"informal long-stayers"

What status would that equate to in other expat destinations.

22 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Comparing healthcare costs with the US isn't great, compare with maybe Europe, India, Malaysia etc, Thailand isn't cheap

Nor is Europe.

India gives you the option of antibiotic resistant infections with your surgery.

1 hour ago, Patong2021 said:

India gives you the option of antibiotic resistant infections with your surgery.

Not really, i was recently looking into getting a knee meniscus op there, they seem to have the state of the art robotics now, not cheap

On 3/20/2026 at 5:22 PM, SamSpade said:

Not a good thing for any of us as I would much prefer to spend the year in Thailand but if that's the game they want to play, I can play that game.

The ฿1m total you appear to shell out on trips to the Maldives, Penang, UK, Vietnam, etc solely so as to avoid having to pay any tax in Thailand almost certainly exceeds by a country mile the amount you might have been taxed for by the TRD had you stayed put in Thailand for the whole year. A truly expensive game to play, I think! But to each their own, I suppose.

33 minutes ago, OJAS said:

The ฿1m total you appear to shell out on trips to the Maldives, Penang, UK, Vietnam, etc solely so as to avoid having to pay any tax in Thailand almost certainly exceeds by a country mile the amount you might have been taxed for by the TRD had you stayed put in Thailand for the whole year. A truly expensive game to play, I think! But to each their own, I suppose.

The trip to the Maldives was to celebrate my 60th Birthday so we splashed more out than I would normally do.

The trip to Penang was for 4 weeks & again stayed in some nice hotels, if I were to do it again I would go for an AirBnB but we wanted to bounce arround different places so we could find somewhere where I can do another 2 months there.

The trip to the UK includes 100K for flights & will be for 7 weeks.

As I said I'm looking to buy a Condo, & the 1 that is currently favourite is 20Million but it won't be ready for 3.5 years so I plan is to bring over 12 Million to cover the payments until completion so I don't have to do this again (though hoping yo get an LTR next year),looking at > 3.5Million in tax.

I should say that I'm not rich & the vast majority of this money came from me taking the 25% Tax Free lump sum from my pension which obviously has no tax credits that I can use.

7 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

We didn't discuss specifics, perhaps he has more money invested than I thought, but he did tell me that he has permanent residency and he never has to worry about coming and going again.

But then again Mexico has always been infinitely more progressive than Thailand.

Well, here are the approximate current levels for both temporary and permanent.

You can do by income OR show money.

The money doesn't need to be in Mexico and can even be in a retirement account like 401K.

Temporary is still very good. It automatically leads to permanent after about 5 years.

To qualify for legal residency in Mexico in 2026, you must demonstrate economic solvency through a minimum monthly net income of around $4,400 USD or savings/investments of approximately $74,000 USD. These amounts may vary slightly by consulate and are based on updated guidelines using UMAs (Unidad de Medida y Actualización) as of July 2025.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/ip3/www.mexperience.com.ico mexperience.comhttps://external-content.duckduckgo.com/ip3/www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com.ico cheapestdestinationsblog.com

Financial Requirements for Mexican Residency in 2026

Overview of Residency Types

Residency Type	Monthly Income Requirement	Savings Requirement
Temporary Residency	$4,400	$74,000
Permanent Residency	$7,322	$292,859

On 3/20/2026 at 10:59 AM, CharlieH said:

Thailand secured fourth place in the InterNations Expat Insider survey for 2025, its strongest performance yet, cementing its status as one of the world's most attractive destinations for expats and foreign residents. During this same window, however, the country introduced tax reforms, increased living expenses, and closed loopholes that many informal long-stayers had relied upon for years.

The country hasn't deteriorated as a place to live; rather, it has arguably evolved into a more discerning destination. Where Thailand once quietly accepted long-term foreigners operating in regulatory grey zones, it now actively channels them toward official frameworks, structured incentives, and stricter compliance standards.

Below is a comprehensive look at every significant shift since 2023 and the practical implications for your situation.

The Tax Change Every Long-Term Resident Needs to Understand

The most impactful policy shift took effect on January 1, 2024, when Revenue Department Instruction Por. 161/2566 eliminated a long-standing exemption that allowed expats to sidestep Thai taxation by postponing income transfers across calendar years.

