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Do freelancers on a DTV visa need to pay tax in Thailand?

Feb 6, 2025
a month ago
Do freelancers have to pay tax if they stay with DTV visa ? I will leave before 180 days to visa extend. I am worried that I will be asked again if I return after 2 weeks after leaving the country. If you know the rates to pay, please let me know 🙏

If I come back with DTV for the second time, do I have to show the show money 500,000 baht again? How much should I show 🙏 I don't have a Thai bank account because it's difficult to open a Thai bank with DTV.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Freelancers in Thailand may need to pay taxes if they spend 180 days or more in the country within a calendar year, with tax rates ranging from 5-35% based on income. If their income is paid exclusively into a foreign bank account, it is generally not taxable in Thailand, although tax treaties may apply. While a proof of funds showing 500,000 THB is typically not required unless specifically requested, it's advisable to keep the documentation on hand when applying for visa extensions. Freelancers can start the tax payment process by obtaining a Tax ID at the revenue office.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Al**
Not to hijack this thread but I'm wondering what are people doing about the whole 180 days? Are y'all just spending 6 months out of the year in different countries to avoid taxation? Having said that the DTV doesn't seem all that tbh. Isn't it pretty easy to just get 60 days + 30 day extension twice per year?? I'm talking about avoiding taxes if you stay longer than 6 months do you just pay up??
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Al**
It is not to avoid tax. My question is simple. I am asking how to pay tax for a freelancer. The reason is that the tax issue in our country is not very strict. Freelancers do not have to pay tax. If I have to pay tax in Thailand or if I have to renew, I just want to know how to pay the tax.
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant To pay tax in Thailand, first go to the revenue office and get a Tax ID number. You then can submit a claim for income tax payment.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
and so like this,thank you so much fyi.
Andi ***********
@Al**
Im going to different countries cos I enjoy travelling not to avoid the tax. The tax is not that difficult to reduce via business expenses, double taxation treaties etc. Some will choose to spend 6mths in Thailand and 6 elsewhere for tax reasons. DTV is an excellent visa, hence its' popularity. The
*****
extension rinse and repeat not as simple as before. 2x possibly ok but can still lead to qustions by IO why they do not have a long term visa. DTV gives 5 years multi entry, come and go as you please.
Anonymous ******************
How do you pay Tax in Thailand? (for freelancer)
Michael *******
Participant anonyme 384 get a tin number and fill a tax report. You can have help from agent/lawyer, about 7k to get tin number, about 10k to fill the report ( if not complicated one )
Alain ***********
So if you’re in Thailand over 180 days/year but your income is exclusively paid on a EU bank account. That amount is probably not taxable in Thailand

What about the original EU country if you are no longer a tax resident there ? Assuming there’s a treaty to avoid double taxation
Anonymous ******************
@Alain **********
you could be considered as tax resident in two (or more ) countries. Then the DTA between the two countries come into the game and will rule what should be taxed and where. If you have income from a EU company. This money is probably already taxed. Then when filling income taxes in Thailand (because you live in Thailand more than 180 days per year) you ll receive credit for tax already paid (mean you ll not be taxed twice)
Nick *******
@Alain **********
it is taxable if remitted into Thailand. It depends on your circumstances regarding the original country. I am in Thailand for more than 180 days but also still a tax resident in the UK and do a tax return. The tax I pay there is offset against my liability in Thailand based on the treaty between the 2 countries.
Alain ***********
 thank you and sorry for digressing from the original post but it may be of interest to many of us.  Would it be more interesting to become a Thai tax resident,  if you hold stocks or crypto and want to avoid a capital gains tax?
Nick *******
@Alain **********
I would suggest you seek professional advice to answer that question
Alain ***********
@Nick ******
I will but I also want to hear from someone who's been there not just a lawyer who knows theory
Nick *******
@Alain **********
Understand but I personally haven't been there in that specific scenario i.e. assessing the merits of being a tax resident to avoid CGT! My life is not that complicated fortunately!! 😀
Michael *******
@Nick ******
+ you may pay tax on income in a country where you are not tax resident
Andi ***********
Freelancers are liable to pay tax if they spend 180 days or more within a calendar year. Rates of tax are 5-35 % depending on income. You do not have to show your 500K bank statement unless asked. Good idea to have to hand with your employment docs you submitted, just in case of being asked. Foreign bank statement is fine to show.
Anonymous ******************
@Andi **********
Tax is only payable on money transferred into Thailand and is offset by tax paid elsewhere
Wannikea *********
@Andi **********
on funds remitted into Thailand
Lee ***********
I know
@Wann****
, I never said it was impossible. My point is that surely if they wish to receive taxes from foreigners then allowing bank accounts to long term visa holders is just common sense. But hey ho.
Lee ***********
It's a bit hard to remit funds into Thailand when they won't even let you open a bank account
@Wann****
.
Wannikea *********
@Lee **********
it's not impossible, it requires perseverance or an agent.
Saher *******
@Wannikea ********
I think that’s the most important part about it and very few understand what does it mean ,
Gee *****
Where can we find more information on the exact percentage we're supposed to pay?
Wannikea *********
@Gee ****
if only we could Google Thai tax table
Andi ***********
@Wannikea ********
yeah, that is possible
Anonymous ******************
1. You become a Thai fiscal resident if you spend at least 180 days in total per calendar year in Thailand. The number of times you enter or leave the country does not matter. You may be taxed on money remitted to Thailand, with the applicable amount depending on tax treaties between Thailand and your home country.

2. So far, you do not need to show 500K THB when crossing the border, though recent reports suggest potential checks of other documents at border crossings. To be on the safe side, ensure you have the necessary documents with you. However, you will be required to show proof of funds when applying for an extension within Thailand.