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?

Taxation in ThailandTax ResidencyExpat Tax AdviceUK to Thailand ImmigrationNon-Resident TaxationCapital Gains TaxUK Property and TaxLifestyle Considerations for Expats
Nov 5, 2025
2 months ago
Philip *****
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?
3,386
views
29
replies
0
images
14
users
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.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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 Retirement 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.
2 months ago
Reply
Us *****
You stfu about your funds. Don't say anything until they have it figured out. Worry about your visa.
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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.
2 months ago
Reply
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *****
 I’ve lived in the house all my life. Never been rented
2 months ago
Reply
Graeme ******
@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 ok
2 months ago
Reply
Reply to
Graeme ******
Reply
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Will ***********
 I’ve sold my house
2 months ago
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.
2 months ago
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 😂
2 months ago
Reply
Reply to
John *********
Reply
Sally ********
@Ralph ******
 and he won't be able to open a bank account
2 months ago
Reply
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sally *******
 I’ll use my UK personal and business debit/credit cards
2 months ago
Reply
Sally ********
@Philip ****
 you'll need a Thai account eventually when you move from a DTV as that is tourist visa...
2 months ago
Reply
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sally *******
 can I get a thai account on a DTV?
2 months ago
Reply
Sally ********
@Philip ****
 No..they have stopped allowing it as it's classes as a tourist visa
2 months ago
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.
2 months ago
Reply
Ralph *******
What visa will you get?
2 months ago
Reply
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ralph ******
 DTV
2 months ago
Reply
Ralph *******
@Philip ****
 Ok. Only it’s not really intended for staying permanently.
2 months ago
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.
2 months ago
Reply
Melody *******
@James **************
 bullshit, your 2 ys behind, it’s real and there after you.
2 months ago
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Reply
Reply to
James ***************
Reply
Ray ********
@James **************
 my thoughts entirely. Do nothing and say nothing.

Let sleeping dogs lie.....
2 months ago
Reply
Reply to
Ray ********
Reply
Tom ********
Even the Thai revenue office can't figure the 180 day tax obligation for foreigners!
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
Reply
Philip *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ********
 Can I bring my £200K deposit into thailand tax free and leave the capital gain part in the UK?
2 months ago
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Reply
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?
2 months ago
Reply
John **********
@Philip ****
 nope. Capital gains fall under Thai tax, principle won't
2 months ago
Reply
John *********
@Philip ****
 good idea, think it through gl
2 months ago
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.
Join the Group
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
3 months ago
What are the tax implications for a UK DTV holder working as a sole trader in Thailand?
19 comments
5 months ago
Can I work remotely in Thailand while paying UK taxes without facing double taxation issues?
35 comments
6 months ago
What are the tax obligations for foreigners living and working in Thailand, especially regarding income brought from abroad?
26 comments
9 months ago
What type of taxes do expats pay after retirement in Thailand?
66 comments
9 months ago
What are my options for transferring money from the UK to Thailand under the new tax laws for retirement visas?
10 comments
9 months ago
Should we keep our UK bank account open and transfer money to Thailand for retirement and investment?
20 comments
10 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 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
What should I know about relocating to Pattaya, Thailand, regarding visas, finances, and living arrangements?
150 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
2 years ago
What are the tax implications for expats in Thailand considering a retirement visa or long-term visa?
77 comments
2 years ago
Will my savings be taxed in Thailand if I retire there?
60 comments
2 years 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
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
What are the tax obligations for expats moving to Thailand under a retirement visa?
23 comments
3 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 policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund 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.