Personal Income Tax in Thailand: A Complete Guide for Expatriates

Thailand’s personal income tax system is broadly similar to those of other countries, but there are important specifics — particularly for expatriates — that require attention. A significant regulatory change in 2024 altered the rules on foreign-sourced income, making tax planning for expats more important than ever.

Who Is Subject to Thai Personal Income Tax?

Tax liability in Thailand depends on residency status and income source:

• Tax residents (those who spend 180 days or more in Thailand in a calendar year) are taxed on:
• All income sourced in Thailand.
• Foreign-sourced income brought into Thailand in the same tax year it was earned (new rule effective from tax year 2024).
• Non-residents (fewer than 180 days in Thailand) are taxed only on income sourced in Thailand.

The 2024 Foreign Income Rule Change

Prior to 2024, the Revenue Department’s interpretation was that foreign-sourced income was only taxable if brought into Thailand in the same year it was earned. Many expats used this rule to defer income by keeping overseas earnings offshore for a year before remitting.

A Revenue Department ruling effective from January 1, 2024 made foreign-sourced income taxable in Thailand if brought into the country regardless of when it was earned — eliminating the one-year deferral strategy. This change significantly affects digital nomads, retirees with overseas pensions or investments, and anyone remitting overseas income to Thailand.

Types of Taxable Income

Thai personal income tax applies to eight categories of assessable income:

• Employment income (salaries, wages, bonuses).
• Income from position or service (directors’ fees, professional income).
• Goodwill and annuity income.
• Interest, dividends, and investment returns.
• Rental income and income from leasing property.
• Professional practice income (doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.).
• Contracting income (construction, manufacturing).
• Other income (capital gains, prizes, etc.).

Tax Rates for 2024

Thailand uses a progressive tax system:

• 0 – 150,000 THB: Exempt
• 150,001 – 300,000 THB: 5%
• 300,001 – 500,000 THB: 10%
• 500,001 – 750,000 THB: 15%
• 750,001 – 1,000,000 THB: 20%
• 1,000,001 – 2,000,000 THB: 25%
• 2,000,001 – 5,000,000 THB: 30%
• Above 5,000,000 THB: 35%

Key Deductions and Allowances

Thai tax law provides several deductions that reduce your taxable income:

• Personal allowance: 60,000 THB per taxpayer.
• Spouse allowance: 60,000 THB if your spouse has no income.
• Child allowance: 30,000 THB per child (up to 3 children for children born after 2018).
• Employment income deduction: 50% of income, up to 100,000 THB.
• LTF/RMF contributions: Retirement fund contributions qualify for tax deductions within limits.
• Life insurance premiums: Up to 100,000 THB.
• Social security contributions: Deductible.
• Parental care allowance: 30,000 THB per parent.

Tax Treaties

Thailand has double taxation agreements (DTAs) with over 60 countries. These treaties determine which country has the right to tax specific types of income and provide relief against double taxation. If your home country has a DTA with Thailand, you should review it carefully — particularly regarding pension income, capital gains, and dividends.

Filing Your Tax Return

Personal income tax returns in Thailand are filed annually:

• PND 91 (for employment income only): filed by March 31 of the following year.
• PND 90 (for all other income types): also by March 31.
• PND 94 (mid-year return for certain income types): by September 30 of the same year.

Electronic filing is available through the Thai Revenue Department’s website. Returns can be submitted in person at any Revenue Department office.

Conclusion

Thai personal income tax is manageable with proper planning, but the 2024 foreign income rule change has increased the tax exposure of many expats. Understanding your residency status, the applicable deductions, and any applicable double taxation treaty is essential. Working with a qualified Thai tax professional or accountant is strongly recommended for anyone with complex income sources.

Useful Legal Resources for Expats in Thailand

• Usufruct Agreement in Thailand
• Divorce in Thailand: Complete Guide
• Social Security in Thailand for Expats
• Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand