Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What should I know about handling taxes as a UK expat moving to Thailand permanently?

Tax Residency Thai Tax Rules Expat Tax Advice Visa Options Dividends and Capital Gains Tax Property Ownership in Thailand Housing Market in Thailand

Nov 5, 2025

2 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m 45 from the UK and will be taking early retirement next month and moving from the UK to Thailand permanently. I’ll still be receiving dividends from my UK company and using my UK bank card while living there (more than 180 days per year). Can anyone advise how I should handle my tax situation? I understand that funds remitted into Thailand in the same year is subject to Thai tax? 

In 2015 I bought a house (main residence) in the UK for £525K with an interest only mortgage and a £200K deposit. The property is now valued at around £600K. So, if I use the original £200K deposit to buy something in Bangkok, presumably it’s tax except?

3,212

views

2

likes

82

all likes

29

replies

0

images

14

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A UK expat, moving to Thailand permanently and receiving dividends, seeks advice on managing tax obligations related to funds remitted into Thailand and property investments. The conversation features mixed opinions on tax liabilities, including differing interpretations of residency rules and implications for UK property. Recommendations include consulting with tax professionals and caution against making presumptions without clear guidance.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Tony ********

If your moving here in 2025, all money you currently have can be treated as non-assesable and can be moved to Thailand tax free at any point in the future under the current rules as you dont become a tax resident until 2026 and subject to tax filing rules in 2027. Any interest you make in 2026 onward and remit would be subject to tax, but you can claim credit for uk tax paid on it prior to calculating any tax owed. Just make sure you have adequate records of monies held as of end of 2025.

Like

Reply

Us *****

You stfu about your funds. Don't say anything until they have it figured out. Worry about your visa.

Like

Reply

Will ************

Remember if you move from the UK and you rent your permanent residence in the UK out you loose your capital gain exemption on that property and pay full whack capital gain on it when sold

Like

Reply

Graeme ******

@Will ***********

thats not entirely true it depends on how long you have lived/owned in the uk and how long you have rented it out. You will loose a proportion of your capital gains allowance the longer you rent it out.

Like

Reply

Philip *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’ve lived in the house all my life. Never been rented

Like

Reply

Graeme ******

you can sell in the uk no probs. Just watch out how long you plan on staying in thailand and if you remit the money from your house. If you sell you uk house then dont remit the proceeds in the same thai tax year (if you stay for over 180days) because then you could be liable for capital gains tax in thailand. If you use your money a year later then you should be ok

Like

Reply

Reply to

Graeme ******

Reply

Philip *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Will ***********

I’ve sold my house

Like

Reply

Reply to

Philip *****

Reply

Andrew *********

Firstly RE your statement "presumably it’s tax except?" the first thing I advise you to do is stop presuming. Do not presume anything when you are in Thailand.

In specific reference to your question, do nothing, nothing at all. Wait for someone to ask you for something, and chances are they will not anyway.

Like

Reply

John *********

@Andrew ********

yes don’t use western logic in Thailand, it takes years to think like a Thai, I think I’m about 25% there 😂

Like

Reply

Reply to

John *********

Reply

Sally ********

and he won't be able to open a bank account

Like

Reply

Philip *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’ll use my UK personal and business debit/credit cards

Like

Reply

Sally ********

you'll need a Thai account eventually when you move from a DTV as that is tourist visa...

Like

Reply

Philip *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

can I get a thai account on a DTV?

Like

Reply

Sally ********

No..they have stopped allowing it as it's classes as a tourist visa

Like

Reply

Reply to

Sally ********

Reply

Caroline *******

You question seems to centre on Tax.

Get good information before you jump - I def recommend Expat Tax Thailand. Carl Turner and his team are extremely helpful.

Like

Reply

Ralph *******

What visa will you get?

Like

Reply

Philip *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

DTV

Like

Reply

Ralph *******

Ok. Only it’s not really intended for staying permanently.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ralph *******

Reply

James ***************

Do nothing, nothing as yet cast in stone about foreigners having to pay tax. Foreign accounts working illegally scaremongering.

