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Do you have to pay taxes in Thailand on foreign income from remote work?
Thai taxationforeign incomeremote workDTA agreementstax residencyvisa regulationsincome remittancetax liability in Thailand
Jun 29, 2025
10 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, ChatGPT says that income from remote work from Thailand for foreign clients has to be fully taxed in Thailand (no matter if remitted or not). Is it true?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around whether income from remote work for foreign clients must be fully taxed in Thailand. It is clarified that Thailand does not tax worldwide income; taxation only applies to remitted income once a person becomes a Thai tax resident, which generally requires residing in Thailand for more than 180 days. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding Thai tax laws and the potential complexities arising from different visa types and DTA (Double Tax Agreement) statuses.
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Anonymous ******************
Also Simon Says....
🤔😜🤣😂
🤔😜🤣😂
Adnan ********
ChatGPT is your girlfriend name that cant be wrong?
Danny *******
I depends on like 5 things including what visa you are on , where the income is coming from etc . Generally to pay tax right now you need to be on a long term visa. Rather than police the tax, they are getting stricter on the actual visas first and pushing people out for reentry to solve this . Likely to change but no news on how right now
Christopher **********
Yes it correct if youre talking about your SALARY. It is thai sourced income because income is sourced where it generated from not where it is paid from (and this is a trivial concept in accounting) . You can ask any accountant or consult any global accountancy firm or their online info, eg pwc tax summaries, and also thai rev depts info and it all says this in black and white. Of course the amount you pay is net of what you pay elsewhere withstanding DTA agreements. And by the way... this applies whether youre a tax resident in thailand or not, ie from day 1 that you start working here. Heres some proof
Foreign source income is income like pension income from overseas, dividends from companies overseas, bond income from US bonds, rental income from properties overseas etc , because the income is generated by an asset overseas, not an source in thailand (eg you and your work performed)
The reality is 99% of 'digital nomads' including the ones in here just dont have a clue what theyre talking about.... so be careful and get professional advice if youre still unsure.
*************************************************************************
Foreign source income is income like pension income from overseas, dividends from companies overseas, bond income from US bonds, rental income from properties overseas etc , because the income is generated by an asset overseas, not an source in thailand (eg you and your work performed)
The reality is 99% of 'digital nomads' including the ones in here just dont have a clue what theyre talking about.... so be careful and get professional advice if youre still unsure.
Pete *******
The DTV in many cases is stamped employment prohibited even when you apply as a workation, working remotely on a DTV you are NOT classed as working in Thailand for tax purposes therefore you are NOT earning a Thai income and will not be liable for tax provided the income remains overseas. Thailand only taxes foreign sourced income on remittance.
Christopher **********
The stamp only means you can't work for a Thai employer on the visa (obviously). Remote work is Thai sourced for the reasons I explained, and is shown by the proof i gave. Pay an accountant to check it and they will tell you the same (I already got three to double check the Thai position on this and they all said what I've told you). Foreign vs local sourced income isn't a country specific definition... it's a globalised concept.
Pete *******
@Christopher *********
the question is does Thailand tax worldwide income even if not remitted into Thailand. Here the answer is clearly no.Christopher **********
No the question is whether remote work (ie salaried work) is taxable in Thailand and the answer is yes, regardless of remittance, from day 1 (and you net out DTA deductions).
From PWC (and literally any other accountant worth their salt, including the thai revenue department themselves):
"Thailand taxes its *residents and non-residents* on their assessable income derived from *employment or business carried on in Thailand*, *regardless of whether paid in or outside Thailand*. Residents who derive assessable income derived from outside Thailand would only be subject to tax if such income is earned in any tax year starting from 1 January 2024 onwards and is remitted to Thailand, wholly or partially, in the same or a later tax year."
derive = source (interchangeable terminology)
From PWC (and literally any other accountant worth their salt, including the thai revenue department themselves):
"Thailand taxes its *residents and non-residents* on their assessable income derived from *employment or business carried on in Thailand*, *regardless of whether paid in or outside Thailand*. Residents who derive assessable income derived from outside Thailand would only be subject to tax if such income is earned in any tax year starting from 1 January 2024 onwards and is remitted to Thailand, wholly or partially, in the same or a later tax year."
derive = source (interchangeable terminology)
Pete *******
@Christopher *********
you are not employed or carrying out business in Thailand on a DTV. To be classed as working and have your domestic income from day 1 be subject to tax you must hold a work permit. Your whole argument is nonsense. Only your assessable remittances may be taxed on a DTV.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Bobby *********
Chatgpt does not give perfect legal advice especially for international law. All Ai hallucinates as well
Source- work with ai daily.
