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What are the tax implications and rules for sending large amounts of money from the US to Thailand for building a house?

Jun 19, 2025
a day ago
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'd like to build a house. For REASONS I am interested in sending the money from USA to my wife here. How did that work? With large transfers does it get declared or flagged or? Is it taxed? What sort of rates? We know very little about taxes in Thailand- nobody in my wife's network has anyone ever had enough money to need to pay taxes.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When transferring large sums of money from the USA to Thailand for building a house, it's important to understand local regulations and tax implications. Amounts under THB 5,000,000 typically do not raise flags with the Bank of Thailand, but larger amounts require documentation proving the source of funds and a letter explaining the purpose of the transfer. Tax residents in Thailand have specific gifting limits (up to 20 million THB) that are tax-free if the recipient does not benefit from the funds in the year received. It's advisable to make smaller transfers to avoid complications and ensure smooth processing.
Michael ********
He is only on about sending the money why all the talking about the house. Jack is already on building in Thailand Forum and is aware of all the other things
Giovanni **********
I think your confusing negativity with good advice.
Giovanni **********
Make sure it's large enough for the parents and close family.
Wannikea *********
Wise account to transfer funds or Swift network bank to bank.
Peter **********
We have a special interest group about the Thai tax rules. You may want to check there:

Thailand Tax rules for expats
Lee *************
Do smaller transfers so the tax is not flagged
Greg ******
Living in the village can be very difficult. The in-laws can try your patience.

If I had to do it over again, then I’d live in a bigger city within an hour or so of my wife’s village. That way she can visit anytime.
John **********
If you are living in Canada and spend less than 180 days inside Thailand in the calendar year you send the money there's no tax implications as you will not be a tax resident that year
Cris ******
So i can see all the negative Nancy's are jumping in. Haha. But as for transfers. I would try to stay under 10k USD transfers. If you do, they aren't flagged in the US and I don't believe they are in Thailand. Plus the transfer time goes way up if you do any longer. At least from my experience. Most builder's set up "payment plans" which i would recommend. And makes it easier for small transfers too
Mark ***********
Call
@Brian ********
Lawyers for Expats he will set you straight look his website it's your best advice and free first call
Pete *******
If you are not a Thai tax resident you can simply remit the funds into Thailand tax free. If you are already tax resident you can gift up to 20 million to your wife. Gifting done say at Christmas time would be traditional and customary. You would be able to use the funds from the 1st Jan. As you have not benefited from the gift in the year it was made the gift would be tax free.
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete ******
huh, that is fascinating and sounds ripe for abuse. For clarity- she cannot use the money until the next year? Or it cannot benefit ME?
Pete *******
@Jack ***************
you as the gifter cannot benefit from the gift in the year that the gift was made. You can prove this by showing the wife’s bank account as of 31st Dec with the money there untouched. From the 1st Jan, beginning of the new tax year the funds are free to be used as wished.
Tony *************
If your wife is Thai, DO NOT PUT THE HOUSE IN HER NAME. I REPEAT DO NOT PUT THE HOUSE IN HER NAME. What you need to do is set up a limited company and the limited company owns a house and you’re the main shareholder in the company. Do not use your wife or any other relatives or friends as Thai partners good luck 
Michael ********
@Tony ************
yes they have closed down over 4000 companies (nominee companies) this year so far
Kerry *********
@Tony ************
Usufruct is another option.
Pete *******
@Tony ************
setting up a company to own property is illegal.
Lim ***********
Amount less than THB 5,000,000 will not be flagged. For amount of THB 5,000,000 and above, Bank of Thailand will require you to provide documentation of proof of source of funds, letter explaining why you are remitting money into Thailand. Once they are satisfied, they will release the money to your account, else they will send the money back to your account.
Tony *************
@Pete ******
tell that to all the foreigners, who own houses in Thailand 🇹🇭
Pete *******
@Tony ************
who must all now be sweating as the Police investigation into nominee companies gathers pace.
Jo **********
@Pete ******
you can own the house, but not the land it’s on. I own two legally
Dany ********
RUN 🚩 🚩 🚩
Giovanni **********
@Dany *******
Pointless... They don't listen
Dwayne ********
If buy used, look thoroughly; if condo, same look thoroughly; if want build, map it out with full layout. Bank wise you just transfer.

Found building a house far more cheap than buying a condo. But if condo, despite a few $100,000 more, everything is accessible.
Brad *******
@Dwayne *******
yeah that answered his question about taxes. Maybe you should recommend a good taxi service to pick him up for a tour of the Grand Palace as well…🤦‍♂️
Steve ***********
Bye bye $$$
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