wrong with using the income method. But for me, I like having money in the bank, and I do not mind driving across town to CW. 

2 minutes ago, mogandave said:

And many, with or without the ฿800k, just use an agent because it is convenient. 

 

I do not see anything wrong with people using agents to save time and effort, nor is there anything wrong with using the income method. But for me, I like having money in the bank, and I do not mind driving across town to CW. 

I didn't mean anything wrong using a agent.But in fact many don't have the founds.

Ur right.. it's not a long drive to CW.IF i want a visa i would apply for a Elite silver card.

 

9 hours ago, GarryP said:

I did not say I was only earning 4% a year from S&P500. I said that I have averaged more than 4% per year with my investments. This is in response to the original posters comment "Hi, I have most of my savings and investments in the UK where it is easy to obtain over 4% interest in a bank fixed interest savings account, or invest in mutual funds or stocks & shares."

 

In my case, I have lived in Thailand since I was 19, so all my money is here. 

If you had it all in a s&p 500 index fund you'd get an 8-9% average yearly return, without even thinking about it. Assuming your brokerage firm doesn't rape you for 2% a year you'd do ok. My vanguard index fund charges 0.04%.

8 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

You can open an account with a Thai brokerage, but you'll likely be limited to SET holdings.

 

Some Thai licensed brokers offer to invest directly in the US market, for instance:

https://www.webull.co.th/en/us-stocks

https://dime.co.th/en/invest/stock-us

https://www.liberator.co.th/us-stock

 

3 hours ago, Yumthai said:

 

Some Thai licensed brokers offer to invest directly in the US market, for instance:

https://www.webull.co.th/en/us-stocks

https://dime.co.th/en/invest/stock-us

https://www.liberator.co.th/us-stock

 

Wy use a Thai broker to invest in the US market? 

 

 

1 hour ago, mogandave said:

Wy use a Thai broker to invest in the US market? 

 

Mainly because of potential inheritance concerns and convenience for people with Thai (or non-US person) heirs. Upon the account holder death it will be easier to deal with Thai brokers than having to deal remotely with US/foreign brokers.

 

US brokers, working hand in hand with IRS, will systematically require an original IRS transfer certificate to release the US assets while it is assumed that Thai/non-US brokers are more flexible.

 

Also, cash held in US brokers accounts is considered US situs asset then subject to US estate tax.

 

https://www.schwab.com/resource/us-tax-considerations-for-non-us-investors

 

Try looking at opening an offshore bank account, this is a reason to use one. Singapore used to have a Citibank account for expats or Lloyd’s bank in Jersey, also HSBC offshore. 
 

Once you have the account you can open a brokerage account either via the bank or use an independent one.

 

Within Thailand you might be able to open a kasikorn cyber account to invest in funds and stocks but the interface isn’t very advanced compared to international and offshore brokerage accounts like for example Saxobank trading account Singapore. 
 

Gold was mentioned in the thread which in Thailand is a good idea also. 
 

I wouldn’t keep all of your money in Thai baht as it’s subject to currency fluctuations and there are unique risks in Thailand (for example from memory I remember hearing about disappearing money in bank accounts?).. 
 

Even if you plan to live the rest of your life in Thailand it’s a good idea to keep options open with finances especially until you learn the ropes and understand any risks to keeping all your money in Thailand in one currency. 
 

I believe there also used to be a multi currency account available at Bangkok bank but I’m not 100% sure- I would definitely look at an offshore account to store and grow some funds whilst transferring money into Thailand in tranches as required. 
 

All the best 

 

 

On 8/9/2025 at 1:35 PM, Keith5588 said:

 

Hi, I have most of my savings and investments in the UK where it is easy to obtain over 4% interest in a bank fixed interest savings account, or invest in mutual funds or stocks & shares.

It seems that once you have money in Thai baht in a Thai bank account the banks only offer about 1% interest in a fixed account.

This is the limit of my knowledge and why I am writing this post to hopefully get some help.

 

I have a UK HSBC bank account and intend to ask HSBC Thai bank if I open an account with them will I be able to invest the Thai baht in say mutual funds.

I think I have also read that you can invest in funds / the stock market via Kasikorn bank?

 

So if possible to invest Thai baht in the worldwide stock market does anyone know if the terms and conditions /charges are similar to the same investment via a UK company?

 

Thanks in advance

Keith

If you want good return and safety.  Buy gold or learn about Bitcoin.

 

Any Thai mutual funds will kill you.  That said there are brit international investment companies that do off shore.

