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What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand for 180 days a year while working abroad, and do I need to pay income tax in Thailand?

Visa options METV visa Income tax Residency Non-resident status Working abroad Thailand taxation rules

Dec 20, 2017

7 years ago

Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, needing some advise please, looking at living in Thailand and working abroad i will be in thailand 180 days per year 6 trips in and out, staying no more than 1 month per time what is my best Visa if any other than tourist, and do i pay income tax in thailand ?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The best visa option for staying in Thailand for up to 180 days a year with multiple entries is the Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (METV), which allows stays of 60 days per entry, renewable. If you remain under 180 days in Thailand, you are generally classified as a non-resident and do not need to pay income tax in Thailand, provided your income is earned abroad. Working in Thailand requires a proper work permit and a B visa.

Tod *********

and I'm saying living here on tourist visas while making money abroad is NOT going to expose you to any tax liability here.

Seeing as you have your visa questions answered, I am shutting this topic down.

Good Luck (y)

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Tod *********

If you make money IN thailand you need the correct visa, a work permit and to file thai tax, IF you just live here but make money abroad you don't.

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

from revenue dept 1.Taxable Person

Taxpayers are classified into “resident” and “non-resident”. “Resident” means any person residing in Thailand for a period or periods aggregating more than 180 days in any tax (calendar) year. A resident of Thailand is liable to pay tax on income from sources in Thailand as well as on the portion of income from foreign sources that is brought into Thailand. A non-resident is, however, subject to tax only on income from sources in Thailand.

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Maurice *******

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

the 180 days is if you stay over your classed as a resident and income tax is payable

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

oh

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Tod *********

you are incorrect

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Tod *********

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Tod *********

I dunno where you got the 180 days from. You can live here full time if you can find a way to and you still wouldn't be obligated to pay thai tax as long as you made the money outside the country.

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Tod *********

that is not correct.

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

from what ive read, if you stay over 180 days, you must become Thai resident

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Joe ***********

You said working abroad. Not working in Thailand I assume... So no tax in Thailand. If you work in Thailand you must work for a Thai Registered Company and have a Work Permit along with B Visa... Fairly complicated in my opinion

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

yes working outside thailand

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Maurice *******

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

so as long as i sty under the 180 days iam classed a non resident and dont pay income tax correct ?

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok so if i am in Thailand under 180 days i dont need to pay income tax, so where am i a resident off ? or do 'who do i pay income tax to ? anyone know, i certainly dont want to be paying it to Australia i wont be residing there the country i work in i pay ? so is that it ?

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Tod *********

you don't pay tax in thailand if you don't make money inside the country.

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Tod *********

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Tod *********

I'd say given the information you posted that a 6 month METV <- multi-entry tourist visa would be your easiest choice. That visa is good for 6 months from the date it's issued, each entry gets you stamped in for 60 days and you can enter as much as you like for the validity of the visa itself

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

great thanks Tod yes am Ozzie

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Tod *********

@Maurice ******

depends on where you are in the world and what thai consulate you're using. If your profile is to be believed and you're in Australia, you pay 275AUD for a 6 month METV. Look at the requirements on the website of the thai consulate closest to you

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

any idea on the cost Tod ?

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Maurice *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you Tod

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