Answereda year ago
Have Australian banks asked expats for a Thai Tax Identification Number?
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 .
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 .
Answer summary
The discussion highlights that some Australians living in Thailand, particularly those on a Non-O Retirement Visa, have been asked by their banks, like Westpac, to provide a Thai Tax Identification Number (TIN). This requirement seems to stem from their residency status in Thailand, specifically if they have been living there for over 180 days, which classifies them as tax residents under Thai law. Some respondents confirm they received similar requests in the past and provided their TIN without issues, while others express skepticism, suggesting it might be a scam. Overall, it appears to be a standard regulatory requirement, linked to tax reporting obligations between countries.
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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 **********
@Frangipani ******
Exactly.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
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
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
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 🤷🏻♀️Riwalt *********
OP@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
Darren *******
@Anna ********
why bother. Bob live your life. Move onAnna *********
@Bob *********
yup you’ve got me I can spell 🤣🤣Bob **********
@Anna ********
ok I see your problem nowAnna *********
@Bob *********
Wrong on all counts It’s cake and it if it was dessert it would be spelt with two S’s
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 *********
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
Andrew ***********
@Bob *********
believe me it isn't a scamBob **********
@Andrew **********
been here 16 years I know plenty of Ossies and no one has a TINBob **********
@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 casesAnna *********
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
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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