There has been a lot of discussion across expat groups and forums regarding foreign income taxation in Thailand following the changes that took effect on January 1, 2024 (via Revenue Department Order Por. 161/2566). Many members are asking whether the guides published back in 2024 are still accurate, what rules remain in force, and how they should structure their personal finances moving forward.

Here is a breakdown of where things stand, what has remained unchanged, and how the legal baseline applies today:

1. The Foundation: What Remains 100% Accurate

• The 180-Day Residency Rule: If you reside in Thailand for a total of 180 days or more during a calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31), you are classified as a Thai Tax Resident.

• The Remittance Rule Core: Any assessable foreign-sourced income earned and subsequently remitted into Thailand by a tax resident in the same or subsequent tax years is subject to Personal Income Tax (PIT).

• Pre-2024 Wealth Exemption: Savings, capital, and assets accumulated prior to January 1, 2024, remain strictly tax-exempt upon remittance into Thailand. However, you must maintain clear, chronological bank statements proving these funds existed prior to 2024.

• Unremitted Income: Foreign income or gains that remain offshore in foreign bank accounts or investments are not subject to Thai PIT.

2. Current Thai Personal Income Tax (PIT) Brackets

When foreign income is remitted and deemed assessable, net taxable income (after standard allowances) is taxed using Thailand's progressive rates:

Net Taxable Income (THB)	Tax Rate	Tax Payable per Bracket (THB)
0 – 150,000	Exempt (0%)	0
150,001 – 300,000	5%	7,500
300,001 – 500,000	10%	20,000
500,001 – 750,000	15%	37,500
750,001 – 1,000,000	20%	50,000
1,000,001 – 2,000,000	25%	250,000
2,000,001 – 5,000,000	30%	900,000
Over 5,000,000	35%	—

3. Status of Proposed Relief & Amendments

While proposals (such as potential grace periods or relaxed window rules) have been discussed in administrative drafts, the strict baseline rule of Por. 161/2566 remains the enforced legal operational guideline unless an explicit Royal Decree or official Revenue Department directive supersedes it.

Key Takeaway for Expats: Keep strict separation between pre-2024 savings and post-2024 foreign income. Always obtain official tax payment certificates from your home jurisdiction to claim double-tax treaty benefits where eligible.

How do Double Tax Agreements (DTAs) work between Thailand and my home country for remitted pensions or investment income? - click here

22 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Savings, capital, and assets accumulated prior to January 1, 2024, remain strictly tax-exempt upon remittance into Thailand.

... there seems to be many differing interpretations of the tax law on this particular issue (capital and assets) .... 555