The updated framework subjects any foreign-sourced earnings generated from 2024 forward to Thai taxation if transferred into the country by individuals meeting the 180-day residency threshold. Earnings predating 2024 continue to receive an exemption.

Retirees moving foreign income into Thailand may now encounter tax obligations where none previously existed. Final liabilities hinge on earnings classification, available deductions, age-based allowances, and applicable relief under bilateral tax treaties.

The critical factor isn't citizenship but how specific income streams are categorised under relevant treaties and whether foreign tax credits provide offset opportunities. Some retirees may mitigate or eliminate Thai tax burdens, whilst others face heightened exposure based on their financial structure.

Ongoing discussions about potential relief mechanisms continue, yet as of March 2026, the core regulation persists, foreign-sourced income earned from January 1, 2024, onward becomes potentially taxable upon remittance by tax residents.

Thailand's adoption of the Common Reporting Standard now provides the Revenue Department with cross-border financial account data through international exchange protocols. This doesn't signal active targeting of every expat, but it establishes infrastructure enabling enhanced oversight.

Visas: Less Flexibility, But Better Legal Options

Thailand's visa architecture has undergone fundamental restructuring. Informal workarounds like visa runs have grown unreliable, though formal pathway diversity has expanded.

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), introduced in July 2024, established legitimate access for digital nomads, remote professionals, freelancers, and participants in sanctioned soft-power programmes. The visa costs 10,000 baht, maintains five-year validity, permits 180-day entries, and supports extension applications.

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa now accommodates broader applicant pools. Updated eligibility criteria reduced the employer revenue requirement to US$50 million for Work-from-Thailand category applicants, whilst approved holders secure 10-year visa tenure, simplified reporting obligations, and exemption from foreign income taxation.

Thailand Privilege membership has become more accessible through its Bronze tier, available at 650,000 baht for five-year coverage, creating another structured long-stay route.

Retirement visa fundamentals persist, including financial benchmarks, though insurance verification carries greater weight than previously. O-A and O-X category applicants must demonstrate health coverage meeting minimum thresholds, 40,000 baht for outpatient treatment, 400,000 baht for inpatient care, making documentation compliance central to approval.

If you're renewing an O-A retirement visa, your health insurance documentation needs to meet specific thresholds. Get a quote from Cigna Global today for coverage that meets and often exceeds Thai immigration requirements.

Thailand hasn't uniformly tightened every visa category on paper, but it has narrowed latitude for ad hoc arrangements whilst steering foreign residents toward codified mechanisms.

Healthcare: Still a Major Advantage

Thailand's medical ecosystem remains a primary draw for foreign residents. The country now operates 62 JCI-accredited facilities.

Hip replacement procedures at premier Bangkok hospitals range from US$7,800 to US$18,000, contrasting sharply with US$40,000-plus charges in the United States. Cardiac bypass surgery averages US$13,000 domestically versus US$113,000 in America. Most significant procedures cost 50-75% less than Western equivalents.

The concern surfaces in cost acceleration patterns as medical inflation tracks at 14-15% annually. Thailand logged 15.2% medical inflation during 2024 against an overall CPI of merely 0.4%, producing healthcare cost growth at approximately 38 times the general inflation rate, propelled by pandemic recovery demand surges and escalating imported technology expenses.

Procedures priced at 100,000 baht in 2023 now approach 145,000 baht. Currency fluctuations intensify pressure, the baht has strengthened roughly 6.7% against the US dollar since 2023 averages, translating to higher real costs for dollar-based expats. 

Australian dollar holders face steeper challenges, with AUD/THB declining from approximately 23 to 21 across the same timeframe.

Thailand's healthcare value remains compelling, but relying on inexpensive walk-in services without comprehensive coverage may no longer constitute a sustainable long-term approach. Cigna Global's expat plans include direct billing at top Thai hospitals and coverage from Close Care℠ through to unlimited Platinum.

Infrastructure: One of the Bright Spots

Beyond taxation and visa frameworks, Thailand's infrastructure has taken a few steps forward as of late. Most notably, electric vehicle adoption has become practical nationwide, with Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya leading the charge with charging stations sprouting up rapidly.

