ask
Search
Ask
Answereda year ago

How does Thailand enforce taxation on expats and remittances?

Anonymous *************
asked Oct 13, 2025
8.1k
views
59
replies
7
likes
Since TAX and DTV keep coming up and we keep seeing headlines that thai authorities want to get stricter with enforcing the tax

.....Are there any countries currently which successfully enforce tax on money brought into their country (and how do they do it?)?

....Will the thai tax authorities go straight to Thai banks (if you have one) and request they share information on how much money is being brought in?

....With people without a thai bank it seem almost impossible for them to enforce tax on remittance income

....I'm probably gonna go back to working in thailand because I don't suddenly want to be lumped with a 200,000 k baht tax bill etc...
Answer summary
The discussion centers around concerns regarding the enforcement of tax on remittance income by Thai authorities, particularly for expats holding various visa types like the DTV visa. Commenters share insights on taxation practices, emphasizing that the focus seems to be on high-value remittances (over 20 million Baht), rather than smaller amounts. Many believe that without a Thai bank account, it would be challenging for authorities to track and enforce taxes on those earning income outside Thailand. Furthermore, there is a legal perspective on being taxed on income already taxed in the expat's home country, like the USA. Overall, while there is anxiety about future tax enforcement, many commenters suggest that the actual risks may be overblown and that most expats are unlikely to be targeted unless they handle substantial sums.
59 repliesnewest first
23

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

Siggi *******
Siggi *******
It's crazy how stupid people are here in the group, and they know nothing about Thailand how it works in Thailand. They take themselves to important and thinking they become a target 😁

1. 85% of all Thais never became income tax.

2. If they want to tax you they have to give you rights like access to social security, health insurance aso. and they will never do this

3. They not have any possibility to know what your income is. Bank transfers are not income, in 1 day in Thailand there are about 1 billion+ transfers,

There is no chance to track card payments or withdrawals, also about 1 billion every day in Thailand.

4. For any tracking you would need a court order by Thailand for a single person.

5. Revenue office not have the staff or resources for to manage foreign documents, statements or similar.

7. And more important they are to lazy, corrupt and incompetent even to start an effort 😁😜
J **************
J **************
@Siggi ******
when the revenue do links up with immigration then I will worry …not until

Then
Siggi *******
Siggi *******
@J *************
never in our life time, they can link up whenever but there is no legal ground for income taxes, as you then would have access to social security as people who have a work permit. DTV is a tourist visa and no country in the world charge income taxes on tourists. But people in this group don't have any accounting and legal background they just repeat and believe whatever the morons posting online
Zarko *******
Zarko *******
My confusion with this matter is - if I am already paying taxes on my income in my country (USA), then how can Thailand tax me on already taxed income? Does anyone know legalities of this?
Christer *****
Christer *****
@Zarko ******
on the other hand US taxes you on income earned in other countries?
Zarko *******
Zarko *******
@Christer ****
I don't earn income in other countries so I don't know the answer to your question. You can ask ChatGpt
Christer *****
Christer *****
@Zarko ******
Cheezes. It relates to your question about the legality. It's common practice. All over the f**ing world.
Zarko *******
Zarko *******
@Christer ****
How does this relate to my question? Go do something useful with your life
Christer *****
Christer *****
@Zarko ******
Ok, let me put it another way: the US does the same. Tax you on foreign income.

"U.S. citizens and resident aliens are taxed on their worldwide income. You must report your wages and other earned income, both domestic and foreign-sourced, on the correct lines of your Form 1040."

So, naturally all countries can do that.
Warren *********
Warren *********
@Zarko ******
it’s complicated but if your home country tax rate is lower than the Thai tax rate they might say you owe them the difference