 

Personally I would do the Forrest Gump warning. Run Keith run

On 8/9/2025 at 8:35 AM, Keith5588 said:

 

Hi, I have most of my savings and investments in the UK where it is easy to obtain over 4% interest in a bank fixed interest savings account, or invest in mutual funds or stocks & shares.

It seems that once you have money in Thai baht in a Thai bank account the banks only offer about 1% interest in a fixed account.

This is the limit of my knowledge and why I am writing this post to hopefully get some help.

 

I have a UK HSBC bank account and intend to ask HSBC Thai bank if I open an account with them will I be able to invest the Thai baht in say mutual funds.

I think I have also read that you can invest in funds / the stock market via Kasikorn bank?

 

So if possible to invest Thai baht in the worldwide stock market does anyone know if the terms and conditions /charges are similar to the same investment via a UK company?

 

Thanks in advance

Keith

The only main benefit of investing savings in Thailand is to avoid currency exchange rate fluctuations.

 

If you invest in foreign bonds or equity – i.e., not Thai bonds and equity – just keep your savings in your home country, if there is no tax-benefits in changing to Thailand. You will still be in need of exchange from foreign currency to Thai baht, when invested internationallt through a Thai bank or broker, also to te transfer dividends and gain from sale.

 

You can in average gain 4% dividends on Thai stocks after 10% withholding tax – which can be final tax on dividend income – eventual capital gain in SET-traded (SET = Stock Exchange of Thailand) stocks are taxfree. However, numerous Thai stocks has lost value during the later years due to foreign investment capital outflow. Only few stocks seems to have kept value or increased in value above average inflation. This can mean that it's a great time to buy cheap stocks, or this can mean that Thai stocks can still risk losing value.

 

You can open a SET trading account with online trading platform from both a bank or a broker. You shall buy stocks that can be obtained with NVDR-option – no voting tights, which doesn'tr matter if your are not investing billions – as you otherwise need to be within the 49% permitted share for foreign ownership and regbister the indivual stock as foreign owned, to be eligible for dividend.

 

It was a great benefit for me to transfer some savings into Thailand when I got 40% more baht for my Danish currency than today, and exchange to average 4+% dividend without currency exchange fluctuation. Today the exchange rate to Thai baht is more average; so, if you don't belie that you will get less baht for your foreign currency in the future, you shall also take that into consideration before you invest in Thailand. And also always remenber: Never invest more money in Thailand than you can afford to lose...

On 8/9/2025 at 9:28 PM, phetphet said:

The way things are going, you might be better off buying gold.

I'd allocate something to Bitcoin as well.

Why invest in a currency that I believe is constantly manipulated by those in higher authority 

Thai savings accounts will earn you very little: with the Primary Rate (the 'base rate') cut to 1.5% today - and likely to see 1.25% before year-end, banks cannot offer savings rates higher than this, without losing money.

The Thai stock market has performed poorly over the last couple of years (look at the SET Index) and, with the prevailing economic headwinds, does not look set to improve in the forseeable, so quity funds/mutuals don't look attractive to me.

Thai property on the other hand, remains quite attractive: a villa in Krabi/Phuket etc will yield 10-15% p.a. through rent alone (excl capital uplift): yes, if you're a foreigner (and unless it's a condo) you'll never own that property outright - but many developers now offer 30y+30y leases, to make the investment more attractive to foreigners.

Finally, look at international brokers that offer the ability to invest in overseas stock markets: the S&P 500 for example, is up c.10% YTD.

..Just my 2c.

If you want to invest locally then look at TISCO securities. I use them for some of my Thai baht i have here.
Banks charges are an awful lot more and do not have the fast access to trade.

There are some very good yields on Thai stocks, but you have to pick very stable and established companies and take a longterm mentality.
Some expats may not be aware that you can get very good yields several percent or more. Especially with some of the big banks. The stock market may have had a big nosedive recently, but take the longer view.
You can get some mutual funds based on US. Especially for gold in GLD if you want that.
However if you are in Thailland and considering gold with the money here just go and buy some gold at a reputable gold traders company that sells it and will buy it back. 
Stocks and mutual funds on the SET are not taxable but dividends are subject to withholding tax.

If you want an investment account offshore then you need to look at available investment accounts and not banks. Banks charge too much and often have restrictive requirements.
If you aim to be only UK and Thailand then you may have to consider potential problems in the future and whether an offshore investment account may be a good idea.
Some recommendations have been suggested, You can also check out saxo in Singapore, they will allow foreigners resident in Thailand to open an account.

If Thailand imposes tax on worldwide income, then you will either be taxed in the UK or Thailand. 
ANY pension income would be taxable in Thailand as income, if resident here.
You should look at what the UK DTA allows, but it does not apply to pensions unless government service.
If resident in Thailand and you have a good pension, you may want to consider taking a lump sum out of the pension to the UK bank at the tax free limit, or to an offshore account before any thai tax law change applies (if that happens) so that it is not an income in the next tax year and taxable in Thailand.
Look ahead if there is warning.
 

