What are the long-term implications of retiring in Thailand considering the evolving tax situation?

Oct 17, 2024
2 months ago
Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Very premature here but …anyone have an idea of the long term implications of retirement in Thailand re the ever changing tax situation? It’ll be regarding over 50 retirement visa etc . Cheers
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The long-term tax implications for retirees in Thailand, particularly those holding an over-50 retirement visa, are uncertain due to a constantly evolving tax landscape. Many expats express concern over potential tax increases, which could lead them to consider relocating to countries with more favorable tax situations. Discussions emphasize the importance of understanding dual tax agreements with one's home country and strategies for managing retirement income to minimize tax liabilities in Thailand. While the current policy generally does not tax foreign income that is not remitted within the same year, caution is advised as laws may change.
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Shayne **********
How do these Thai Tax Rules affect foreigners in Thailand? Will they affect you?

Thomas from American International Tax Advisers talking about the latest updates regarding the Foreigner Income Tax on money brought into Thailand.

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@https://www.facebook********************
Tore *********
Things can change all the time in Thailand. I don’t believe the “new rules” are a sure thing yet. And it also depends on your financial situation and what your home country is.

In any case, what you should check:

1. Does your country have a dual tax agreement with Thailand?

2. Is your income taxed in your home country?

With a dual tax treaty you only tax income in one location.

But there is so many factors that depend on your situation. Impossible to answer here.

But in short, I wouldn’t worry.

In my situation it’s beneficial for me to be tax resident in another SE Asian country, due to my unique situation.

But for most countries, if your income is taxes in your homecountry there’s no real issue. For investments, crypto, savings etc it depends in your unique circumstances
Eric ******
@Tore ********
so the dual taxation would still be in effect? I know it's just speculation, but there is talk that this may override that? Deep down, I don't think the Thai govt will alienate retirees see what I did there 😁), but why let it hang out there for so long with no clarification?
Tore *********
@Eric *****
it would be pretty bizarre if they suddenly cancelled the many tax treaties they have with western countries.

I wont state anything for certain, but that would be unprecedented.

People are really overthinking something that hasn’t even taken effect yet.
Jeff *******
@Tore ********
It took effect on
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/24
Eric ******
@Tore ********
yep, but the speculation is crazy out there. Wish they'd just give a little guidance one way or the other.
Andrew ********
No one has any idea what's going on, no one!
Jim ***********
@Andrew *******
exactly 💯
Damo ***********
@Andrew *******
100% correct... lots of 'Nancy' men spread fear and uncertainty based on absolute 'nothing' 🙂
Cubi ******
@Damo **********
i love the name, Nancy men. Lol excellent
Eric ******
@Damo **********
how does it even get out there for people to speculate on with no clarification? Obviously people are going to assume worst case scenarios. It looks like at the same time they are welcoming tourists and DTVs, they are 'penalizing' retirees living here or wanting to come here long term.
Dieter *******
Forget the taxes, never will come. Read the news today about the topic 😀
Olivia **********
Thailand's tax situation for retirees on the over-50 retirement visa is generally favorable, as the country doesn’t tax foreign income if it’s not remitted during the same year it was earned. However, tax laws and policies can change, so it’s important to stay updated. Consulting a tax advisor familiar with both Thai and international tax laws can help you navigate any potential long-term changes.
Mel ******
@Olivia *********
this has changed in 2024 tax year.
Mel ******
I will enjoy Thailand for 179 days in 2024. 😀
Eric ******
@Mel *****
not sure why they would want to cater to tourists and digital nomads as with the new entry enhancements while also do what looks to be 'penalizing' retirees? I'm thinking of just doing the 179 days or less also. And why leave it hanging out there for so long with no clarifiaction? Obviously people are speculate on worst case scenarios without any factual direction...
Ken ***********
@Mel *****
I will do the same. Da Nang. Siem Reap, Ubud, Luang Prabang, Kuala Lumpur are all part of my nomad life.
Mel ******
@Ken **********
hehe. I ended up wandering around Türkiye, where I lived for a year, and then Eastern Europe again and Northern Europe for the first time. Next up Oman, where I lived for 6 years and Singapore where I lived for 4 years. Then back to Thailand to extend my NonO for another year.