Battery electric vehicle registrations exceeded 126,000 in 2025, capturing 18-20% market share. At the same time, BYD emerged as Thailand's fourth-largest automotive brand overall, whilst the government's EV3.5 incentive scheme delivers 50,000 baht rebates per domestically manufactured vehicle throughout 2026. 

Operating expenses calculate to roughly 0.40-0.56 baht per kilometre against 1.50-2.72 baht for petrol equivalents, yielding approximate annual savings of 18,000 baht at 15,000 km usage.

Bangkok's rail infrastructure witnessed its most substantial expansion recently with the Yellow Line launch (30.4 km, 23 stations) and Pink Line opening (34.5 km, 30 stations), completing in 2023. With more expansions pencilled down. Fixed broadband performance now ranks 13th globally at 237 Mbps.

Family-oriented signals are also encouraging. Prominent institutions, including Dulwich College, Highgate, Wycombe Abbey, and Glenalmond, are establishing Bangkok, Chon Buri, or Phuket campuses in 2026, demonstrating confidence in the expatriate family segment.

Air quality represents the notable exception, with Bangkok averaging 25.6 µg/m³ PM2.5 levels in 2024, substantially exceeding the WHO's 5 µg/m³ guideline, before a modest improvement to 23.5 in 2025. Chiang Mai's annual burning season persists as a material seasonal consideration for prospective northern residents.

Property and the Shifting Expat Mix

Bangkok's condominium market displays stark segmentation. CBD resale values declined 4-6% throughout 2024, whilst the city maintains approximately 58,000 unsold units. Suburban properties experienced 8-10% asking price reductions, yet prime and super-prime categories sustained performance momentum, with developers concentrating new project launches in upper-tier segments.

Resort markets demonstrate contrasting dynamics. Phuket condominium prices average roughly 140,000 baht per square metre, with premium zones like Bang Tao recording 7-10% appreciation, supported by 60% foreign purchaser composition. Hua Hin has reinforced its standing as an expanding retirement and secondary residence destination for both domestic and international buyers.

The expatriate population continues to grow as Thailand now accommodates approximately 5.3 million non-Thai nationals according to 2024 UN migration statistics, though demographic composition is shifting. 

Chinese nationals overtook Japanese nationals in work permit issuance for the first time in over a decade as of late 2024, with Board of Investment applications from China totalling 146 billion baht through the initial nine months of 2024. Japanese expatriate figures are contracting as corporations pursue local hiring strategies amid persistent yen weakness.

Foreign ownership ceilings remain fixed at 49%, whilst proposals advancing quotas to 75% or extending lease durations to 99 years have not materialised despite ongoing legislative discussion.

So Is Thailand Still Worth It?

Truthfully, the answer depends entirely on which Thailand you're after.

High-income professionals and retirees capable of securing LTR visas arguably face improved conditions. Enhanced visa parameters, authentic foreign income tax exemption, expedited immigration processing, and expanded international schooling options deliver more structured and legally defensible arrangements than grey-area alternatives ever provided.

Budget-oriented retirees managing modest pension income face more unfavourable terms. New annual tax obligations ranging from US$2,400-3,600, accelerating healthcare expenses, mandatory insurance compliance, baht appreciation, and restricted banking access collectively inject US$5,000-8,000 in additional annual costs compared to 2023 baselines. Thailand isn't actively expelling these residents, but neither is it facilitating cost-effective continuation.

We may attribute this transformation to a shift from tolerance to selectivity. Thailand has transitioned from passive accommodation of long-term foreigners to active curation of preferred foreign residents supported by formal institutional frameworks.

For those prepared to engage the system under current parameters, Thailand in 2026 retains its position among the world's most attractive residential destinations. For those who depended on previous informality, that avenue has permanently closed.

Whether you're planning a move to Thailand or reassessing your long-term setup here, having the right health coverage in place is one decision you can take off the table. Get a free quote from Cigna Global today.

*Prices, visa requirements, and tax rules reflect conditions as of March 2026 and are subject to change. This article contains affiliate links.

Sponsored -

On 3/20/2026 at 10:59 AM, CharlieH said:

Thailand secured fourth place in the InterNations Expat Insider survey for 2025, its strongest performance yet, cementing its status as one of the world's most attractive destinations for expats and foreign residents. During this same window, however, the country introduced tax reforms, increased living expenses, and closed loopholes that many informal long-stayers had relied upon for years.