12 hours ago, Rookie123 said:

Thai savings accounts will earn you very little: with the Primary Rate (the 'base rate') cut to 1.5% today - and likely to see 1.25% before year-end, banks cannot offer savings rates higher than this, without losing money.

The Thai stock market has performed poorly over the last couple of years (look at the SET Index) and, with the prevailing economic headwinds, does not look set to improve in the forseeable, so quity funds/mutuals don't look attractive to me.

Thai property on the other hand, remains quite attractive: a villa in Krabi/Phuket etc will yield 10-15% p.a. through rent alone (excl capital uplift): yes, if you're a foreigner (and unless it's a condo) you'll never own that property outright - but many developers now offer 30y+30y leases, to make the investment more attractive to foreigners.

Finally, look at international brokers that offer the ability to invest in overseas stock markets: the S&P 500 for example, is up c.10% YTD.

..Just my 2c.

Interest on savings accounts with Thai banks is terrible. Probably lower or not much better than annual inflation. The SET Index is bad too. I am waiting for a bit more improvement before selling out all the Thai funds I hold, but will still probably be selling at a loss. I will not invest in the Thai market going forward. In fact there was a former Finance Minister of Thailand (Korn Chatikavanij) who mentioned that he had sold all his Thai based investments as he saw no future in it. 

 

I hold a few international mutual funds which are offered by Thai banks. I should have gone direct to save costs, but I just couldn't be bothered. 

 

As to property, I have a house in Bangkok I have been trying to sell, but am now reconsidering renting it out instead. 

On 8/9/2025 at 1:35 PM, Keith5588 said:

 

I have a UK HSBC bank account and intend to ask HSBC Thai bank if I open an account with them will I be able to invest the Thai baht in say mutual funds.

I think I have also read that you can invest in funds / the stock market via Kasikorn bank?

 

So if possible to invest Thai baht in the worldwide stock market does anyone know if the terms and conditions /charges are similar to the same investment via a UK company?

 

 

I do not have answers to those specific questions, but one thing to consider , when (as a Thailand tax resident) is the Double Tax Agreement between Thailand and the country where one would otherwise keep their money (if kept outside of Thailand).  And also consider Thai tax law.  ... and consider foreign country tax law if applicable.

 

Capital Gains: 

 

I read tax residents of Thailand do not pay capital gains tax on profits from trading equities listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), provided the trades are made through the Thailand exchange. 

 

But I also believe, for a tax resident of Thailand,  the capital gains from trading foreign stocks on a US stock exchange may taxable in Thailand, but only taxable if the income is remitted into Thailand (unless one is on an LTR visa category that exempts one from such taxation).

 

In the case of Canada brokerage,  for a tax resident of Thailand, per the Thai-Canada DTA, I believe the capital gains on profits of equities in the Canadian brokerage ARE taxable in Thailand (but not in Canada).  Again, i believe the capital gains are only taxable in this case if the capital gains are remitted into Thailand (unless one is on an LTR visa category that exempts one from such taxation).

 

Other DTAs with different countries may be relevant here.

 

Dividends:

 

For a Thailand tax resident, any dividends received from a Thai-listed company are, I believe, subject to a 10% withholding tax. For Thai residents, you can choose to either accept this as a final tax or include the dividend income in one's  annual personal Thai income tax filing and potentially receive a tax credit.  If accepted as a final (10%) tax the money is not to be included in the Thailand tax calculation. That could be advantageous.

 

If the dividends are from a foreign brokerage (ie a brokerage located outside of Thailand) then Double Tax Agreements come into play.  For example, if a Thai tax resident has a Canadian brokerage (ie  brokerage office in Canada), dividends from that brokerage account are taxed at 15% in Canada (per the Canada-Thai DTA) . However Thailand may also tax those dividends when remitted to Thailand (and hence one may need to obtain tax credits).  Again, currently, there is an LTR visa category that exempts one from such taxation by Thailand.

 

Other DTAs with different countries may be relevant here.

 

 Interest:

 

In my experience as a tax resident to Thailand, Thailand banks can withhold 15% tax on one's interest for money in the bank.  The tax resident can choose to either accept this as a final tax or include the interest income in your ones personal Thai income tax filing and potentially receive a tax credit.   If accepted as a final (15%) tax the money is not to be included in the Thailand tax calculation. That could be advantageous.