I like your path also I still need to pop over to see da nang at some point.
Dany *******
Sue **********
@Dany ******
It would be better if you would explane that the tax rates are progressive. That means if you transfer about 2 mio thb in a tax year in total the deductions and due to progressive accounting results in about 15%-20% tax at the end. for retirees >65 even less.

I‘m not sure if a retiree does have to spend over 4‘000 US $ every month for living here in Thailand 😉
Dany *******
These are the fact rates to match with the rate you are paying at home. If you don't, have to play in full
Rene ********
@Dany ******
interesting post. Surely the rates change depending on where the money comes from? : shares, capital gains on property sales, pensions, savings, income, rent, passive income, etc???????
Jim ***********
As of yet nobody knows. Tax "experts " don't know. Guy in bar doesn't know. Facebook doesn't know. Wait and see what happens start next year.
Jeff *******
@Jim **********
True enough, but it's best to be ready - the tax rates/bands are common knowledge, check how much you bought in and then deduct any allowances, also commonly out there. You'll be ready if it happens and pleasantly surprised if it doesn't
Rok ********
As long as you move around and not become a tax resident through physical presence of more than 180 days in any tax year you will be fine. Thai tax year is Jan-Dec
Andy ************
@Rok *******
People overlook the protection of their home country DTA. If they keep home country tax residency and have a permanent home there, they pay no tax in Thailand on transferred money
Norbert **********
@Andy ***********
if you pay like me in swiss 23% tax,and thailand have for this income 35% tax,then it can be possible that you pay the difference in thailand.
Andy ************
@Norbert *********
I've really no idea. You would have to read the DTA signed by Switzerland and Thailand, and ascertain your own residency status. What people don't realise is every individual situation is different.
Rok ********
@Andy ***********
indeed - if you are already paying taxes in your home country (eg rental income by default or pension income) having another tax residency can be expensive due to tax advice and tax return filling costs. The double taxation treaty may reduce the tax but personal allowances are very different and especially affect the state pension income (like in UK it is currently fully covered by personal allowance of £12,500 per annum). Thai personal allowance is much lower triggering a tax liability if becoming a tax resident in Thailand.
Gary ********
@Rok *******
this is not true.....just because you can take out £12,570 from your UK pension without paying tax doesn't mean you are protected from Thailand tax when you bring it into Thailand. The DTA between UK and Thailand is very poor and only protects ex forces and certain government pension schemes. If you take out 12,579 and even a tax free lump sum from a UK pension......as soon as you bring it into Thailand you are potentially subject to tax in Thailand
Rok ********
@Gary *******
this is exactly what i said: Thai Personal Tax allowance is much lower which will trigger a tax liability in Thailand on the income which is otherwise covered by Personal Tax Allowance in especially affecting the state pension recipients who become tax residents in Thailand.
Andy ************
@Rok *******
I don't know about UK, but Australians with a permanent home in Australia are taxable solely in Australia
Rok ********
@Andy ***********
almost impossible not to remain tax resident in Oz then if even citizenship contributes to it…. Unless you sell everything, close all bank accounts and basically not step on australian soil … and even that probably after quite a few years of fights with the tax man.
Andy ************
@Rok *******
Exactly! Not as cut and dried as that. So many stupid Aussies totally sever their lives in Australia. They get married to a Thai woman, have children, build that cheap palatial home in the middle of a rice field in that Godforsaken place called Isaan, they get all fuzzy over having a pink card, a blue book, yellow book, green book, and enshrine themselves into Thailand and then start bleating because they have to pay tax!! My sole possessions in Thailand are a bank account and a 12-month lease. Oh, and a TEMPORARY extension if stay! I even refuse to get a Thai driver's licence. If push comes to shove, I'm an Aussie through and through
Bruce ***********
@Andy ***********
why call people names all the time are you just a nasty person?
Andy ************
@Bruce **********
Who am I calling names?
Reidar **********
Many expats living in Thailand would not pay any taxes on their pension income in their home countries, plus many have sold their assets, some maybe bought houses in their wife's name and many transferring money from their respective home country bank into Thai bank account. With Thaksin in power and the reenactment of existing tax laws, they will all have to pay tax. The Thai government recently issued 10, 000 baht to the tune of 4,5 billion, benefitting 14,5 million Thai nationals. Having own business in Chiang Mai, I am sure the Thai government is not interested in "comforting" a few thousand potential tax cheaters, calling themselves xpats that are not ! Immigrants as some may think they are, but rather working towards creating an Asian multi country visa, headed by Thailand and Vietnam. Your time of free-loading is over .. Thaksin is back, approved

