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What are the latest tax residency rules for Retirement O visa holders in Thailand regarding monthly remittances?
Retirement O visatax residency rulesvisa renewal requirementsThailand immigrationforeign income taxationDTAs (Double Tax Agreements)expat tax issues
Jun 30, 2025
10 months ago
Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI recently attended a webinar that interviewed a senior immigration official, the discussion being around the changes to the tax residency rules and how this may be linked to Visa renewals. This immig official stated unequivocally that Retirement O visa renewals based on the 65k a month will be required to provide evidence that this money (remitted from overseas) has been declared for tax (or exemption due to DTA) in other words provide a tax return from Thai Tax office - they further stated that the 800k method is exempt - which is illogical if the 800k is remitted after Jan 1st this year. Not looking for opinions , anyone know what the facts are please share with the group - simply wishing this away especially for the 65k a month folks may no longer be an option. I am in the process of moving from the 800k to 65k a month in Oct so if not before, I will find out then I guess.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent webinar with a senior immigration official indicated that retirees on the Retirement O visa who rely on a monthly transfer of 65,000 Baht from abroad may now need to provide proof of tax declaration for these funds, specifically a tax return from the Thai Tax Office. This is contrasted with the existing 800,000 Baht requirement, which remains exempt from such proof. The community is concerned about the implications of these changes, particularly for those transitioning to the 65,000 Baht method, and discussions have raised questions about the feasibility and enforcement of these rules, especially considering existing tax treaties and the potential burden on immigration processing.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Rok ********
Only taxable if a tax resident: physically present in Thailand more than 180 days between Jan and Dec of every fiscal year.
Dan ***********
If you want legitimate advice,,,,, talk to a Thai Tax professional. They’ll usually do initial consultation no charge. Don’t take legal/tax advice on social media. You will be required to answer for your actions so do it right.
Roberto *********
@Dan **********
Best place to get advice is from your local tax office. Unlike "tax advisors"(who are touting for business), they have no agenda. That's where I went to be advised I don't even need to submit a returnDan ***********
@Roberto ********
I agree with that also. But if you have complicate issues such as I do talked with accountant and he was willing to. Put his name on the opinion which works for me. Ultimately I am responsible for my actions but if I rely on a professional who is licensed to do business here then he can answer for incorrect decisions to some degreeRoberto *********
@Dan **********
If you have complicated financial affairs, you're probably making the best choice. I'm talking generally of retirees on non-O visas/extensionsReply to
Roberto *********
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Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ********
which is precisely what I did - got chased away twice even though we have a TIN already - having lived and worked in much of Africa I am extremely wary of third world tax regimes seen too much grief - ignorance is no defence from tax man hopefully this all blows over soon enough.Reply to
Michael *******
Reply
Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dan **********
here’s the irony Dan, the webinar was facilitated by a Tax Professional and contributions were from Thai Tax Dept and Immig…..Reply to
Michael *******
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Von ***********
There will be another COUP DE’TAH soon enough, all this wont matter for squat.
I can hear the rattling of sabres as we speak.
I can hear the rattling of sabres as we speak.
Peter **********
@Von **********
If you want to use fancy language then at least get it right. 🤣Coop retard? Coup De’tah?
Coup D’état!
And there will not be any, as a coup d’état implies violence. She will just be sent off. No violence.
Peter **********
@Von **********
I never called you a retard. Try practicing your reading capabilities. Trying to spy on my profile, hèh? It’s “individuals of certain nature” which stimulated me to keep your likes out and you proved me right. Thanks for that.
But also thanks for the qualifier. Are you sure you spelled “Fuckwit” correctly? Unfortunately I am neither stupid nor contemptible so you might want to refer back to your vocabulary to find a more suitable adjective. 👍
Von ***********
@Peter *********
you are the type that whines and cries when they are confronted by others you have no doubt INSULTED but don’t like it when it happens to you!!! And YES! You did call me a RETARD and you know quite well you did!
It is there for all to see, you can try to shift your position now, but it is all there for ALL to see.
Good thing… I am sure one day you will find out the wrong one to insult.
Life is like that, even in Thailand.