Source- work with ai daily.
Michael *******
share me your GPT conversation please :)
René *******
First ask ChatGPT, then ask any FB group, but never consider to ask a professional Thai lawyer skilled and studied in Thai law🤣👍🏼
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@René ******
chat gpt or Facebook is free. Professionals want at least 10k baht for a short conversation...Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
ScenicPer*********
People need to start doing their own research and stop relying completely on chat GPT. It is not 100% accurate. That's why you are here asking questions.
David ************
Ask silly questions get silly answers….
Dany ********
only money that you remit into thailand… but no one really cares
Rok ********
Thailand has remittance basis of taxation on foreign income. Not worldwide earned income. Additionally you need to spend in the country more than 180 days to become a resident for tax purposes when above starts applying.
Tim ******
Thailand doesn't tax on worldwide income. (Yet) Only remittance. If you don't bring it into Thailand, you don't pay tax.
Jeremy ********
@Tim *****
how are people suppose to live and pay rent etc if you don’t bring it in?Michael *******
@Jeremy *******
with saving for exampleTim ******
@Jeremy *******
2 simple options. If you go home a couple of times a year, you could carry money in with you. Or get an LTR Visa, which exempts you from paying tax on foreign income in Thailand.Pete *******
@Tim *****
carrying money in is remitting and may be assessable for tax.Tim ******
@Pete ******
Only if you tell them. 🤷🏽Pete *******
@Tim *****
correct, only if you abide by the tax law and declare it on your tax return.Tim ******
@Pete ******
I think for you. The LTR Visa is a better option to not pay remittance tax. That way you will have a clear conscience.Pete *******
@Tim *****
I think for myself and live quite legally in Thailand and have done for many years without a Thai tax liability or a TIN requirement or a tax filing requirement.Tim ******
@Pete ******
Technically if you've had money arriving in your bank account since 2024, you need to file a tax return. If you are serious about doing things right, you should have a tax number.Pete *******
@Tim *****
all totally incorrect. Go read the Thai Revenue Code sections 40,41 and 56. Don’t just take my word for it, go read the actual tax law.Tim ******
@Pete ******
Yep you are definitely breaking the law. So much for being a clean skin. 😆 "Declaration Requirements:Tax Residents: Must file a Personal Income Tax Return (PND 90 or PND 91) by March 31 of the following year for all taxable income, including:Thai-sourced income.Foreign-sourced income remitted to Thailand in the year it was earned."Pete *******
@Tim *****
let’s just take a quick look at those statements of yours.1) 180 days = tax resident, yep if in a calendar year.
2) Tax residents must declare taxable income. False, only assessable income above minimum thresholds is declarable.
3) Foreign sourced income that is remitted in the same year that it was earned. False, foreign sourced income if earned in a year you were tax resident would still be taxable if remitted in future years.
4) Tax residents must file a personal income tax return. False. Tax residents who have a tax liability must file. No liability = no filing requirement.
Just copy and pasting without actually understanding the tax law isn’t doing you any favors. I will repeat you can live perfectly legally in Thailand without being required to get a TIN and without having to file a tax return. You obviously didn’t read the actual tax law I so helpfully referenced earlier.
Tim ******
@Pete ******
Nope. Criminal. Immigration are already on the way.Pete *******
@Tim *****
go read the actual tax law rather then making yourself sound rather silly with your false statements.Tim ******
@Pete ******
immigration is on the way.Tim ******
@Pete ******
"1. Tax Residency Status:You are considered a tax resident in Thailand if you stay in the country for 180 days or more in a calendar year.Tax Residents: Must declare all taxable income, including foreign-sourced income that is remitted to Thailand in the same year it is earned.". Whoops. Looks like you are breaking the law, hopefully authorities won't see this thread.Nick ************
@Tim *****
my question is how do they know in which year income is earned? Simply remit income that was earned in a previous year. Last week they were talking about no tax in year income earned or the following year when remitted.Tim ******
@Nick ***********
I think it’s more if you have regular amounts going into your account. If you make a one off transactions, you can say it is Old money.Jeremy ********
@Pete ******
not if you put it in a safe under your bed.Pete *******
@Jeremy *******
doesn’t matter where you put it, it would still be classed as a remittance that may be subject to tax.Jeremy ********
Kevin **********
@Jeremy *******
your wife's secret loverJeremy ********
@Kevin *********
yeah lots of sick buffaloesNick ************
@Jeremy *******
someone might get around to asking you what you live off.Tim ******
@Nick ***********
You can actually bring Old money in. As long as you can prove it is Old money, there is no remittance tax on it.Jeremy ********
@Nick ***********
Thailand is the Wild West When it comes to money and banking Moo ping seller ฿0 in bank in January ฿100 million in February no questions asked
Moo ping seller no bank acct, buys ฿15 million baht condo…no questions asked
Nick ************
@Jeremy *******
I had no idea you could earn that much selling moo ping. Is it a restricted occupation?Jeremy ********
@Nick ***********
Thais can do any job in ThailandPete *******
@Jeremy *******
if you are required to file a tax return then the legal onus is on you to self declare your remittances. The Revenue Department expect truthful returns. Make of that what you will.Jeremy ********
@Pete ******
if you don’t have a TIN did you even make money in Thailand Plus the wording of the requirement is clear as mud
If the money was made prior to the tax year you don’t have to pay taxes on it
Tim ******
@Jeremy *******
You can tell that Pete dude was first in line to get the Covid shot. Yes government, I will do whatever you tell me government. 😆Jeremy ********
Pete *******
@Jeremy *******
now you’ve gone off on a tangent and lost me, I thought we were talking about does Thailand tax unremitted income.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Tanguy ********
AI is not meant to replace Human Intelligence
Mounir *****************
This is regulated by the DTA agreement between your country and Thailand as well as your tax residency status.