by the King !
Wayne *****
@Reidar *********
What the fuck do you mean by freeloading??? Everyone spends money in Thailand everyday, so how is this freeloading?
Jeff *******
@Wayne ****
How much do you pay for the roads/police/street lighting/ etc etc. You have to pay tax for these in your home countries why not here? May not be freeloading but it's certainly living tax free and that doesn't happen anywhere. Thailand are merely catching up with more advanced countries. The howls of anguish are laughable.
Andy ************
@Jeff ******
I pay taxes in Australia. The Australian government subsequently gives Thailand $46 million in foreign aid. Box ticked. 😂😂
Wayne *****
@Jeff ******
you are speaking crap buddy. It's called paying for a visa every year. Paying for a re entry whenever you return. Paying way more than a Thai person for entry fees etc. And I'm willing to pay for all these things, no problem. But to be called a free loader is being a disrespectful prick. You would be one of them pricks who wouldn't have the balls to say it face to face. Key board warrior 🤡
Jeff *******
@Wayne ****
lol haha fuck me another one, absolutely happy to say it face to face to a freeloading muppet! However moving on, your entitled little arse thinks 1900 baht entitles you to a years living right? Grow up chump, reality is coming for you
Reidar **********
@Wayne ****
Don't worry cowboy, guess being called a freeloader hit home. Just ask your local Thai .. he / she would agree. I had business in Chiang Mai, employed people, paid taxes and was part of the Rotary club. Travelled with several high position Thai politicians to meetings with village leaders. Bought and installed various equipment for several Lana villages, only accessible with the help of the army. Little boy, seems like you locked your profile and I can assure you I would love to tell you face to face. The facts are, life for the xpats are in the flux of change.
Koen *******
Andy ************
@Reidar *********
The stupid ones sold up their lives in their home countries. I've been here 15 years but still qualify as an Australian Tax Resident, so I will not pay tax in Thailand. I'm just here on an extended holiday. My only assets after 15 years are a 12-month lease, a bank account and a temporary extension of stay!
Jeff *******
@Andy ***********
Give us your comprehensive knowledge of the UK tax system and why it was 'stupid' to sell up please..
Andy ************
@Jeff ******
Selling UK property to buy property in Thailand? Come on! That doesn't need spelling out! 😂😂😂
Tim ******
@Andy ***********
It's amazing how many wannabe experts here in the fb group call other opinions stupid.

Everyone's circumstances are very different.

For example, there are the different tax systems in their home countries.

There are countries that tax pensions and assets.

But private circumstances can also be a reason to leave your home country forever and take your assets with you.

And then there is the situation where your life circumstances suddenly change and you move from a tax-friendly country to Thailand.

I think deregistering in my home country has saved me several tens of thousands of dollars in taxes and insurance so far.

I probably won't pay that much tax in Thailand in the next 10 years.

But maybe my life circumstances will change again and I'll move back to a tax-friendly country while continuing not to pay taxes in my home country.
Kace *******
they will take everything you have. except for your woman. she’s yours.
John **********
The tax situation is not ever changing. There was a single change made last year which came into effect in January this year and nobody seems to bother reading up on the regulations. Every person's tax situation in Thailand is unique to them, they only constant is if you bring assessable income into Thailand you have to declare it on a Thai tax return and may (or may not) have to pay Thai tax on it. It will depend on the type of income, the dual tax agreement between your country and Thailand (if there is one), the allowances you can claim in Thailand, whether or not you can claim a credit for tax already paid elsewhere on the money and so on
Christopher *************
James *********
Ideas are abundant, but no one actually knows, right?
Steve *******
All up in the air right now.