Peter **********
@Von **********
Thanks for the picture. I honestly didn’t know your first name is Coop. 🤣🤣🤣I just posted this because it’s similar to the spelling in your post. It might as well have been “Kupitah” or something.
“Spelling interpretation”??? Since when is spelling subject to interpretation? Are you trying to use fancy words AGAIN? 🤣🤣🤣
PS I really don’t care about any name given to me by trailer trash. Note that I am not calling you trailer trash. 🤣🤣🤣
Reply to
Von ***********
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Von ***********
@Peter *********
this says EVERYTHING I need to know about you, calling someone you don’t know a RETARD? based on a spelling interpretation??? You are fuckwit! There! Feel better now???
Reply to
Von ***********
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Darin ********
I remit 1.8 million baht per year to support my family and community. Do you think the Thai government is against that.
Brandon ************
@Darin *******
The government is neither for nor against it. But they are desperate for additional tax income at the moment.Peter **********
@Brandon ***********
Actually getting more income tax is not the primary issue.The economic problems increased due to income remaining abroad and being re-invested there rather than in Thailand.
Of course they would like to tax the expats, but the benefit is petty cash when compared to the huge sums remaining abroad.
When the government would create a tax paradise on foreign income then the loss of direct tax is futile compared to the boost the economy will get from all that cash returning home.
Their main interest is to get the big fish to bring their earnings to Thailand. Tax money paid by expats is almost irrelevant when compared to funds held abroad by wealthy Thai.
The whole tax thing created in 2023was a big big big mistake and hopefully the current government can repair it before they get sent off.
Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter *********
you seem to be ignoring the impact of pending membership of OECD which has clear guidelines around taxation rules - expats/retirees are being caught in the crossfire they either can the idea of OECD membership or fall into line on taxation whether that will allow them to encourage repatriation of foreign earnings is the million dollar question the small guys will be the ones squashed.Peter **********
@Michael ******
I’m not ignoring that at all.I’ve mentioned in various comments the fact that a creation of a tax paradise will cause diplomatic ruckus many times already, especially in relation to their wish to become full blown OECD members.
But it was irrelevant in my post here. If you’re interested in all the details you can find my opinion in the dedicated group on Facebook:
Thailand Tax rules for expats
Reply to
Peter **********
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Darin ********
Also l used a visa agent the first year and do everything myself know
Darin ********
If you are over 50 years old and you are thinking about retiring in Thailand. Currently it’s still 60 days non visa entry with an extension of 30 days( 90 days total )During that time period you love the country, rent a property and vehicle. Doing great and if your in a tourist area start your retirement visa the next day ( due to conveyance of location )Bank account in your name with matching Thai phone number linked the same bank account in your pocket and funds 800.000 baht after that it’s clear sailing. I use wise to transfer money from Australia to Thailand but in no way am l endorsing Wise
Darin ********
Who do you listen to the people that say in my opinion, or the people that said l just went through or going through this process?
Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Darin *******
that’s the problem, we won’t know unit the 65k a month brigade start to renew, will they get push back - pretty dire if they do, visa revoked and major expense to fix……perhaps these consultants are playing on that fear to drum up business 🤔🤔Roberto *********
@Michael ******
The 65k brigade don't actually renew a visa. All they do is apply for an extension of stay. I did it last week. No change from the last eight years I've being doing it. As you were!Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Roberto ********
and long may that continue , I will switch to 65k in November safe in the knowledge that I have an 800k backup in the event I get a curve ball - I always believed that if tax regime was going to change visa renewal would be the only leverage that they have over many expats here, who are happy to be tax over a bar in Pattaya….and not a baht more 🤔Reply to
Michael *******
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Mike ***********
Depends which country you are coming from. I could be wrong but everything I read is funds from Social Security are not taxed in Thailand if earned in USA. They are taxed there. This is on retirement visa with no other income.
