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What should I know about handling taxes as a UK expat moving to Thailand permanently?
Taxation in ThailandTax ResidencyExpat Tax AdviceUK to Thailand ImmigrationNon-Resident TaxationCapital Gains TaxUK Property and TaxLifestyle Considerations for Expats
Nov 5, 2025
6 months ago
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTERI’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?
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?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is moving to Thailand from the UK after early retirement and seeks advice regarding their tax obligations, especially regarding income received from the UK and potential capital gains related to selling their UK property. The comments provide insights into handling taxes, including the complexity of Thai tax laws for foreigners, suggestions to consult tax professionals, and discussions about potential implications of renting or selling property in the UK.
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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.
Us *****
You stfu about your funds. Don't say anything until they have it figured out. Worry about your visa.
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
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.Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graeme *****
I’ve lived in the house all my life. Never been rentedGraeme ******
@Philip ****
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 okReply to
Graeme ******
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Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Will ***********
I’ve sold my houseReply to
Philip *****
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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.
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.
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 😂Reply to
John *********
Reply
Sally ********
@Ralph ******
and he won't be able to open a bank accountPhilip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sally *******
I’ll use my UK personal and business debit/credit cardsSally ********
@Philip ****
you'll need a Thai account eventually when you move from a DTV as that is tourist visa...Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sally *******
can I get a thai account on a DTV?Sally ********
@Philip ****
No..they have stopped allowing it as it's classes as a tourist visaReply to
Sally ********
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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.
Get good information before you jump - I def recommend Expat Tax Thailand. Carl Turner and his team are extremely helpful.
Ralph *******
What visa will you get?
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ralph ******
DTVRalph *******
@Philip ****
Ok. Only it’s not really intended for staying permanently.Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
James ***************
Do nothing, nothing as yet cast in stone about foreigners having to pay tax. Foreign accounts working illegally scaremongering.
Melody *******
@James **************
bullshit, your 2 ys behind, it’s real and there after you.James ***************
@Melody ******
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.Reply to
James ***************
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Ray ********
Reply to
Ray ********
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Tom ********
Even the Thai revenue office can't figure the 180 day tax obligation for foreigners!
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
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
Can I bring my £200K deposit into thailand tax free and leave the capital gain part in the UK?John *********
@Philip ****
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.Reply to
John *********
Reply
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
I might just use the deposit to live on for 4 years. Presumably it’s tax exempt as it back dates to 2015?John **********
@Philip ****
nope. Capital gains fall under Thai tax, principle won'tJohn *********
@Philip ****
good idea, think it through glReply to
John *********
Reply
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