What are the implications of staying in Thailand for more than 180 days in a calendar year?

Sep 27, 2024
3 months ago
Gur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey, someone knows what happens if I live over 180 days in Thailand in one calender year?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Staying in Thailand for over 180 days within a calendar year can classify you as a tax resident. This could imply you may need to file and possibly pay income taxes in Thailand, depending on the specific tax laws and treaties that exist between Thailand and your home country. Additionally, individuals may become liable for taxes on their global income despite paying taxes in another country. For expats, navigating these regulations often necessitates consulting a tax advisor or the Thai Tax Office to clarify obligations and exceptions based on bilateral tax treaties.
Deepak *******
You may have tax liability if you become a tax resident. Initially 100% people will ignore and immediately become tax cheats. A few good souls will debate endlessly about double taxation treaties and why they don't have to pay anything, thereby becoming criminals.
James *******
You will implode.
Tod *********
you become a "resident for tax purposes" and may be required to declare, file an income tax form on the money you bring into the country. Now you may have zero tax liability on the funds you bring in, but that is between your country and thailand and any no dual taxation rules in place between them
Michael ********
The tax years are calendar years here. Jan-Dec, can do 3 months to Oct-December and leave before March ends and that’s not tax resident, though nothing has been confirmed as above about tax
Rob *********
If you stay in Thailand or another country for more than 180 days (in the same tax year), you need to pay taxes in that country, maybe there are some exceptions, but this is the common rule.
Jim ********
@Rob ********
There are many exceptions.
Rob *********
@Jim *******
Yes, the best idea is asking a tax advisor, I'm just talking about my own experience with my remote work in the UK living in Thailand.
Jim ********
@Rob ********
In my case I'm a retiree so I know Thailand will not be taxing my pension. The resources are there without having to pay big bucks to a tax advisor
Rob *********
@Jim *******
No idea ,advisor is the best for this kind of questions.
Jim ********
@Rob ********
Actually I've found the Thai Tax Office is best for asking questions. Not interested in paying for "this might happen" advice!
Gur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob ********
the question is how does it work, given I am an employed in another country and pay taxes there.

Would I be double tax, would they require me to pay tax for bank transfers?

Or symbolic resident tax?

I am trying to understand the implications (I already pay 31 percent of my income and more in taxes).
Rob *********
@Gur ************
Hi, I worked in the UK the last three years REMOTELY from Thailand, and I paid all my taxes in Thailand, no matter where you work, it only matters where you live.
Craig *********
@Rob ********
that’s incorrect. If you are paid your salary in the UK then you pay tax in the UK. The UK has a DTA with Thailand so any money you bring into Thailand is taxable but you will only pay tax if the rate of tax is higher than you paid in the UK. So in hindsight you don’t pay tax twice.
Rob *********
@Craig ********
Mate I got a letter from the HMRC , they returned me the tax from the last two years, and I paid it in Thailand the tax amount Thailand required me to pay (because I live here the whole year), don't tell me that is wrong as I did with HMRC and with a legal advisor 🤣 (if you think it is wrong, ask HRMC, I am not the one who will explain you).
Jared *********
@Rob ********
be careful... this advice is not accurate for every country. Some countries require citizens to pay taxes in their home country no matter where their residence is.

For example - US citizens pay federal income tax on global income no matter where they live. There are some exceptions, ways to avoid, and loop holes but this is the basic level for average citizens. If someone works for a US company then federal taxes will be withheld. If a US citizen works for a foreign company they are required to report foreign income as well.

Thailand is looking to implement new tax laws that tax income of foreigners staying longer than 180 days in a calendar year but the details aren't finalized on what income will be included, how to calculate, etc. Either way, Thailand and USA have a tax treaty that allows taxes paid to USA to offset the income taxes here. So if the Thai tax rate is higher then would sill likely need to pay, if Thai tax rate is lower then no payments but still need to file.

But once again, the details of the tax changes have not been finalized. It's kinda crazy that they might implement something that is based on previous year rather than future years.
Rob *********
@Jared ********
yes you right, as I said, ask a tax advisor better , the rule is only for countries with double taxation treatments with Thailand (UK has one, Spain, and many countries in Europe, no idea about US).
Wannikea *********
There is no limit to your stay, you can get an extension in country or bounce out and back at around 180 days to get another 180 days.
Joel ********
If your on the DTV, the CURRENT understanding is you would need to go and get an extension for 1900 baht. That would get you another 180 days. Additionally you would become a tax resident after 180 total days in the country whether they were consecutive or not.
James ********
@Joel *******
Phuket immigration officers are saying that the 180 day extension will cost 10,000 Thai baht. If TRUE then do a BORDER BOUNCE which gets you a New 180 day stamp Free.