Other posters advising to keep money at home country are on point. Bring in what you need ideally just pension money. Make sure your home country is covered by a double taxation agreement.

Best guess is you’ll end up paying something. Your pension will not be taxable. Anything over and above that brought in may be taxable if it wasn’t taxed at origin. However - who knows.

Bottom line- if you can handle paying something tax here you may want to reconsider moving here since undoing that would be a hassle.
Christopher *************
@Steve ******
your pension is taxable , depending on the DTA of individual countries unfortunately
Steve *******
@Christopher ************
yes. That’s why checking if the home country has a DTA and what is says are critical
Christopher *************
Phil ******
No change in Tax situation here in Thailand
@Gary *******
Christopher *************
Phil ******
Charles ********
It's really hard to say. Know that any place change in fast though.

Tax planning is probably and its great you are thinkingabout it. Where you live should definitely have a consideration of tax implications.

It's definitely got me looking at alternatives places to live. I have an active income with investments. If you are a pensioner, things can be a bit easier in most countries.

There are other countries than Thailand to consider that have better tax situation either similar costs of living, safety, climate, Healthcare, etc. Important to consider all your options but be flexible.
Norbert **********
@Charles *******
malysia is good ,territorial taxation,and a longstay visa by invest of a condo/house from 5-10y
Charles ********
@Norbert *********
Malaysia taxes foreign source income that is remitted, same as Thailand. This was a more recent change with a phased changes. Act 830, signed in 2021. Started first phase in 2022 and full by 2026. There was exception and low tax rates, but most of those won't apply to 2025 and all gone by in another year. So, really same same as thai.

My consideration, would be Panama, most like Thailand in climate, costs, safety, etc. One of the best tax jurisdiction in the world. The closest Asian country with good reasonable tax laws would be Philippines, but they been playing with their taxes codes a lot so it's hard to say what's in the future.
Norbert **********
@Charles *******
Auslandseinkommen wird nicht versteuert in Malaysia,hat ein steuerexperte mitgeteilt.
Charles ********
@Norbert *********
you need to find a better tax "expert". Not everyone with a nice suite and certificate on the wall is actually competent.

Here are the law changes I reference:

Income Tax (Exemption) (No. 5) Order 2022

Income Tax (Exemption) (No. 6) Order 2022

If you prefer a summary instead of the actual law:
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4-is-foreign-sourced-income-exempted-from-tax.html
Norbert **********
@Charles *******
panama is blacklisted is not so exiting ,if you want invest worldwide in projects i think.
SJ *******
Ok as a retired financial planner, I've advised several people retiring to asia including Thailand.

This relates to Australians but may work for other nationalities.

Hold all your assets in your country of origin and have access on line. Use a credit card from your home country and pay it off via online banking.

Your local wife or girlfriend and the Thai government is to know nothing about this money.

Transfer the minimum required to Thailand to get the visa. Don't buy anything other than a bike or a cheap car.

Rent a house don't buy as it will be in her name.

Tell her you receive a monthly pension that dies with you. Give her and her family a small allowance each month.

If you are Australian use superannuation income stream as it is tax free.

I hope this helps.
Jeff *******
@SJ ******
A financial advisor giving out poor advice doubling up as the Cheap Charlie cheerleader. You CAN own your own house, and you should probably look up CGT when discussing holding onto assets, you might learn something.
Don *********
@SJ ******
the OP is turning 50, so if he’s Australian at least a decade before he can get his hands on Superannuation.

Rather than invest anything further in Australian Super I would suggest opening an account with one of the international banks with a Singapore office and enjoy your investments growing 100% tax free - way better than either Super or any retail investments in Thailand.

The rest of the recommendations are entirely discretionary
Ken **********
Narelle ************
@SJ ******
made a few assumptions there. Namely that retirees are all men looking to marry poor women and hide their assets from them. You sound nice.
SJ *******
@Narelle ***********
We have all heard the horror stories of lonely men being take advantage of and worse.