The country hasn't deteriorated as a place to live; rather, it has arguably evolved into a more discerning destination. Where Thailand once quietly accepted long-term foreigners operating in regulatory grey zones, it now actively channels them toward official frameworks, structured incentives, and stricter compliance standards.

Below is a comprehensive look at every significant shift since 2023 and the practical implications for your situation.

The Tax Change Every Long-Term Resident Needs to Understand

The most impactful policy shift took effect on January 1, 2024, when Revenue Department Instruction Por. 161/2566 eliminated a long-standing exemption that allowed expats to sidestep Thai taxation by postponing income transfers across calendar years.

The updated framework subjects any foreign-sourced earnings generated from 2024 forward to Thai taxation if transferred into the country by individuals meeting the 180-day residency threshold. Earnings predating 2024 continue to receive an exemption.

Retirees moving foreign income into Thailand may now encounter tax obligations where none previously existed. Final liabilities hinge on earnings classification, available deductions, age-based allowances, and applicable relief under bilateral tax treaties.

The critical factor isn't citizenship but how specific income streams are categorised under relevant treaties and whether foreign tax credits provide offset opportunities. Some retirees may mitigate or eliminate Thai tax burdens, whilst others face heightened exposure based on their financial structure.

Ongoing discussions about potential relief mechanisms continue, yet as of March 2026, the core regulation persists, foreign-sourced income earned from January 1, 2024, onward becomes potentially taxable upon remittance by tax residents.

Thailand's adoption of the Common Reporting Standard now provides the Revenue Department with cross-border financial account data through international exchange protocols. This doesn't signal active targeting of every expat, but it establishes infrastructure enabling enhanced oversight.

Visas: Less Flexibility, But Better Legal Options

Thailand's visa architecture has undergone fundamental restructuring. Informal workarounds like visa runs have grown unreliable, though formal pathway diversity has expanded.

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), introduced in July 2024, established legitimate access for digital nomads, remote professionals, freelancers, and participants in sanctioned soft-power programmes. The visa costs 10,000 baht, maintains five-year validity, permits 180-day entries, and supports extension applications.

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa now accommodates broader applicant pools. Updated eligibility criteria reduced the employer revenue requirement to US$50 million for Work-from-Thailand category applicants, whilst approved holders secure 10-year visa tenure, simplified reporting obligations, and exemption from foreign income taxation.

Thailand Privilege membership has become more accessible through its Bronze tier, available at 650,000 baht for five-year coverage, creating another structured long-stay route.

Retirement visa fundamentals persist, including financial benchmarks, though insurance verification carries greater weight than previously. O-A and O-X category applicants must demonstrate health coverage meeting minimum thresholds, 40,000 baht for outpatient treatment, 400,000 baht for inpatient care, making documentation compliance central to approval.

If you're renewing an O-A retirement visa, your health insurance documentation needs to meet specific thresholds. Get a quote from Cigna Global today for coverage that meets and often exceeds Thai immigration requirements.

Thailand hasn't uniformly tightened every visa category on paper, but it has narrowed latitude for ad hoc arrangements whilst steering foreign residents toward codified mechanisms.

Healthcare: Still a Major Advantage

Thailand's medical ecosystem remains a primary draw for foreign residents. The country now operates 62 JCI-accredited facilities.

Hip replacement procedures at premier Bangkok hospitals range from US$7,800 to US$18,000, contrasting sharply with US$40,000-plus charges in the United States. Cardiac bypass surgery averages US$13,000 domestically versus US$113,000 in America. Most significant procedures cost 50-75% less than Western equivalents.

The concern surfaces in cost acceleration patterns as medical inflation tracks at 14-15% annually. Thailand logged 15.2% medical inflation during 2024 against an overall CPI of merely 0.4%, producing healthcare cost growth at approximately 38 times the general inflation rate, propelled by pandemic recovery demand surges and escalating imported technology expenses.

Procedures priced at 100,000 baht in 2023 now approach 145,000 baht. Currency fluctuations intensify pressure, the baht has strengthened roughly 6.7% against the US dollar since 2023 averages, translating to higher real costs for dollar-based expats. 

