Thread: Your handy cut out and keep guide to paying taxes in Thailand

I'm not going to post it all here, but the relevant allowances and tax rates are on this page:

Personal Income Tax | The Revenue Department (English Site)

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

The bottom line is that it's up to you if you want to evade taxes. Just be aware that if you do, and they find out down the line, not only can they demand it all backdated, but you're liable for a fine too.

Again, I am posting for general discussion and some banter in this thread. I am not worried or will fall into a fear trap about this scheme they are attemptimg to implement. They can't even coordinate the immigration process consistently from IO to IO, launching this and managing it?

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

(the change was primarily aimed at Thais).

I haven't kept up, but isn't that what it's really about.

Setting it up, or saying they're going to set it up, in order to get tax from Thais that do work overseas and have overseas income streams.

Then it got out that overseas incomes are going to be taxed for people considered to be living here and a few Whities started jumping up and down and screaming online about how all farangs living here are going to be targeted for tax on their whatever.

Originally Posted by Edmond

I haven't kept up, but isn't that what it's really about.

Setting it up, or saying they're going to set it up, in order to get tax from Thais that do work overseas and have overseas income streams.

Then it got out that overseas incomes are going to be taxed for people considered to be living here and a few Whities started jumping up and down and screaming online about how all farangs living here are going to be targeted for tax on their whatever.

Go back and re-read slide 2.

Yes, that's exactly what I said in my final sentence.


What most of the Whities don't seem to realize, is that they aren't the main target of the scheme, the main target, and the reason for it apparently being set up, are Thais.

Originally Posted by Bonecollector

Is there a personal allowance before you start to pay tax on foreign earned income? Can you make deductions for private healthcare costs? If these two are true to foreign income as they are for domestic income, then, if you live frugally, you could get away with paying very little tax. All holidays abroad can be paid for using a foreign card. You might also be able to deduct for pension plans and care of an elderly parent or parent in law even.

Correct me if I am wrong but you and your spouse, permitting she doesn't file, gets 120K tax free. Add 30K each for health insurance. If you keep your income stream below 480K a year, you would only pay 5% on 300k at 15K tax a year.

Probably slightly wrong on this but I am sure the tax doesn't end up being very much unless your importing millions of untaxed foreign income a year.

If you are saving money somewhere, probably cheaper to save it in a country where you don't get taxed as a foreigner and then bring it to Thailand to be taxed.

Just a thought, discuss and amend.

There is a Youtube channel, "Expat Tax Thailand", which has a good explanation of all the allowances and tax brackets etc. From memory most people could earn 500K baht before paying tax, even without Dual Tax Agreements.
I had to get a Thai tax identification number the other week, as my Australian bank was threatening to freeze my accounts if I didn't supply a TIN. The lady there did a quick calculation and told me I wouldn't be paying any tax, but I do have to file a return. That's not something I'm looking forward to, I haven't even done my Aussie tax return yet, due by end of this month !

Originally Posted by Edmond

Yes, that's exactly what I said in my final sentence.


What most of the Whities don't seem to realize, is that they aren't the main target of the scheme, the main target, and the reason for it apparently being set up, are Thais.

Doesn't matter if they're the main target or not, does it?

If you receive income from overseas, you may get taxed on it unless you can prove otherwise.

That wasn't the case until this tax year.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Doesn't matter if they're the main target or not, does it?

It clearly does matter who they're targeting.

We all know how long and hard crackdowns are implemented here. Those that have lived here for longer than 4 minutes, anyway.


As the main reasoning for it is to target Thais, it could be a case where foreigners are told to do it, and that's it, perhaps with the odd fine when some bloke drops his cigarette butt on Sukhumvit and they demand his tax docs while they're at it.


Or it could be a case where Immigration get on it and demand Thai tax docs to process everyone's annual extension, no tax docs no annual retirement or spouse/child extension.

Probably something close to the former, for the first few tax years at least.

Might be one of those things like using a VPN in the Emirates.

Everyone does it, no-one cares but if you piss off the wrong person...

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Doesn't matter if they're the main target or not, does it?

If you receive income from overseas, you may get taxed on it unless you can prove otherwise.

That wasn't the case until this tax year.

shitting bricks are ya?

Recent discussions around a possible negative income tax (NIT) system in Thailand have caused ripples of concern among expatriate communities. However, it's essential to understand that these developments are still in the discussion phase, and any legislative changes are not imminent.

The concept of NIT is being examined by some factions within the Thai government but translating such discussions into law will take considerable time, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, a supporter of NIT, has indicated that formal implementation might be several years away. At present, there is no concrete framework or schedule for its introduction, warranting a cautious approach rather than alarm.

The fundamental idea behind NIT is to provide financial assistance to individuals who earn below a minimum income level set by the government. This assistance would come in the form of cash subsidies, intended to help groups such as the elderly, unemployed, and those living on marginal incomes.

Payments would likely be managed through digital platforms like Paotong and other e-wallet systems, streamlining the process. However, significant details, such as income thresholds and eligibility criteria, are yet to be fleshed out.

Often referred to as "workfare," NIT implies that every Thai citizen earning even a minimal amount must register with the Thai Revenue Department and submit annual tax returns. This would bring into the fold many low-income workers, like street vendors and massage therapists, who currently exist outside formal taxation.

Over time, as incomes increase, these individuals might become taxpayers rather than benefit recipients, which illustrates a broader governmental objective.

The real purpose behind NIT is to substantially increase Thailand's taxpayer base, which currently stands at less than 30%. Given that Thailand is on the brink of becoming a super-aged society, expanding tax contributions is viewed as essential for maintaining social security systems without straining resources.


Despite these discussions, the introduction of NIT in Thailand is far from a certainty. Implementing such a system would require significant budget allocations and mark a shift towards more centralised control over the population's finances.

Critics often argue that the NIT model suits more advanced economies and may not be suitable for a developing country like Thailand.

For expatriates in Thailand, the implications of a potential NIT system remain entirely speculative. The "crunch time," when such policies may come into effect, is still several years off, and any impacts on expats, if they occur, are yet to be determined.

Until more concrete information emerges, expatriates should remain observant but not overly concerned about these developments. The key is to stay informed and prepared for any changes that may come in the distant future.

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