Frank *********
They can not possibly make it any more confusing
Keith *******
I watched that presentation. Honestly the guy had little idea of Thailand taxation. If the 65k transfer comes from a savings account in another country it's savings, not income. I'm surprised Carl Turner didn't press him on that. Actually I'm not surprised
Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Keith ******
the more I think about it the more I believe this is just another attempt to secure more business (for Carl) - when I raised a few questions the response was we can file for you 8k (or 14k if you need to claim back under DTA) didn’t answer my question - I guess we won’t really know until folks using 65k method start running into trouble call me cynical 🤨 either way when I renew in Nov I will have my 800k as a fall back if they give me crap over the 65…..Keith *******
@Michael ******
Exactly! Did you also notice just about every time Carl spoke he included "we are here to help you" in his dialogue. This presentation was so badly done. He interviewed an immigration boss about tax matters. Next he'll get someone from the Department Of Natural Resources to advise on immigration matters!Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Keith ******
I get the immig angle,as ultimately that’s the only real leverage they have over thousands of expats here who will simply ignore tax requirements I always feared that they may link visa renewals to a tax clearance cert, I have lived and worked in countries where this was used. Ultimately though just turns into another payday for agents feeding the trough.Keith *******
@Michael ******
But the tax requirements have been in place for many years. They've had the opportunity to do this before. What people don't understand is the government are actually going after the Thai millionaires who hide their profits overseas. The "retirement" visas are meagre pickings as most DTAs exclude pensions, so they're going to spend millions to pick up thousands. You say "visa renewal" but you cannot renew a visa. You actually apply each year for an extension of stay. You don't get a new visaReply to
Keith *******
Reply
Peter **********
Nonsense.
1) Savings from years before becoming tax resident are never taxed.
So in order to make the 800k taxable it must have been earned (outside of Thailand!) in a year when you become or are tax resident.
That means you were 180 days or more in Thailand so you must have made 800k in less than half a year. PLUS enough income to live abroad during those six months.
I place a safe bet than less than 10% of all newcomers makes that much money in his last six months abroad.
The whole BS about the 800k ever becoming taxable income is a Friday evening fantasy of some Facebook users who couldn’t keep their liquor.
The only exception being those who sold their home or other investments just prior to moving to Thailand and made a generous profit on the sale (which is hardly taxed in many countries but fully taxed in Thailand.
2) The 65k monthly can originate from any source, either taxable or not taxable. There are plenty examples of monthly transfers from untaxable sources, such as savings or tax exempt income.
The immigration officer probably just wanted to share a thrilling novel or something…
More information in the Thailand tax rules group on Facebook, here:
Thailand Tax rules for expats
1) Savings from years before becoming tax resident are never taxed.
So in order to make the 800k taxable it must have been earned (outside of Thailand!) in a year when you become or are tax resident.
That means you were 180 days or more in Thailand so you must have made 800k in less than half a year. PLUS enough income to live abroad during those six months.
I place a safe bet than less than 10% of all newcomers makes that much money in his last six months abroad.
The whole BS about the 800k ever becoming taxable income is a Friday evening fantasy of some Facebook users who couldn’t keep their liquor.
The only exception being those who sold their home or other investments just prior to moving to Thailand and made a generous profit on the sale (which is hardly taxed in many countries but fully taxed in Thailand.
2) The 65k monthly can originate from any source, either taxable or not taxable. There are plenty examples of monthly transfers from untaxable sources, such as savings or tax exempt income.
The immigration officer probably just wanted to share a thrilling novel or something…
More information in the Thailand tax rules group on Facebook, here:
Thailand Tax rules for expats
Mike ***********
@Peter *********
what if you have had the 800k in a bank for years and transfer. Already paid tax on it? Do they still double tax? I would show my monthly deposits coming from Social Security Security which will be well above the 65k monthly neededPeter **********
@Mike **********
1) Any money in your bank on 31-12-2023 is untaxed no matter when transmitted. 2) Any money in your bank on the year-end before becoming tax resident is untaxed no matter when transmitted.
More information here:
Thailand Tax rules for expats
Thailand doesn’t actually “double tax”. They calculate your tax liability and then check which part of that liability has already been paid in your home country.
In the end it comes down to paying the highest rate of two countries.
For US citizens there is a DTA which states that US social security can not be(come) taxed in Thailand.
Mike ***********
@Peter *********
I understand the Social Security part now. I read that too. Just a little confused if I transfer other money for living expenses of I wanted to purchase auto etc.Peter **********
@Mike **********
It all depends on the source of the transmitted money. If you have multiple sources, taxable and untaxable, you can designate from which source the money came.The Thai tax filing is based on self assessment and there are no rules “which” money needs to be transferred first.