Australian dollar holders face steeper challenges, with AUD/THB declining from approximately 23 to 21 across the same timeframe.

Thailand's healthcare value remains compelling, but relying on inexpensive walk-in services without comprehensive coverage may no longer constitute a sustainable long-term approach. Cigna Global's expat plans include direct billing at top Thai hospitals and coverage from Close Care℠ through to unlimited Platinum.

Infrastructure: One of the Bright Spots

Beyond taxation and visa frameworks, Thailand's infrastructure has taken a few steps forward as of late. Most notably, electric vehicle adoption has become practical nationwide, with Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya leading the charge with charging stations sprouting up rapidly.

Battery electric vehicle registrations exceeded 126,000 in 2025, capturing 18-20% market share. At the same time, BYD emerged as Thailand's fourth-largest automotive brand overall, whilst the government's EV3.5 incentive scheme delivers 50,000 baht rebates per domestically manufactured vehicle throughout 2026. 

Operating expenses calculate to roughly 0.40-0.56 baht per kilometre against 1.50-2.72 baht for petrol equivalents, yielding approximate annual savings of 18,000 baht at 15,000 km usage.

Bangkok's rail infrastructure witnessed its most substantial expansion recently with the Yellow Line launch (30.4 km, 23 stations) and Pink Line opening (34.5 km, 30 stations), completing in 2023. With more expansions pencilled down. Fixed broadband performance now ranks 13th globally at 237 Mbps.

Family-oriented signals are also encouraging. Prominent institutions, including Dulwich College, Highgate, Wycombe Abbey, and Glenalmond, are establishing Bangkok, Chon Buri, or Phuket campuses in 2026, demonstrating confidence in the expatriate family segment.

Air quality represents the notable exception, with Bangkok averaging 25.6 µg/m³ PM2.5 levels in 2024, substantially exceeding the WHO's 5 µg/m³ guideline, before a modest improvement to 23.5 in 2025. Chiang Mai's annual burning season persists as a material seasonal consideration for prospective northern residents.

Property and the Shifting Expat Mix

Bangkok's condominium market displays stark segmentation. CBD resale values declined 4-6% throughout 2024, whilst the city maintains approximately 58,000 unsold units. Suburban properties experienced 8-10% asking price reductions, yet prime and super-prime categories sustained performance momentum, with developers concentrating new project launches in upper-tier segments.

Resort markets demonstrate contrasting dynamics. Phuket condominium prices average roughly 140,000 baht per square metre, with premium zones like Bang Tao recording 7-10% appreciation, supported by 60% foreign purchaser composition. Hua Hin has reinforced its standing as an expanding retirement and secondary residence destination for both domestic and international buyers.

The expatriate population continues to grow as Thailand now accommodates approximately 5.3 million non-Thai nationals according to 2024 UN migration statistics, though demographic composition is shifting. 

Chinese nationals overtook Japanese nationals in work permit issuance for the first time in over a decade as of late 2024, with Board of Investment applications from China totalling 146 billion baht through the initial nine months of 2024. Japanese expatriate figures are contracting as corporations pursue local hiring strategies amid persistent yen weakness.

Foreign ownership ceilings remain fixed at 49%, whilst proposals advancing quotas to 75% or extending lease durations to 99 years have not materialised despite ongoing legislative discussion.

So Is Thailand Still Worth It?

Truthfully, the answer depends entirely on which Thailand you're after.

High-income professionals and retirees capable of securing LTR visas arguably face improved conditions. Enhanced visa parameters, authentic foreign income tax exemption, expedited immigration processing, and expanded international schooling options deliver more structured and legally defensible arrangements than grey-area alternatives ever provided.

Budget-oriented retirees managing modest pension income face more unfavourable terms. New annual tax obligations ranging from US$2,400-3,600, accelerating healthcare expenses, mandatory insurance compliance, baht appreciation, and restricted banking access collectively inject US$5,000-8,000 in additional annual costs compared to 2023 baselines. Thailand isn't actively expelling these residents, but neither is it facilitating cost-effective continuation.

We may attribute this transformation to a shift from tolerance to selectivity. Thailand has transitioned from passive accommodation of long-term foreigners to active curation of preferred foreign residents supported by formal institutional frameworks.