Like

Reply

Melody *******

@James **************

bullshit, your 2 ys behind, it’s real and there after you.

Like

Reply

James ***************

How much tax are you paying then, have you got your TIN number yet. Your typical foreigner listening to bar stool talk or an an accountant working illegally in Thailand scaremongering everyone.

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ***************

Reply

Ray ********

@James **************

my thoughts entirely. Do nothing and say nothing.

Let sleeping dogs lie.....

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ray ********

Reply

Tom ********

Even the Thai revenue office can't figure the 180 day tax obligation for foreigners!

Like

Reply

John *********

Rent don't buy, massive glut of unsold properties, rent for a year, many can't hack it, not the same as a holiday. Totally different culture and remember don't think western logic in Thailand, it doesn't work. My advice keep your money off shore, and worry about tax when you have actually lived here 180 days

Like

Reply

Philip *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can I bring my £200K deposit into thailand tax free and leave the capital gain part in the UK?

Like

Reply

John *********

sorry I cannot give you that advice, best speak to your tax planner/advisor in uk or Thailand to see what your options are gl planning of one’s affairs when moving to another country need to be throughly look into.

Like

Reply

Reply to

John *********

Reply

Philip *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I might just use the deposit to live on for 4 years. Presumably it’s tax exempt as it back dates to 2015?

Like

Reply

John **********

nope. Capital gains fall under Thai tax, principle won't

Like

Reply

John *********

good idea, think it through gl

Like

Reply

Reply to

John *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the tax implications for transferring a UK pension to Thailand after two years of residency?

30 comments

2 months ago

What are the tax implications for a UK DTV holder working as a sole trader in Thailand?

19 comments

3 months ago

Can I work remotely in Thailand while paying UK taxes without facing double taxation issues?

35 comments

5 months ago

What are the tax implications for Australians living in Thailand on a Non O retirement visa?

14 comments

7 months ago

What are the tax obligations for foreigners living and working in Thailand, especially regarding income brought from abroad?

26 comments

7 months ago

What type of taxes do expats pay after retirement in Thailand?

66 comments

8 months ago

What are my options for transferring money from the UK to Thailand under the new tax laws for retirement visas?

10 comments

8 months ago

Should we keep our UK bank account open and transfer money to Thailand for retirement and investment?

20 comments

9 months ago

What are the implications of working remotely in Thailand on a DTV visa for a UK resident?

21 comments

a year ago

What are the tax implications for Australians who retire in Thailand and invest in properties there?

18 comments

a year ago

What are the tax obligations for expats living in Thailand for more than 180 days?

100 comments

a year ago

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

124 comments

a year ago

How can I obtain a DTV visa for Thailand as a UK business owner without returning to the UK?

48 comments

a year ago

What are the tax implications of a retirement visa versus a marriage visa for expats in Thailand?

55 comments

a year ago

What tax implications does a UK employee face when working remotely from Thailand?

4 comments

a year ago

Will my UK pension be taxed at 30% in Thailand during the retirement visa renewal process?

77 comments

a year ago

How do Thailand's new tax laws affect tax liabilities for funds transferred from overseas before gaining residency?

4 comments

a year ago

What are the tax implications for UK pensions in Thailand?

36 comments

a year ago

What are the tax implications for expats in Thailand considering a retirement visa or long-term visa?

77 comments

a year ago

Do I have to pay tax in Thailand if I've already paid tax in the UK on the same income?

126 comments

2 years ago

How can expats effectively manage tax exposure with new Thai tax rules starting in 2024?

96 comments

2 years ago

What are the tax implications for UK retirees spending over 180 days in Thailand?

50 comments

2 years ago

What is the visa and tax situation for renting out property in Thailand on a retirement visa?

42 comments

2 years ago

Does my partner need to pay UK tax on his earnings from working in Thailand?

12 comments

8 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.