There are accountants for this stuff
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Zarko ******
they can’t you are fine
Zarko *******
Zarko *******
Thank you, that makes sense
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Zarko ******
lol, of course they can. Read about double taxation agreements between countries
SoftLy******
SoftLy******
I went to a lawyer once and asked about Taxation and i explained that im dtv holder and how i make my money which is completely outside of Thailand with offshore accounts, however before I finished my question he said I don’t understand why Farang wants to be taxed so bad , your Visa group is not a tax target even if you stay im Thailand you are not a tax Target, the tax target is someone who remits 20m Baht a year and up , he told me go home and don’t believe any nonsense you read in the internet and come see me when you bring big sum of Baht into a thai bank account 1-2 millions baht is not a tax target. So I said ok then I went to the local revenue Tax department and asked them for a TIN , the employee their asked me how much money do you remit to Thailand i said under one million using ATM with my Foreign debit cards the employee asked me do you work in Thailand I said im self employed earn my money outside of Thailand then asked me do you have a thai Bank account? I answered they won’t allow me to open one since im on DTV , then she said sorry we can’t issue a TIN for you. 🤷‍♀️
17
Dany ********
Dany ********
SoftLynx3365 100%
Ade ********
Ade ********
I think people are over thinking this. If’s and but’s. If you’re going to be working in Thailand yes. Pay tax. Holidays nope.
Marc ********
Marc ********
@Ade *******
if you stay more than 179 days better pay tax regardless if you work or not
Ade ********
Ade ********
Marc ********
Marc ********
@Ade *******
I think if you have the Elite Visa you don't need to do anything. But DTV you are obligated to register
Ade ********
Ade ********
@Marc *******
I’ll look into it. Ask my legal advisor
Marc ********
Marc ********
@Ade *******
because it could bite you in the a... in the future if you don't register at tax office. It's the law you have to sign up if you spend more than 179 days in a calender year
Jarek ************
Jarek ************
Bank accounts are one thing and can be easily accessed by the government. Atm withdrawals and Credit Cards can also be tracked. Money exchanged is also tracked. Will they enforce the taxation, sooner or later? Yes, NWO wants to make people's life miserable everywhere.
Mark ********
Mark ********
What everybody overlooks or ignores is the source of the money remitted into Thailand and whether it's deemed as "assessable income" which is the only income which is taxable. For those with no bank accounts, do consider that credit card purchases and ATM withdrawals are deemed as "remittances" under Thai taxation. Also any cash brought into the country is also considered a "remittance"
Andrew ********
Andrew ********
@Mark *******
I dont know anyone who declares cash coming into Thailand
Mark ********
Mark ********
@Andrew *******
There's no requirement to declare cash. Tax in Thailand is self assessment. The only place it would be picked up is at cash exchanges. The way around that is to get a Thai friend to do it for you. Then it wouldn't be recorded against your name.
Dany ********
Dany ********
@Mark *******
no one cares in reality. they wont even give you a TIN in most cases on your dtv 🤣
Mark ********
Mark ********
@Dany *******
Not just DTV. Most retirees also pay zero income tax in Thailand. I was merely pointing out what is a "remittance" as far as Thai taxation goes, and that only "assessable income" is liable for taxation
Ade ********
Ade ********
@Mark *******
even if leaving the country every 3 months. ?
Mark ********
Mark ********
@Ade *******
The "tax residency" is more than 180 days in the calendar year
Ade ********
Ade ********
On a DTV. You can’t open a Thai bank account so how are they going to take money off you. 🤷🏻‍♂️
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Ade *******
One doesn't need an bank account to pay taxes. Every bank worldwide has a payment slip option.
Ade ********
Ade ********
@Karl ******
even if not working. ?
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
@Ade *******
of course, they are interested in the money, not the work.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Ade *******
They could inform immigration to have your visa suspended pending payment of tax
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
Anonymous participant 644 I’ve only heard of one case of it happening on here so and that was denied entry but that was for non b visa and unpaid tax
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant DTV is fairly new. Taxation office will need to work out how to get those liable for tax to cough up, as they're not eligible for bank accounts. I was merely suggesting one way TRO could do this
Elías ********
Elías ********
@Karl ******
not in all cases, only if you remit money
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Ade *******
many people had thai bank accounts before they got DTV including me
Christer *****
Christer *****
Anonymous participant And they are being closed down
Christer *****
Christer *****
@Jirka *******
From kbanks site. "More information can be obtained at KBank branch.