For those prepared to engage the system under current parameters, Thailand in 2026 retains its position among the world's most attractive residential destinations. For those who depended on previous informality, that avenue has permanently closed.

Whether you're planning a move to Thailand or reassessing your long-term setup here, having the right health coverage in place is one decision you can take off the table. Get a free quote from Cigna Global today.

*Prices, visa requirements, and tax rules reflect conditions as of March 2026 and are subject to change. This article contains affiliate links.

Sponsored -

I retired here after serving at the Embassy so have a lot of experience in life here. i was first here in the 70's and returned . I have lived in countries around the world and to me, when it was time to retire, Thailand was number one on my list. i thought it was a paradise and still feel that it is. I have seen changes in visas and taxes etc with a lot of talk about possibly more to come especially with a new government. As for visas, I was originally on a retirement O with an Embassy letter, then that dropped and retirement O monthly income remitted of at least 65K, then they came out with the LTR, and it fit my financial condition plus my income was already exempt due to the DTA between the US and Thailand but even if that changed, or the exemption from foreign income and the DTA does change (I don't think so during the remainder of my LTR) i might have a different opinion. I do see how others are affected by possible changes but then again, as much as something changes here it might change back shortly thereafter. Right now we have no idea other than it does appear that the 60-day visa free might be dropped to 30-day visa free with a possible extension. I am unsure how many expats that will affect. With the economy in such shape as it is today, together with the international problems right now, who knows what the government may or may not change to enhance tourists to come and stay here. Maybe something better for longer, who knows? But, I do wish the best for all so that they are staying here and HAPPY, something that seems missing in many countries now. have a great Songkran next month.

The Thai authorities have become increasingly intolerant and demanding over the last few decades. Thai people on the street, however, remain friendly and helpful. That might just be enough to still persuade visitors to come to Thailand, but the Thai government's negative attitude to foreigners is undoubtedly encouraging people to look elsewhere.

For those worried about the tax situation here in Thailand, have you seriously looked into your tax liability? From some of the posts I see that some have but probably many have not. I am a US citizen living in Thailand for a number of years. based on Thai/US tax treaty I pay zero in Thai tax. Social Security is not taxed in Thailand. Also, pension income is taxed by the country of tax residency which is Thailand for me. Sine my pension income is not brought into Thailand there is no tax.

I recommend that you look into your particular situation before complaining about Thai taxes.

On 3/20/2026 at 5:48 PM, KhunLA said:

Now you're talking about something different. I thought it was about income tax.

If I had 20M to spend for a condo, it wouldn't be in TH.

Is the money or has the money been taxed in your home country? If it has then it may not be the same.

Taxes are taxes, and we can't change them, but there must be something else about Thailand that keeps you here.

On 3/21/2026 at 1:07 AM, KhunLA said:

I'd do the same as I do here, base myself somewhere nice, and explore & play tourist. Just so much more to see there. TH is really small, and easy to get bored.

I struggle finding new place to explore here. After 25 yrs, not a whole lot left to see.

I'm just curious. What do you expect to find?

Most people I know stay down here. Unless they have a job in Thailand.

On 3/20/2026 at 9:29 PM, Jingthing said:

Though I'm still working on figuring it out, personally the tax change is the most significant factor for me now considering leaving for the Philippines.

Probably not, but I'm even considering part time in Thailand just under the 180 days.

Moving to the PI to save money brings to mind the saying:

"You get what you pay for".

Similar to those who tell me I could get a cheaper condo, they don't understand I am

paying for the exclusion of low income undesirables as neighbors.

I think Thailand might actually be better off if it doesn’t become a hotspot for expats. An overwhelming influx of foreigners could change the character of the country in ways that aren’t necessarily positive for locals.

Many foreigners who come to stay here are retired, old people who cant afford to live in their own countries. So... living amongst a bunch like that, would be terrible.

3 hours ago, statman78 said:

For those worried about the tax situation here in Thailand, have you seriously looked into your tax liability? From some of the posts I see that some have but probably many have not. I am a US citizen living in Thailand for a number of years. based on Thai/US tax treaty I pay zero in Thai tax. Social Security is not taxed in Thailand. Also, pension income is taxed by the country of tax residency which is Thailand for me. Sine my pension income is not brought into Thailand there is no tax.