So the answer could be yes and it could be no or something in between.
So the answer could be yes and it could be no or something in between.
Pete *******
@Mounir ****************
the answer is a firm no. There is no scenario where it’s yes or somewhere in between. For foreign sourced income Thailand only taxes on remittance.Angelo ***********
@Pete ******
That changed two years ago.Pete *******
@Angelo **********
what changed two years ago?Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Jeremy ********
Have you ever seen the tax rates in Thailand
They are not scary at all
They are not scary at all
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
I'm not scared of them but in my case I'm eligible for taxation in 3 countries and I have no idea how to deal with it...Jeremy ********
Anonymous participant get passports and Permanent residencies
Problem solved
Problem solved
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
no, because they have DTA and mil between each country. It's difficult for me to understand the conclusion.Jeremy ********
Anonymous participant you are a tax resident in 3 countries
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
I have my citizenship, I'm a tax resident of Thailand, I have an LLC in the usaJeremy ********
Anonymous participant the USA taxes will get especially on a 1099 form and no big tax write offs by being overseas
Good luck
Good luck
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Jose ***********************
Only if you become a Thai Tax payer (live in Thailand more than 180 days per fiscal period). Otherwise you do not need to fill tax reports in Thailand, only in the country where you are currently registered as fiscal payer
Peter ***********
@Jose **********************
Big difference between Thai Tax Payer and Thai Tax Resident. A tax resident may not have assessable income so will not be required to pay taxAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
oh, for sure I have 😅Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jose **********************
yes, I'm a Thai tax residentReply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
마리오 ***
Lol
Anonymous ******************
Clearly AI can't understand Thai "logic"
Elías ********
NEVER EVER trust the AI for serious and complicated legal or tax matters 😅🤷🏻
Believe me or not, here in Korea I know people that has been deported because they violated their visa rules by believing what ChatGPT told them about what they were allowed or not to do.
Believe me or not, here in Korea I know people that has been deported because they violated their visa rules by believing what ChatGPT told them about what they were allowed or not to do.
Chris ****
@Elías *******
how do I know you’re not a Gemini AI trying to stifle the competition?Angelo ***********
@Elías *******
Well, yout typed AI wrong, it should be FB.Elías ********
@Angelo **********
I'm a native Spanish language speaker, AI in English is IA (Inteligencia Artificial) in Spanish, so I get confused sometimes 🫡Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
Guillermo *********
180+ days if not you are not considered for this. Again im not a tax advocate but this is what i read before coming here 🙏
Pete *******
No, foreign sourced income is only taxed on remittance once you become a Thai tax resident.
Peter ***********
@Pete ******
Provided the remittance is assessablePete *******
@Peter **********
correct.John *********
@Pete ******
i was thinking of opening a new bank account here in the UK fof all my salary to be paid into.I then move to Thailand and carry on working for 12 months.
But whilst in thailand, i only use my savings for paying rent, buying a scooter, trips around Thailand. But when i fly to Europe twice a years, i use my uk account.
So in this case, i don’t remit any earned income into Thailand?
Pete *******
@John ********
savings are not income and can be remitted tax free.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Greg ********
Not true. Even for tax residents Thailand has never taxed global income not remitted.
Andi ***********
No it is not true. Ask ChatGPT how long you need to be in Thailand to be liable for tax.
Bob **********
@Andi **********
180 days in one calendar yearReply to
Bob **********
Reply
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