ask
Search
Ask
Answereda year ago

Does Thailand tax US pensions?

TL *******
asked Sep 21, 2025
4.3k
views
20
replies
11
likes
Does thailand charge tax on US pension?
Answer summary
The consensus among community members is that Thailand generally does not tax US pensions, especially for federal government pensions and social security benefits. However, specific details such as tax residency status, the type of pension, and its treatment under the US-Thailand Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) may influence this. Individual circumstances can vary, and it's advisable to consult a tax attorney familiar with the Thai/US tax treaty for personalized advice.
20 repliesnewest first
13

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Derek ***********
Derek ***********
No they don't
Marty *********
Marty *********
Social Security no. State and private pensions possibly. You should talk to a tax attorney that understands the Thai/US tax treaty
Jon ********
Jon ********
Social security is not taxed in Thailand
T ****************
T ****************
@Jon *******
but the US will tax it before you receive it
Andrew ********
Andrew ********
If the pension comes from the federal government or any benifits from the federal government under the DTA no
Edward *********
Edward *********
@Andrew *******
OR from any State government.
Andrew ********
Andrew ********
@Edward ********
oh ok it works from state government awesome wasnt sure, what i read was federal benifits people on SSI Retirement payments dont hit the threshold for thai tax requirement either
TL *******
TL *******
OP
Edward *********
Edward *********
@Andrew *******
From the horse's mouth 🙂

*********************************************


"ARTICLE 20

Pensions and Social Security Payments

1. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 21 (Government Service), pensions and other

similar remuneration paid to a resident of a Contracting State in consideration of past employment shall

be taxable only in that State.

2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1, social security benefits and other similar public

pensions paid by a Contracting State to a resident of the other Contracting State or a citizen of the

United States shall be taxable only in the first-mentioned State. "
Pete *******
Pete *******
General statement: Pensions are assessable for Thai tax when remitted by a Thai tax resident. Section 40:1 Thai Revenue Code.

However certain types of pensions are excluded from taxation in Thailand via the wording in country specific DTA’s.

IRA and 401k payments ARE taxable when remitted as a Thai tax resident.
Monzi *************
Monzi *************
No
Dave ********
Dave ********
FROM IRS:ARTICLE 20

Pensions and Social Security Payments

1. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 21 (Government Service), pensions and other

similar remuneration paid to a resident of a Contracting State in consideration of past employment shall

be taxable only in that State.

2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1, social security benefits and other similar public

pensions paid by a Contracting State to a resident of the other Contracting State or a citizen of the

United States shall be taxable only in the first-mentioned State.

3. Annuities derived and beneficially owned by a resident of a Contracting State shall be taxable

only in that State. The term “annuities” as used in this paragraph means a stated sum paid periodically at

stated times during a specified number of years, under an obligation to make the payments in return for

adequate and full consideration (other than services rendered).

4. Alimony paid to a resident of a Contracting State shall be taxable only in that State. The term

"alimony" as used in this paragraph means periodic payments made pursuant to a written separation

agreement or a decree of divorce, separate maintenance, or compulsory support, which payments are

taxable to the recipient under the laws of the State of which he is a resident.

5. Periodic payments, not dealt with in paragraph 4, for the support of a child made pursuant to a

written separation agreement or a decree of divorce, separate maintenance, or compulsory support,

paid by a resident of a Contracting State to a resident of the other Contracting State, shall be taxable

only in the first-mentioned State.
Jim ********
Jim ********
@Dave *******
key word is “public” pensions.
Robert ********
Robert ********
No
Jim ********
Jim ********
Too many variables here: 1. Are you a tax resident? 2. When did you remit the money? 3. Is the pension covered under the U.S./Thailand DTA?
TL *******
TL *******
OP
@Jim *******
I'm a retired US citizen paying taxes to the US
Jim ********
Jim ********
@TL ******
just because you pay tax in the U.S. doesn’t mean you don’t pay taxes in Thailand. Are you a tax resident (180+ days in Thailand during the tax year)? Is your pension a private or government pension?

************************************************************
TL *******
TL *******
OP
@Jim *******
govt pension applying for retirement visa
Bob ******
Bob ******
@Jim *******
only money earned in Thailand would be taxed as there is a tax treaty in place …
Bob ******
Bob ******
Only pay tax to the USA

Activity

13 joined
TL *******
TL *******
TL *******
TL *******
TL *******
TL *******
13
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What are the tax implications for a retirement visa holder selling a house and moving to Thailand?
5.8k101655mo
How can I obtain a TIN in Thailand if I am a tax resident but not required to pay taxes?
3.2k31246mo
How can an American prove Social Security and VA benefits for a retirement visa in Thailand?
3.3k26316mo
What does obtaining social security in Thailand involve for expats?
1.4k9118mo
Do foreigners holding a DTV in Thailand automatically become tax residents after 183 days?
3.6k25191y
Can I open a Thai bank account and become a tax resident with a DTV visa?
3.3k22401y
Do expats needing to file a tax return in Thailand after staying over 180 days annually?
15.7k1441341y
Is 400,000 THB brought into Thailand for a marriage visa considered taxable income?
4.9k45331y
What type of taxes do expats pay after retirement in Thailand?
6.9k66452y
Do I need to pay taxes in Thailand if I'm on a DTV visa and stay longer than 180 days without remitting money?
3.2k26232y
What are the pros and cons of the DTV in relation to taxation in Thailand?
4.5k43272y
Are expats on a DTV Visa in Thailand liable for tax if they stay over 10 months?
4.5k43262y
How can I get my 'DWP Proof of Life certificate' signed in Thailand?
4.6k29462y
What are the tax implications and rates if I extend my DTV visa in Thailand?
3.1k24162y
What happens if you stay in Thailand for more than 6 months regarding taxes?
22.3k2121772y
Will my German company have to pay taxes in Thailand if I hold a DTV visa and work remotely?
4.8k32292y
Are expats on a retirement visa required to pay taxes in Thailand?
30.7k2862602y
Can tourists stay in Thailand over 180 days and file a tax return?
11.9k1041102y
How do taxes on a US pension work for expats on an OA retirement visa in Thailand?
5.3k43412y
Are UK government pensions assessable income in Thailand under the Dual Taxation Agreement?
2.9k2172y
Can US Social Security be directly deposited into Krungsri Bank in Thailand?
2.6k21163y
How does the US-Thailand Tax Treaty affect taxation of social security income for expats living in Thailand?
2.6k18103y
Do I have to pay tax in Thailand if I've already paid tax in the UK on the same income?
14.1k1261273y
Do retirees in Thailand automatically become tax residents after staying more than 180 days?
8.1k571093y
What are the rules regarding the maximum number of days one can spend in Thailand on a visa-exempt entry?
1.3k7109y

Resources

Need help with your Thai visa?