I recommend that you look into your particular situation before complaining about Thai taxes.

Agreed and what I've learned so far is that my tax situation here is not so good.

On 3/20/2026 at 5:22 PM, SamSpade said:

Did you read the article, the Tax change is not a good thing for expats (or at least those of us that actually take the tax obligations of living here seriously & aren't on our ar5e in Isaan).

This tax change has meant I'm spending < 180 days in Thailand this year... So far Maldives has had approx 350K THB (in fairness it was my 60th Birthday so I splashed out a bit), Penang has had 300K & the UK will be getting another 350K next week, still got the same to do again so I'm guessing Vietnam will get a lot of that before going back to Penang - What does Thailand get out of me spending money in other countries? - NADA.

Not a good thing for any of us as I would much prefer to spend the year in Thailand but if that's the game they want to play, I can play that game.

Many people like you will be responsible and remain in Thailand. The winners are the tax consultants, who actually spread fear.

On 3/20/2026 at 5:07 PM, scubascuba3 said:

Comparing healthcare costs with the US isn't great, compare with maybe Europe, India, Malaysia etc, Thailand isn't cheap

That's not correct.

In most EU countries a healthcare insurance is mandatory. Around 200-400 Euro approximately, which includes ALL operations, even dental requirements.

Posting glitch, sorry.

I meant to reply to THIS post by
cdemundo

Moving to the PI to save money brings to mind the saying:

"You get what you pay for".

Similar to those who tell me I could get a cheaper condo, they don't understand I am

paying for the exclusion of low income undesirables as neighbors.

---

That's a very simple minded attack and certainly makes a lot of (in my case) very false assumptions.

My conclusion is that overall (equal quality level matching) the Philippines is significantly more expensive in housing.

I'm unclear on the health care cost differences as I'm seeing different conclusions on that.

The places I'm looking into in the Philippines are not even remotely close to poverty packer places.

I see why people move to BGC and Makati in Manila but for my income level I don't think they're worth it.

But there are similar provincial alternatives that the saying goes give you 80 percent of the BGC experience for half the cost. Such as the better parts of Iloilo City, Cebu City, and Davao City.

I'll be explicit about my Thai taxation ticking time bomb that has motivated me to look at alternatives.

I assume in the future I will have a massive medical cost and based on my financial situation that would be both a financial and health disaster.

For example if tomorrow I needed to import 5 million baht that 5 million baht would be in fully taxable by Thailand money at a very high rate!

If the same thing happened in the Philippines or countries with similar tax structures for expats, the local tax on that would be ZERO!

So paying maybe 50 percent more for housing begins to make sense.

1 minute ago, D Peter said:

That's not correct.

In most EU countries a healthcare insurance is mandatory. Around 200-400 Euro approximately, which includes ALL operations, even dental requirements.

If you're talking about non EU expats to EU nations, yes all the EU countries require (at least initially depending on their system) buying private health insurance. But based on age and health conditions not to mention cost, that isn't always possible.

Thailand only made me spend 600-900K baht a year less in Thailand, as a consequence of all their illogical decision making and the zero progress over 10 years. Not sure what they even think to win with this move, this while they not even have their own citizens taxes in order.

Makes absolute zero sense for anyone to be willing to become a tax resident in Thailand, unless you simply earn that little that you pay near zero anyway. They do not even offer a visa in return lol.

They actually forced me in this direction while it is entirely unpractical as of having a Thai child. But now we made the step already last year the first time we realized how much better and cheaper / or better quality + service, elsewhere, it became the default.

I would not be surprised if it ends with just visiting a month a year for her family. I would not have made that move if they not did like this.

1 hour ago, kingstonkid said:

Is the money or has the money been taxed in your home country? If it has then it may not be the same.

Taxes are taxes, and we can't change them, but there must be something else about Thailand that keeps you here.

Myself, yea, inexpensive health, since I self insure, and way ahead on that curve. Actually taxes, are almost enough to keep me in TH. I would own a house, and taxes alone would almost finance me living in TH.

Income taxes aren't a problem for me, as I don't generate any taxable income.

RE Taxes on my house, would be about $10+k = ฿325K, as just searched. I can easily live on that here in TH. I lived on less than that in 2024 here/TH.

Now the long winded part ...

