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Have Australian banks asked expats for a Thai Tax Identification Number?

Oct 31, 2025
4 days ago
Riwalt *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi folks,any Australians been asked by their Australian banks (mines Westpac) to provide a Thai Tax Identication Number?

I'm a retired pensioner on a Non O Retirement Visa and have been here over 180 days.

The request came about ..apparently..because I registered a Thai phone number..linked to my Thai bank accounts.

Sounds a bit serious as they're saying that they could block my account..in Australia..if I don't provide the required information.

Any feed back is appreciated .
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A member of an expat community in Thailand inquired whether Australians living in Thailand, particularly those with a Non-O Retirement Visa, have been asked by their banks to provide a Thai Tax Identification Number (TIN). The request by Westpac, in this case, stems from new compliance requirements related to tax residency and international financial reporting. Several commenters shared their experiences, confirming they've faced similar requests due to the 180-day residency rule, and mentioned the implications under the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Some expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of such requests, while others provided reassurance after complying with their banks.
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Peter ********
179 days mate then leave Thailand for few days ,
Frangipani *******
@Peter *******
and if you come back in the same calendar year, you’ve reached 180 days and, Bingo!
Trav **********
Anna *********
Yes, my parents were recently asked for this and just applied for TIN and provided details

As far as they can see it’s a requirement that has little to no impact on them
Sue **********
@Anna ********
How did they get a TIN no. from the Revenue Department in Thailand? Did they file a tax return? Did they pay tax?
Anna *********
@Sue *********
they applied at the appropriate office by providing all relevant/required docs.

They will be filing tax returns No they won’t be paying tax
Sue **********
@Anna ********
ok, thanks. I applied too, and they sent me away although I had all relevant docs (bank statement etc.) I couldn‘t even file a tax return even if I wanted to 🤷🏻‍♀️
Anna *********
@Sue *********
I do understand that

My dad had to persevere until he found a more senior person (with a good understanding of English) who finally understood his need for a TIN and processed it

Again I guess it is easier for some to just say ‘no need’ and send you on your way
Riwalt *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anna ********
Hope so Anna....thought I might be opening Pandora's Box...time will tell.Thanks for your input.
Simon ************
Bob **********
Sounds like a scam to me
Anna *********
@Bob *********
you will when they freeze your account. That may well impact you.

And yes, you can get a TIN.



Do you just say stuff for the hell of it?🤣🤣
Bob **********
@Anna ********
Believe what you want you sound like all the scare mongering and tax lawyers last year go and try to get a TIN if you want yo pay tax here my country has a tax treaty
Anna *********
@Bob *********
it’s not about paying tax you 🍆

And it’s not scaremongering For some people it’s a valid requirement to lodge a return - not to pay tax - (there is a difference you imbecile) as lots of us have a tax treaty

Remind me not to bother with you again
Bob **********
@Anna ********
thank you go sign up if you like or do what others have and tell your bank you don’t have a TIN new to this aren’t you ! Your profile shows desert ????
Anna *********
@Bob *********
Wrong on all counts

It’s cake and it if it was dessert it would be spelt with two S’s
Bob **********
@Anna ********
ok I see your problem now
Anna *********
@Bob *********
yup you’ve got me I can spell 🤣🤣
Andrew ***********
@Bob *********
believe me it isn't a scam
Bob **********
@Andrew **********
been here 16 years I know plenty of Ossies and no one has a TIN
Anna *********
@Bob *********
not yet

It’s not a scam just another change in banking requirements
Bob **********
@Anna ********
I wouldn’t let my bank back home have any impact on me over here they won’t even issue you a TIN in most cases
Sue **********
I was also asked 2 years ago when I told my bank I will live in Thailand and have no residence amymore abroad. But as I didn‘t have to pay tax in TH and did not have to file a tax return either, they didn‘t give me a TIN, I told my bank and never heard anything from them since.
Simon ************
@Sue *********
two years ago we were free, now we are not
Robert *********
Requirement for banks: Under the CRS, Australian banks are required to identify and report financial account information of foreign tax residents to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The ATO then shares this information with the relevant foreign tax authorities, such as those in Thailand.
Jim *******
@Robert ********
My daughter, Australian citizen, when she arrived to study in Australia, was requested by ANZ bank to provide her Japanese equivalent of Tax File Number. She had never worked , then just graduated from high school.

Bank officer understood that she has to have a bank account to receive financial support for her studies but said it is the law and she must produce it,

Without it, no bank would open a bank account for her.

She did have the Japanese TFN (called MyNumber, credit card size, it has your picture and will be your driving license, your Medicare, your everything except passport).
Steve **********
Across the ditch here. My bank ( Kiwi Bank) says we are obliged to declare to the bank if we are a tax resident of another country ) . That I guess if I got portability to Thailand then I am obliged to give the taxation number here in Thailand..
Robert *********
Tax residency and the 180-day rule: Under Thai law, if you reside in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year, you are considered a tax resident. Your bank's request is a direct consequence of this
Tim ***********
Westpac asked me 2 years ago

I just gave it

No issue
Perry *********
Havrnt heard that but also ive kept my australisn number for banking and govt stuff.
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