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What are the tax implications for a US W2 employee moving to Thailand while remaining employed remotely?

Rachael *********
asked Jul 19, 2026
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US Citizen W2 Employee Taxes

Hi all - I’m looking into moving to Thailand and I currently hold a W2 position at a fully remote company. While they’ve been open in the past to people working abroad short-term (3 months or less) and they have contractors who live in other time zones outside of the US, my specific desire to move somewhere ex-US long-term and remain employed as a W2 employee hasn’t happened at my company before.

I’m seeing conflicting information online regarding taxes - some things are saying my company would have to pay taxes to the Thai government, some are saying there’s a treaty to prevent this. Does anyone have solid experience with this? My company is very small (less than 30 people) and I know they wouldn’t be willing to deal with a foreign tax system, but I do think my company would be receptive if the time/cost commitment for them wasn’t too high.

I know theres the option to become a W9 contractor, which I also think they’d be open to, but would prefer to remain W2 if it makes sense for both of us.

Please share what you know about Thailand /US employment tax for this scenario! I have a company retreat coming up in a few weeks and plan to forge a conversation about it then.
Answer summary
A US citizen looking to move to Thailand while employed as a W2 employee is seeking clarity on the tax implications. There's confusion regarding whether their small company would incur taxes in Thailand and what treaties might apply. They hope to maintain their W2 status but are open to becoming a W9 contractor if necessary. One comment suggests maintaining a US address and getting a DTV for ease of banking.
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Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Octo *******
Octo *******
Just maintain a US address, get the DTV, and you’re set. Get a Schwab account if you don’t already have one as they refund all ATM fees.

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