 

If the dividends are from a foreign bank (ie a bank located outside of Thailand) then Double Tax Agreements come into play (and obviously the tax law of the country where the money is located).  My understanding in the case of Canada, for most cases for non-residents of Canada, Revenue Canada does not tax interest earned in Canadian banks.   However when that interest is brought into Thailand, it may be taxable in Thailand.  Again, currently, there is an LTR visa category that exempts one from such taxation by Thailand.

 

Other DTAs with different countries may be relevant here.

 

So what is my point?

 

My point is just thinking one is better off with earning interest, or investing in equities for dividends or Capital gains  outside of Thailand, is better, may or may not be the case. The Double Tax Agreements between different countries come into play - as does Thai tax law - and as does the foreign country tax law.

 

Nominally this is complicated - at least I find it complicated - and just assuming one can do better with their money in or out of Thailand, without researching tax law and DTAs can lead one 'down the garden path' to be liable to pay tax that could have been managed better.

 

One shoe does not fit all here, in my view.

 

EDIT: Note I am not a tax advisor. i recommend forum members read up on this on their own to see how this affects them.

 

15 hours ago, jojothai said:

If Thailand imposes tax on worldwide income, then you will either be taxed in the UK or Thailand. 
ANY pension income would be taxable in Thailand as income, if resident here.
You should look at what the UK DTA allows, ....

 

Just to clarify, this response is UK specific .. .although it is likely also true for income from many other countries dependent on their DTA with Thailand.

 

There are exceptions. 

 

Case in point ...

 

The Canada-Thai DTA, for all Canadian pensions (CPP, OAS, RRSPs, RRIF, government employee pensions, military pensions, company pensions, insurance pensions ...etc) , provides Canada (and only Canada) exclusive taxation rights on such and no taxation rights to Thailand on any Canadian pensions - even if remitted to Thailand.

 

As you note, the DTA can be very important here.

49 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

 

Just to clarify, this response is UK specific .. .although it is likely also true for income from many other countries dependent on their DTA with Thailand.

 

There are exceptions. 

Yes, and its good to point this out for people to understand.
I have seen some DTA's that have pensions as only taxable in the original country,
but also others such as the UK where pensions are not covered by the DTA, although there is cover in the UK DTA specifically for government service pensions. Its awful that the UK discriminated in this way favouring government employees.
For other people who want to find them, DTA's are all provided on the TRD website.
They are at https://www.rd.go.th/english/766.html

On 8/12/2025 at 3:38 PM, persimmon said:

If I was the OP , I would check which UK platforms allow clients to keep their accounts or trade whilst living abroad , then move investments to the most appropriate one whilst still being in the UK . As a back-up , Interactive Brokers should be OK for Thailand residents .

Regarding IHT , that should depend on how long the OP has been domiciled in Thailand ( think it`s 10 yrs to be free from IHT ) , rather than where the funds are held . 

@persimmon Regarding UK IHT. After a Google Search the result I get is that if you are not UK resident for ten years or more then you are not liable for inheritance tax on your non-UK assets.

So I think your UK assets will still be assessed for IHT.

Want to share some input about my Bangkok based broker: https://www.sbito.co.th

Remarkable commission as low as 0,075%. Very friendly staff, all communication in English, prompt replies. No pestering by phone calls, messages, or recommendations to lure me into specific (obsure) securities. Sbito is part of the Japan-based SBI Group.

 

As for the Thai stock market my impression is it is for gamblers, but if you pick your shares well you might find some real pearls, like TISCO which was mentioned earlier. Take a look at their payouts and dividend policy. It is strong for the last ten years. At present 7,85%.

 

The share price does not fluctuate erratically. It remains very stable at around 90-100 baht. If you're not looking for big gains in stock price but prefer stable dividends, Tisco is the choice for you.

 

Do your own research...

19 hours ago, Keith5588 said:

@persimmon Regarding UK IHT. After a Google Search the result I get is that if you are not UK resident for ten years or more then you are not liable for inheritance tax on your non-UK assets.

So I think your UK assets will still be assessed for IHT.

Interesting , thanks . It prompted me to dig a bit deeper . According to Copilot , IHT can be applied to shares if registered in the UK even if the owner is a non-dom. ETFs ,on the other hand , if listed in Ireland ( lots are ),are exempt from IHT for UK non doms even if held with a UK broker .

I use trading212 , hargreaves lansdowne and revolut.

Only HL have a issue with you living in Thailand.

Revolut now has ETFs as well.

 

if you want some % of your assets in Thai baht to ptotect against currency swings then buying a small condo in Thonlor or Ekmai would bring in a reliable rental yield and probably a better bet than investing money with thai brokers and thai stocks.

