Do I need to pay taxes in Thailand if I stay for 90 days, leave to Malaysia, and repeat this process annually?

Tax Residency Thailand Tax Laws Visa Rules Expat Taxes Double Tax Treaty Staying in Thailand Immigration Issues

Jan 23, 2025

16 hours ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I stay for 90 days in Thailand, then fly out to Malaysia for a week, then I repeat the above process 1 more time in a year , 

 , and I do this every year, do I still need to pay tax to Thailand ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

If you spend a total of 180 days in Thailand within a year, you qualify as a tax resident, regardless of how often you leave the country. However, whether you must actually pay taxes depends on your individual income situation and potentially applicable double tax treaties with Thailand.

Frank **********

13 hours ago

Todd *********

180 days in Thailand and you become tax resident. What you pay or don’t pay is up to your life/income/tax situation.

15 hours ago

Willem ****

Being a tax resident does not mean you have to pay tax. Many countries have a double tax treaty with Thailand. Most especialy retired persons will never pay any taxes here.

15 hours ago

Willem ****

@John *********

Only saying that not all treaties are the same. And in the old treaty there is also a source priciple but was limited to governement income/pension. And thats what i have. So no taxes in Thailand. Cheers

12 hours ago

Willem ****

John Stanners

The Netherlands and Thailand are in the process of signing of a new tax treaty where its clearly stated that source principle is in effect. where the money is earned, the tax is also paid

13 hours ago

John **********

@Willem ***

but not yet signed so not in effect

13 hours ago

Reply to

John **********

Willem ****

John Stanners

Most people will never pay. I not say it never happens. And not all treaties are the same. Some are very clear to which country does the total taxation.

Maybe you talk about UK vs TH treaty

13 hours ago

John **********

@Willem ***

I know the UK treaty better so yes I refer to that. But I'm just giving a warning about sweeping statements, they are dangerous and misleading. Even to say most people will never pay, is misleading. Every DTA is different and every individual is different. People need to work out their own situation

12 hours ago

Reply to

John **********

@Willem ***

not necessarily true. A double tax treaty just means you don't pay tax twice on the same money but you will pay the higher of the 2 taxes.

14 hours ago

Paul ***********

@John *********

top up tax hasn't been confirmed in Thailand as of yet, but sure it's a possibility..

13 hours ago

John **********

@Paul **********

the concept of tax credits for tax already paid in the other country features in every single DTA Thailand has entered into

13 hours ago

Reply to

John **********

16 hours ago

Brandon ************

Spending 180 combined days in Thailand in any year makes you a Thai tax resident. How many times you leave and return doesn't matter.

If you need to pay taxes or not is something you need to consult with an expert on.

16 hours ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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