Thailand: Foreign Income Tax (2024) and LTR/DTV Visas

Concept: Change of Principle from 2024

Until 2024, Thailand taxed foreign income only if it was brought into (remitted to) the country in the same year it was earned. This allowed one to simply "wait a year" and bring in the money tax-free. From 2024, this loophole is closed: remitted foreign income is taxed in the year of remittance regardless of when it was earned. This applies to tax residents (180+ days per year).

🍓 Status as of June 1, 2026. Instruction Por 161 (effective January 1, 2024) closed the deferral loophole; Por 162 left income earned before 2024 under the old rule (grandfathering). In mid-2025, the Revenue Department prepared a draft exemption: foreign income earned from 2024 onwards is exempt if remitted in the same or following year (two-year window). Expected to apply from the filing period for 2026 tax year. This is a draft—the final text must be awaited.

How It Works Now

tax resident = 180+ days in a calendar year;
what is taxed is remitted foreign income; income left abroad is not yet taxed (this is the remittance principle, not worldwide income);
progressive personal income tax rate—up to 35%;
a transition to full worldwide income taxation is under discussion—not yet adopted.

Draft Exemption 2025–2026

A lawyer's logic—not "waiting," but understanding the procedure:

content: two-year window—income from 2024 onwards, remitted in the year earned or the following year, is exempt;
purpose: to stimulate capital inflow into the country;
status: draft, expected from the filing of 2026 tax returns; final text being clarified. Until its adoption, remittance planning is conducted under current rules.

Visas: LTR and DTV

LTR (Long-Term Resident, 10 years). Four categories: Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, Work-from-Thailand Professional, and Highly-Skilled. Under Royal Decree No. 743, the first three categories are exempt from personal income tax on foreign income regardless of remittance; Highly-Skilled pay a flat 17% on Thai employment income. One 10-year term, review at year 5, no 90-day reporting.

DTV (Destination Thailand Visa, from 2024, 5 years, multiple-entry). For remote workers/freelancers for foreign companies (workcation), Thai "soft power" activities (Muay Thai, cooking, medical treatment), and dependents. Bank balance of at least 500,000 baht (≈$14k) at application; up to 180 days per entry. DTV itself does not grant tax benefits: if you become a resident (180+ days), general remittance rules apply.

Visa + Tax Combination

LTR (first three categories) = immigration + foreign income exemption. The cleanest option for wealthy individuals, pensioners, and remote workers;
DTV = convenient entry, but tax under general rules.

Risks

remittance planning: what and when to remit; income before 2024 (Por 162) and the draft two-year window;
controlled foreign companies (CFC), exit tax, and tie-breaker of the country of departure; automatic exchange (CRS); banking compliance;
exemption status—draft, not final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is foreign income that is not remitted to Thailand taxable?

Not yet. The remittance principle applies: only remitted income is taxed. A transition to worldwide taxation is under discussion but not yet adopted.

Who does the rule apply to?

Tax residents of Thailand—those who spend 180+ days in the country in a calendar year.

Does DTV grant tax benefits?

No. DTV is an entry status. Tax exemption on foreign income is granted by three LTR categories under Royal Decree No. 743.

What about income earned before 2024?

Under Por 162, it remains under the old rule and is not taxed, even if remitted later.

FAQ