 

 

 

 

 

On 8/12/2025 at 6:09 AM, FriscoKid said:

Honestly, I wouldn’t put much of any investment into Thailand’s financial products. Yields and returns all tend to be very low, and the stock market has been on a downward trajectory for a while, even as many other global markets have been rising. I would only spend money in Thailand but look to invest elsewhere.
 

Interactive Brokers is one of the best platforms I've found for investing. They accept clients from almost all nationalities and residences, and it’s easy to open an account to trade in multiple markets while holding multiple currencies all in one account. You get access to major Western financial and equity markets and some Asian ones too.
 

Interactive Brokers is a large publicly listed company on the NYSE, and cash balances and equity holdings are protected by FDIC and SIPC insurance. It’s a secure and solid way to invest globally compared to the more limited opportunities available locally in Thailand.

 

Did you open an account with them from Thailand? I had planned to

open an account with them from their Bangkok base to invest in some US etf's ect, using funds already in Thailand

 

I would like to add my half Thai son to the account and then when he is old enough or I die, transfer the holdings to him.

 

I am a UK citizen but would want to use my Thai address for this.

Are there likely to be any problems doing this?

 

1 hour ago, hunkidori said:

Did you open an account with them from Thailand? I had planned to

open an account with them from their Bangkok base to invest in some US etf's ect, using funds already in Thailand

 

I would like to add my half Thai son to the account and then when he is old enough or I die, transfer the holdings to him.

 

I am a UK citizen but would want to use my Thai address for this.

Are there likely to be any problems doing this?

 

 

I don't know about problems but from a taxation perspective with a Thailand based brokerage, I believe:

• any  capital gains from stocks traded on a Thailand exchange are tax free for a Thailand resident, but
• any capital gains from stocks traded on a foreign exchange (sch a the UK)  are NOT tax free in Thailand, if you remit those capital gains to Thailand.    ...  However if you leave the capital gains  outside of Thailand they are not taxable by Thailand.  ...And since you are not a UK resident, they are not taxable by the UK, although some timing constraints apply.   Something like, if you are a UK citizen who was a UK resident for at least four of the seven tax years before becoming non-resident and you return to the UK within five years, any gains made while you were abroad might become taxable in the UK in the year you return.

The above begs the question, how can one with a Thai brokerage, trade stocks in a UK exchange, make a capital gain from such (as registered in the Thai brokerage) and leave the money outside of Thailand? The capital gains are already in the Thailand based brokerage as they were traded there.  i believe the answer is the Capital Gain is treated as still being outside of Thailand until it is withdrawn from the brokerage (caution I could be wrong here).

 

  Then likely something called a "first-in, first-out" accounting needs to be applied here to assess your Thailand tax aspects on the capital gain for when you take money out of your Thai brokerage to a Thai bank.

 

But I am not a tax expert. The above was from an internet search.  You may wish to research more and familiarize yourself with this.

On 8/18/2025 at 7:58 AM, hunkidori said:

Did you open an account with them from Thailand?

Yes. 
 

On 8/18/2025 at 7:58 AM, hunkidori said:

Are there likely to be any problems doing this?

Shouldn't be. 
 

The one thing you can't do though is name a beneficiary on the account, like your son for example, so that everything automatically gets transferred to him later. They only allow you to do that if you were a resident in the United States. 
 

One other thing is that they have two types of accounts, a pro account and a lite account. If you're an overseas resident, you can only open a pro account. The pro account doesn't offer free trades like the lite account does, but it does offer some other benefits. In my opinion, it really makes no difference because their trading fees are so low anyway, on average just a few dollars a trade. 

On 8/18/2025 at 7:58 AM, hunkidori said:

Did you open an account with them from Thailand? I had planned to

open an account with them from their Bangkok base to invest in some US etf's ect, using funds already in Thailand

 

I would like to add my half Thai son to the account and then when he is old enough or I die, transfer the holdings to him.

 

I am a UK citizen but would want to use my Thai address for this.

Are there likely to be any problems doing this?

 

 

Further to this ... i would ask if there is any witholding tax on dividends of equities held via Interactive Brokers. i read somewhere it is 30% withholding tax held by Interactive Brokers on dividends for non-tax-residents of the USA - but I could be wrong.

Don't. Keep your money overseas. I live and work in Thailand for 20+ years. I was fortunate to cash out of one employment Provident Fund when I changed company at a great FOREX exchange rate back in 2015. Recent savings are a negative Provident Fund investment.  The Thai economy is in need of help, and compared to neighboring countries, it is doing the worst. Just look at the SET. With the new banking rules (to stop money laundering), foreign money investment and foreign money in Thailand will keep going down.