So you can optimize a possible tax liability by designating how much came from a taxable source and how much came from untaxed sources.
You need to keep track, though, so when you transfer funds then account each sources and its additions (if any) and usage.
Reply to
Peter **********
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Steven ***************
Tax laws have nothing to do with immigration so your "opinion " from someone at Imm is moot. It's a Revenue Dept thing. How do I assume this? ? My Thai wife is an accountant, tax certified, and External Auditor . Aus has a dta with Thailand. Any money you send to Thailand once that has been taxed already inOz isn't taxed again here.
Frangipani *******
@Steven **************
Wrong.Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steven **************
yip get all that it’s not my opinion just quoting from a webinar I attended - May all be bollocks, but on the other hand ………. I will find out in November when I renew - my 800k will be there if I get any issues around the 65k and no tax filing….the question from day one was enforcement of tax rules and visa renewal is a big stick time will tell…….Reply to
Michael *******
Reply
William ***********
The 800k is already in a Thai bank then that’s not income.
65k a month coming into Thailand is income. Makes perfect sense to me. Whether it’s taxable income depends on your situation.
65k a month coming into Thailand is income. Makes perfect sense to me. Whether it’s taxable income depends on your situation.
Tim ***********
@William **********
that's not true. I transfer *****
baht a month to my Thai bank from my retirement and it's not taxable.William ***********
@Tim **********
because you are from a country that has a tax agreement with Thailand. Not all countries have the same agreement. As I said it depends on your situation.Tim ***********
@William **********
trueReply to
Tim ***********
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Mike *********
Their documentation was clear that I had to fill in at the bank. It asked if I was still a tax citizen of my home country. Well the USA requires citizens anywhere in the world and no matter how long removed to file tax returns. I guess some of the other countries use that 180 day limit of being outside their country to say you are no longer a resident tax citizen. All USA citizens will remain tax citizens no matter how long they stay away from the US. After that question was answered that was it for me as I was not considered a resident tax payer for Thailand.
Fred ******
@Mike ********
Your tax status in your home country has no bearing on being considered a tax resident in Thailand.Mike *********
@Fred *****
the specific home country is the detail you miss. I don’t have a work permit in Thailand and the USA taxes my income where ever it is made. I am on a non-immigrant visa and a full time tax resident of the USA. The 180 days is irrelevant for USA citizens that don’t work and earn money in Thailand.Fred ******
@Mike ********
This is incorrect. Unless your Visa type dictates otherwise (LTR?) after 180 days you are a tax resident in Thailand. Currently, Thailand is only looking at inbound funds. That could change in the future to include income outside Thialand as well. Any tax treaties will determine if you will need to pay any tax in Thailand. Nothing outside of Thailand will magically make you not a tax resident only how much if anything you may end up paying.Reply to
Fred ******
Reply
Keith *******
@Fred *****
Actually it most certainly does. A person can be a dual tax resident, in which case the DTA comes into the equationFred ******
@Keith ******
Tax treaties between countries are agreements for exemptions, deductions or credits for taxes paid in one country against owed in another. They don't determine if one is considered a tax resident.Keith *******
@Fred *****
You need to read the DTA properly. It absolutely does determine tax residency if you are a dual tax residentReply to
Keith *******
Reply
Dennis *********
Seems like fake news. Immigration would have to learn rules and tax policies for hundreds of countries. This will never happen
Dennis *********
Thailand has recently completely backed away from taxing foreigners, after all the mostly fake BS about that. So if this were to even be slightly true, they would have to train immigration staff about 100's for foreign tax structures, and if a certain country even taxes certain individuals, when's and why's. Whoever said that is just completely full of S***, and to what end. they're already not going to be taxing $$ coming in Thailand... are they now to be the Tax police for foreign countries. I think not, doesn't pass the smell test.
Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dennis ********
no training required either you have a clearance certificate form Revenue Authority or you don’t, works in most jurisdictions around the world - I couldn’t settle my affairs in South Africa and clear my accounts and leave the country with out said certificate - immig in Jo’ burg werent the sharpest……paint by numbers on a computer screen.Reply to
Michael *******
Reply
Michael *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dennis ********
I listened to his precise words now perhaps they were put in his mouth by a greedy consultant who knows - he merely stated what the rules were if a retirement visa holder brought 65k a month into the country to satisfy his visa requirements and had not declared it for tax - I don’t intend to take a chance next time round - folks can make there own decisions, just providing a heads up.Dennis *********
@Michael ******
Not doubting you heard someone say that, but just think about it. Thailand has already stated they're not taxing foreign income. it's $2K usd a month, what could they possibly gain besides tying up 100's of immigration officers in a pointless ventures. Yes, this is Thailand immigration calling USA IRS, we got this citizen of yours that took a XXX.XX deduction on line 43.... that seem a bit suspicious. maybe you should audit them, and get back with us, and we'll put them on the first flight back... I hear all kinds of sillyness everyday, just turning on the TV, that's just never going to happen. Seems more like some anti-tourism rant, or someone coming off a 4 day bender, than something real. Thailand throws out lots of "ideas" everyday, most never make it to parliment, most that make it to parliment never gets passed, they few that do, they realize very quickly how bad an idea it was, and withdraw quickly. I'll take my chances on this one.Todd *********
@Dennis ********
think about it. The onus is on you to prove that you paid tax on the money that you used to live in Thailand. If you can’t prove it, no extension or stay. No effort needed from themDennis *********
@Todd ********
it's still fake news. Many many people are exempt, and, or have exceptions " write offs" like pension etc. It's just bs, not a real thing. Also Thailand is not taxing anyone's foreign income, they've already retracted that idea.Todd *********
@Dennis ********
they absolutely will be taxing foreign income you bring into Thailand for any tax resident of Thailand. 180 days. Except for LTR holdersAndy ************
@Todd ********
Not quite true. You've overlooked the DTAs, same as this immigration twat in the video!Todd *********
@Andy ***********
of course I haven’t. But DTA’s don’t alter you being a Thai taxpayer after 180. You are. DTA’s are solely for the prevention of dual taxationAndy ************
@Todd ********
Exactly! And it's also possible to be a dual tax resident, and thanks to the specific DTA, it's possible for your home tax residency to boot the Thai tax residency out of the equation! And you've diluted your last comment. You actually said "they absolutely will be taxing foreign income" - that's way off the markReply to
Andy ************
Reply
Jesper *******
Everyone comes from different countries and have different tax treaty with thailand.....I went to tax revenue office got myself a tax ID but after clarification I don't have to pay tax........actually we do have a choice to avoid tax.....stay less than 180days per financial year OR don't use the 65k method
Michael ********
I paid a small amount of tax in January because my money comes from Germany tax free, I can live with that.
John *********
Have with uk but I paid tax
Darin ********
I’m a Australian life time Army veteran that went directly from Army to retirement and Iive in Thailand. Thailand has a tax agreement with Australia so l pay zero taxes in Thailand.
Marianne ********
@Darin *******
Norway also has a tax agreement with Thailand.So I tax to Thailand and get tax paid back to me from Norway for any money I remitted to Thailand that got taxed in Norway first.
CjandBrigitte **********
@Darin *******
Australian friend went to the tax office here and was required to pay his tax, he had no proof of tax paid in Australia on the money brought into the country.True ********
@CjandBrigitte *********
he should have read the DTA firstReply to
True ********
Reply
Mel ******
If someone wants to be really sure, they could transfer the 800k thb in a calendar year when they are in Thailand 179 days or less.
I never planned to switch to 65k thb since I don't want to risk a monthly transfer not arriving on time etc. I keep a separate account for my daily spending and I don't bother with letting the balance drop below 800k. I try to keep my visa as simple as possible.
I never planned to switch to 65k thb since I don't want to risk a monthly transfer not arriving on time etc. I keep a separate account for my daily spending and I don't bother with letting the balance drop below 800k. I try to keep my visa as simple as possible.
Brenda *********
@Mel *****
good idea. So you can have more than one account?Mel ******
@Brenda ********
my bank lets me. Bangkok bank. But it might depend on your bank branch.Reply to
Mel ******
Reply
Jeremy ********
TiT…clear as mud
Got it
Got it
Reply to
Jeremy ********
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