What should I know about the implications of having a DTV in Thailand regarding taxation and exit restrictions?

September 24, 2024
15 hours ago
Thank God for obtaining DTVs today.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The mention of obtaining DTVs (Digital Nomad Visas) is celebrated, but there's a humorous warning about potential taxation issues that could restrict leaving Thailand until dues are cleared.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Karst ***********
Hahah wait until your income will be taxed and you cant leave until you pay 🤣 #hotelcalifornia
John *******
@Karst **********
- so did you apply? Rejected? Not sure why you are concerned here
Tim ***********
@Karst **********
sounds like you didn’t get your visa 🤣
Akram ************
@Karst **********
No single visa suits every individual's needs.

Under the current law, you only pay taxes on the money you bring to Thailand when you stay more than 180 days/calendar year.

Technically speaking this should be applied to most long term visas and you should pay taxes under other visas too (unless its a tax exempt visa) . But I think the Thai gov will enforced on the DTV more.

If you don't want to pay. just stay less than 6 months/year.

It works very well for a nomads who wants to travel multiple countries during the same year.
Ko *******
@Akram ***********
how I red,you get taxed only if you stay longer than 180 days in one row…not 180 days during a calendar year?! I’m wrong?
Akram ************
So basically you can spend almost a year in Thailand and not being considered a tax resident. but can't do this every year during the 5 years visa. otherwise you will be spending more than 180 days/year
Akram ************
@Ko ******
I'm not a tax expert, but in most countries, taxes are calculated based on the calendar year. For instance, if you spend 10 months in Thailand (from August 2024 to May 2025) spread across two calendar years without meeting the residency requirement of 180 days in either year, you may not be considered a tax resident.
Ko *******
@Akram ***********
ok,makes a sense,but my plan was to stay for 150-170 days on the DTV…then leaving and after a few months same amount of days there…if I had to pay taxes for income in my home country and in Thailand wouldn’t be that fancy.
Akram ************
@Ko ******
I stand corrected.

Under the new tax law, you will have to pay worldwide income taxes in Thailand if you spend 180+ days/calendar year

Check this video out for more details:
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Mike *****
@Akram ***********
but what if I pay all my taxes in my home country every year and my home country also have a Double Tax Agreement with Thailand? This part is not clear for me yet.
Akram ************
@Mike ****
why do you pay taxes in your home country if your tax residency is in thailand unless you country impose it on you?

In case you are employed and not a remote contractor/freelancer. if your home country have a Double Tax Agreement then you will pay the highest percentage between the 2 countries. if there is no Double Tax Agreement then you will pay for both which is insane thing to do.
Mike *****
@Akram ***********
I have my own company (sole proprietorship) in my home country and we do have a DTA with Thailand yes. I also do not want everybody to know back here that I stay Thailand > 6 months because of some other stupid rules. So again, if I pay my tax here back home lets keep it this way, I don't mind, but double tax is ridiculous.
Akram ************
@Ko ******
If you spend 180+ days in Thailand your tax residency can be moved to Thailand instead of your home country and you don't have to pay taxes to your home country. but it depends on the law of your home country too.

What i saw mentioned online is that you have to pay on the money you bring to Thailand, not the money you've made.

I think for your case is worth investing on an expert to help you navigate it. maybe you will end up paying way much less money in taxes.