How can I obtain a tax ID in Thailand if I don't speak Thai?

Question

For those on the DTV wanting a tax ID, I went into the office in my district today with google translate in hand (no one speaks English in any revenue office) they were extremely nice I had my Tax ID in 5 minutes. I had filled out the form in advance and used google to translate it, and my girlfriend was on standby to talk to one of the reps in case things didn't go well. They couldn't have gone better. I already had "need tax ID don't speak Thai" translated on my phone when I walked in. The guard and rep who got my ID was very interested in English, how I used Google Translate and the United States.

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user successfully obtained a Tax ID in Thailand while on a DTV visa, sharing their experience in a language barrier situation. They used Google Translate for the paperwork and received assistance from a Thai-speaking girlfriend. This demonstrates that even without Thai language skills, acquiring a Tax ID can be streamlined by preparing in advance. There were also comments discussing the necessity of a bank account for the TIN application and references to the US-Thailand tax treaty, especially Article 15 regarding income tax exemptions.

David ******** · Answer

Why would you think it's difficult ? If you go to the correct office it's a 5 minute task. Most people don't bother as it's not required to file tax at this point and who will check you have filed or not filed. Like most things in Thailand farang think it is such a difficult thing like a motorcycle licence most done bother because they must produce the right documents but again it's so simple

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

To be clear,  have you gone through any tax treaty documents between the US and TH to see if any articles apply to your income?

[url redacted]

Article 15 should be interesting to many people who have income arising from business outside of Thailand and don't have this income funneled through a Thai bank account.  I believe it's exempt from taxes in Thailand under the treaty.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Thanks for posting this. I need a TIN to file a tax form next year. Do you have a bank account? The accountant I asked about the TIN application sent me a checklist and it includes bank account. It's a bit of a catch 22 when they want you to file the return, even if zero tax bc reciprocal, but you might not be able to open a bank account on DTV.

How can I obtain a tax ID in Thailand if I don't speak Thai?

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