No one is forcing anyone to do it this way, or is it suitable for everyones situation, but it does provide some protection particularly for the inheritance of existing children outside Thailand.

Some people may just do this till they are sure the relationship is genuine and will last.

Also does not leave you exposed to the whims of the last military dictators change of rules. Seeing as they have a new one every 3 years or so.

By all means provide her with a better life but don’t temp her and her family with wealth that will be theirs when you die.

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8
Dave **********
@SJ ******
your plan assumes you don't care what happens to your love ones after your death. This is shameful.
SJ *******
@Dave *********
not suitable to every situation but you can still make arrangements for after your death in your Will. But what it does is protects you and your assets from a relationship breakdown and the ever changing Thai political environment.
Eric ******
@SJ ******
these bleeding heart idiots I guess don't understand you have a fiduciary responsibility to the person that HIRED you. And sorry, buy there are mountains of stories of foreigners getting taken advantage of by the country they move to (not just Thailand). A FA gives advice, doesn't force people to take that advice. I would want someone that looks out for ME, not makes it easier for my (what I would assume at that time be), my EX to take advantage of what I acquired over a career that I worked hard for. If in the end, they are still together I'm sure the advice would be different and would entail how the spouse and in laws would be taken care of, but any other scenario, I want to be the one protected. Guess there are plenty of Damocrats in Thailand also...
Dave **********
@SJ ******
A narcissist really never understands when they're being narcissistic. anything we say we'll just go over your head.
Christopher *************
@SJ ******
sounds like a happy life lol 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Todd *********
@Christopher ************
lol, this poor simp is an absolute mess of a human
Christopher *************
Todd *********
@SJ ******
yes, it helps clarify that you are an absolute embarrassment to your ‘profession’ and as clueless as they come
SJ *******
@Todd ********
maybe we should catch up and have a chat.
Todd *********
@SJ ******
maybe we should - you won’t enjoy the result. But it seems you are taking the appropriate beatdown from others here recognizing the lack of quality and integrity in your best. Best just cut your losses and shuffle off. I’ve had more than enough of your BS
SJ *******
@Todd ********
maybe at my Muay Tai gym for a coffee and a chat.
SJ *******
@Todd ********
interesting my thoughtful post has 20 likes so far are yours has one clown face. I think we all know who is the embarrassment .
Dave **********
@SJ ******
You do know that Thailand is filled with.

Plenty of bumpkins, right? You are clueless 🙄
Todd *********
@SJ ******
thoughtful lol. Is dishonesty thoughtful or next level stupid? Again -very happy your profession saw fit to send you off. I can understand why. You are a liar and bottom feeder. Without a clue of international tax implications. But best of luck
SJ *******
@Todd ********
insults without substance once again one clown face for the clown.
Jeff *******
@SJ ******
says the guy who failed to produce any documentary or factual evidence for your opening statement. Not even for the parts you got clearly wrong! As for FB likes, if you judge your abilities by FB likes it's not really a surprise you're retired!
Dave **********
@SJ ******
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Todd *********
@SJ ******
the clown 🤡 is from you 😂 you worthless piece of dog excrement. .. and still nary a clue about international finance. Thx for coming out
Paul ***************
@SJ ******
sounds good advice
Rob *********
@SJ ******
any advice on how to get my Taiwanese wife to agree to the local wife or girlfriend part?
Andy **********
@SJ ******
some bad advice there from a financial planning professional.
Andy ********
@Andy *********
Why.... pretty poor just to say that and add nothing
Andy **********
@Andy *******
Because I thought it was bloody obvious he was handing out shit advice involving criminality.
Andy ********
@Andy *********
It sounded pretty hood advice to me.
Dave **********
@Andy *******
, it's only good advice if you are a deceitful narcissist caring only about yourself.