Electric, water & sewage is silly prices. BEV are substandard and expensive & no CS network, unless buying a Tesla, unless allowed to charge at Tesla. Solar cost 3X as much.

I wouldn't be nearly as comfy living there. I sure wouldn't be walking or cycling distance from a beautiful bay, as we are now.

Dumpy hotel cost $100 a night, and camping cost about the same as an OK hotel here. National Parks are almost free, for seniors, so big plus there. And USA hotel wouldn't have a mountain or sea view.

TBH, wouldn't live in that house, but, would have to buy land, and one of those capsule houses, as a base. Maybe 2 Tesla house put together and all the others, added up, would use a good part of our oops & her retirement fund. O&A would be at National Parks, so I could have fun living there, and wouldn't be hell. Just not as comfy as here. I would welcome the change of season.

After I crap out, what would the wife do (22 yrs younger), not knowing anyone over there, as I wouldn't live where my brothers are, 2 older than me, one just 5 yrs younger, so 2 may be dead also. Our daughter is here, and not going anywhere for 20 yrs, at least.

Of course it would be different if I had stayed in the USA, as would have 4 rental units, and me living free in the 5th. That's if I did nothing the past 25 yrs to generate more income. If I needed money, just do stock trade every now & then. Although if I never left, I'd probably have about 10 more house for income.

33 minutes ago, BuffaloRider said:

Thailand only made me spend 600-900K baht a year less in Thailand, as a consequence of all their illogical decision making and the zero progress over 10 years. Not sure what they even think to win with this move, this while they not even have their own citizens taxes in order.

Makes absolute zero sense for anyone to be willing to become a tax resident in Thailand, unless you simply earn that little that you pay near zero anyway. They do not even offer a visa in return lol.

Depends if you are working or retired, and if your finances are taxable. Myself, on retirement visa, bring in more than the 65k required every month, which is tax exempt.

Everyone's circumstances are different, as is their tax burden.

Dubai or Qatar are definately no more the places to be as the trouble will last long after the war does end.

3 hours ago, D Peter said:

That's not correct.

In most EU countries a healthcare insurance is mandatory. Around 200-400 Euro approximately, which includes ALL operations, even dental requirements.

3 hours ago, D Peter said:

To go privately in UK it's similar to cost of private in Thailand, even government hospitals have put their prices up, a very good quality Indian hospital is cheaper than Queen Sirikit in Sattahip

15 hours ago, D Peter said:

That's not correct.

In most EU countries a healthcare insurance is mandatory. Around 200-400 Euro approximately, which includes ALL operations, even dental requirements.

What are you talking about, crap perhaps. First of all it is almost entirely subsidized if you not earn much and secondly it is 100-150 a month. For a tourist this would be just 50 a month, or even less. It's the USA that is normally not covered.

Also you are incorrect on the dental, basic normal dental treatments would be included AFTER your deduction, which depends on the insurance you have. As well it does not include cosmetic treatments.

Are you guys all old and senile to just post lies constantly here? No wonder this forum is dead.

What is this articles title even about? Thailand has not been the expat favorite in ages.

I have done two retirement visa extensions without a mention of a Tax ID or tax return. I have a Thai pink card, so I am on the TRD's radar.

I have enough documented pre-2024 savings to last for the next 3-4 years. My country has a DTA agreement with Thailand.

My condo is 200 metres from a TRD office. I reckon I would be first on their hit list.

To me, this topic is a nothing burger. A scare campaign pushed by four-eyed tax accountant weasels.

17 hours ago, Jingthing said:

But based on age and health conditions not to mention cost, that isn't always possible.

Yes it is always possible. There are specific insurance policies designed to overcome visa conditions. For example, Insurte.

Inthe alternative very large insurance companies, such as Cigna Global, will offer you insurance no matter what your age and no matter what conditions. Of course they will exclude all the conditions but obviously you don't care since you are only getting the health insurance in order to get the visa. Once you've got the visa in the EU you can get state health access.

6 hours ago, BuffaloRider said:

What is this articles title even about? Thailand has not been the expat favorite in ages.

Surveys show that Italy and Thailand are retirement locations.

There is no doubt that no matter which western country you came from Thailand is a lot cheaper to live in. The quality is better than most south Asian countries.