Accounts are not allowed to be opened for holders of tourist visa"

Just wait
Jirka ********
Jirka ********
Dror *********
Dror *********
משתתפ/ת אנונימי/ת no problem in kbank
Christer *****
Christer *****
Anonymous participant 988 😆
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@Christer ****
true depends who you are with though yet - krunsgri and haven't seen anyone on here so far mention problems - Only bangkok bank and Kbank i think so far?
Ade ********
Ade ********
Thai are doing 0% tax on crypto. You won’t get taxed if not staying in country over 6 months. DTV visa. So no panic.
Dany ********
Dany ********
@Ade *******
many people stay more than 6 months in a calendar year
Ade ********
Ade ********
@Dany *******
no. Go over the border 🤷🏻‍♂️
Dany ********
Dany ********
@Ade *******
remote, as the dtv suggests ;)
Ade ********
Ade ********
@Dany *******
are you going to be working in Thailand ?
Dany ********
Dany ********
@Ade *******
what do you mean? tax residency is determined by 180+ days in a calendar year. no matter how often you leave the country….. and plenty of people stay more than 180 days.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@Ade *******
But I, we want to stay longer with the DTV. Do we have always be on the run 6 months a year to evade Thai Tax laws?
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 968 If you don't want to have to do anything with Thai tax being there less than 180 days is the only solution.

From 180 days on in a calendar year you become tax resident, which means Thai tax laws applies to you.

Depending on what you bring in and about DTA of your country with Thailand, you might have to pay tax in Thailand.
Ade ********
Ade ********
Anonymous participant 968 look up rules on DTV. It explains it all
J **************
J **************
They are also going to build hi speed rail to rayong (not),

Monorail in Phuket and Pattaya (not) and train from China (delayed indefinitely)
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@J *************
True but those projects are always normally indefintely delayed due to massive corruption normally and extended EIA where politicans get to line their pockets - if there is a chance to get more money from foreigners - they will definitely try their best. I've seen the same building being built for at least 6 YEARS before COVID- and it was completed at least 3 years ago, but all the workers still work on it everyday when I go by - thats how bad corruption is here
James ********
James ********
Anonymous participant pardon me but as one of my Thai friends often says...

You think too much 🤗
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
@J *************
Maybe but Thailand seems to move faster when it comes to taxes CRS, crypto exemption, etc.)
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Highly unlikely they will be interested in a few hundred thousand baht here and there, most of the new legislation is geared towards those hauling millions on a weekly basis. Pretty much the same situation is with the nominees, mostly those well-to-do bore the brunt while smaller firms remain unscathed

Activity

23 joined
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
23
people
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
...members
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What should my Irish partner prepare for entering Thailand on a METV visa with me, a Thai national?
9.1k392032mo
What is considered Thai-sourced income for DTV workcation holders?
1.5k11175mo
What are the requirements and tips for successfully applying for a DTV visa at the London Embassy?
469335mo
What are the requirements for applying for a DTV visa as a digital nomad in Thailand?
1.4k10166mo
How can long-term expats with DTV and Non O/A visas cope with learning Thai?
10.1k861137mo
What should I consider when applying for a DTV visa after a minor legal issue in Thailand?
1.1k997mo
Why is it difficult to obtain a DTV visa extension in Koh Phangan?
14.3k1131807mo
What should I do for my 90-day DTV check-in in Thailand without a TM30 form?
3.9k38249mo
Will I be taxed if I deposit money from selling my house in Ireland into a bank in Bangkok, Thailand?
2.3k201410mo
What are the financial requirements and options for obtaining a DTV visa for families in Thailand?
4.8k335810mo
What are the best SIM card options for expats in Thailand with different visa types?
2.9k212310mo
What are the income requirements for applying for a workstation DTV visa as a freelancer through the UK office in Thailand?
709421y
Why don't banks allow tourists to open limited bank accounts in Thailand?
11.3k111811y
How can I contact the Thai Embassy in Paris for my DTV application issues?
668421y
What are the tax obligations for a DTV visa holder working for a foreign company in Thailand?
5.1k48301y
What financial documents are needed for a DTV application from Taiwan, and will PayPal income be accepted?
485151y
Why do I keep facing questioning at immigration with my DTV visa in Thailand?
14.4k1121831y
What do I need to know about the freelance workcation DTV application process in Thailand?
680341y
Can I open a bank account in Thailand on a DTV visa and receive salary payments?
1.1k931y
What is the process for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand from Taipei, Taiwan?
1k3131y
What should I know about applying for a Thai DTV visa based on personal experiences?
1.5k2132y
What are the tax implications for DTV holders residing in Thailand and how to find a local accountant knowledgeable in tax treaties?
3.3k32152y
What visa options are available for expats in Thailand with a company bank account?
778412y
Can I enter Thailand on a visa waiver while my DTV visa is being processed?
3.6k30272y
What should I know about relocating to Pattaya, Thailand, regarding visas, finances, and living arrangements?
18.2k1502042y

Resources

Need help with your DTV visa?