Decent human beings that love the people in their life. Include them in a life plan. that includes financial planning for today, tomorrow, And after your death. This guy is not an ethical financial planner.
Jeff *******
@Dave *********
Spot on Sir
Paul *****************
@Andy *******
his advice is spot on. If you know you know.
Jeff *******
@Paul ****************
Its not even close to being spot on, a) you CAN own your own house, b) he clearly doesn't have a clue about CGT, Capital Gains Tax, or I strongly suspect the various tax regimes that will determine your future moves. All he gave out was generic, anti thai crap! Can find that in any bar.
John **********
@Andy *********
Please explain what was bad advice. Also your qualifications to know better?
Andy **********
@John *********
A so-called financial advisor is recommending lies and deceit, and you think there is nothing wrong with this? This is why he's no longer a financial advisor, with all the ethical codes of conduct they are supposed to abide by. There is more than a hint of racism in the answer. Whether a pension dies with you depends on the scheme and he damn well knows that. What's a cheap car got to do with the question. A cheap car in Thailand, given the inspection standards, would likely result in a less safe, more polluting, more unreliable and probably dangerous. House ownership advice depends on circumstances and whether your girlfriend is a scheming prostitute or not. The same advice I expect applies to Aussies shacking up with a meth riddled prostitute in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth etc.
John **********
@Andy *********
Ethical codes and Thailand shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence. You have made a lots of assumptions. I wouldn't say racism, more like he might have had a bad experience.
Lynnette *******
@SJ ******
interesting information. Thanks. Allowance? My son's wife works so they split living costs
*****
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SJ *******
@Lynnette ******
lucky man.

This relates to retired men moving to Thailand to be with Thai women.
Lynnette *******
@SJ ******
his wife is Thai. Mind you he pays the rent from an allowance he gets.

The info you posted about leaving assets in home country was interesting.
SJ *******
@Lynnette ******
thank you, the reason is it is protected from the vagaries of Thai law as the political system is very fragile with regular coups tax and ownership laws can change quickly.

My clients tended to have children in Australia so inheritance was an issue. Assets are governed by inheritance laws of the country they are in so an Australian Will distributes them.

Also if the relationship breaks down he controls the assets he brought to the relationship and can return to his country or remain in Thailand and be secure.
Todd *********
@SJ ******
all those regular coups 😂😂😂
SJ *******
@Todd ********
yes there have been 19 since 1932.

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Todd *********
@SJ ******
yes - 2 non-violent ‘coups’ since 1977. You should definitely stay away from Thailand. She thanks you 🙏. Probably more of a market for dishonest salesmen there anyway
Christopher *************
Longterm view is not possible yet , short term still to be clarified but if they tax alot here people will go to other countries to retire this already seems to be happening
Lynnette *******
@Christopher ************
it seems most countries tax nowadays. Some have double taxation agreements. I guess to avoid tax people might have to keep moving countries.
Christopher *************
@Lynnette ******
alot of DTA,s are useless though unfortunately
Lynnette *******
@Christopher ************
people can just keep moving country if they want. . I'd not want the upheaval and cost just to avoid some tax.
Barry *******
@Lynnette ******
40% of your income is not some tax!
Jeff *******
@Barry ******
Where are you getting 40% from - the vast vast majority of expats won't come anywhere near to the higher bands, remember you're talking about people who will drive 15 miles to get their Leo 15 baht cheaper!
Barry *******
@Jeff ******
As I corrected, 35%.

I know many that would fall into the higher bracket.
Jeff *******
@Barry ******
Cool, so why should it be tax free where they live now in Thailand when it wouldn't be in their own country? Curious
Barry *******
@Jeff ******
in their own country they would receive a pension and free healthcare etc after paying taxes!
Christopher *************
@Barry ******
where do you get 40 % from ?
Barry *******
Barry *******
@Christopher ************
It’s a ball part figure having worked internationally over many years.

Guyana charge 36% tax.

Would all depend on income but the high 30s ‘could be a possibility.

UK larger tax bracket is in the region of 40%, Scandinavian countries in excess of 50%
Christopher *************
@Barry ******
I lived abroad for years and in Thailand 3 years , you won't pay 40 percent top rate is 35 , most people will not pay alot on remitted money to Thailand
Barry *******
@Christopher ************
hence the above picture.

My point was 20-40% is not a ‘bit’ of tax as the comment suggested.
Christopher *************
@Barry ******
no but depending on your individual circumstances it can be little
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