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Thailand to introduce a tax on the income of foreign residents
From January 1, 2024, all tax residents of Thailand, including visitors, will have to pay Personal Income Tax on any profit, including those earned on the Internet overseas. In this article, we will tell you all the details of the new rules and their consequences for online poker players.
New taxes
The Tax Department of Thailand has published the new order No. 16/2023, forcing residents of Thailand to declare and pay taxes on the assets they have on the Internet, in addition to the profits obtained internationally. The rules prescribed in it will take effect from 2024. The first tax form will have to be submitted in 2025.
Until recently, foreigners living in Thailand permanently (more than 180 days), whose work was connected to the Internet, were exempt from taxes. It was enough to transfer the funds earned last year to local accounts.
According to the Bangkok Post newspaper sources, the new rules are aimed explicitly at tax residents trading on foreign stock markets through foreign brokers, crypto traders, and Thais with offshore accounts. This can also include online poker players.
Consequences and possible loopholes
| Income in Baht (USD) | Tax (%) |
|---|---|
| Up to 150,000 ($4,170) | 0 |
| 150,001-300,000 ($4,171-$8,340) | 5 |
| 300,001-500,000 ($8,340-$13,900) | 10 |
| 500,001-750,000 ($13,901-$20,850) | 15 |
| 750,001-1,000,000 ($20,851-$27,800) | 20 |
| 1,000,001-2,000,000 ($27,801-$55,601) | 25 |
| 2,000,00-4,000,000 ($55,602-$111,203) | 30 |
| 4,000,000+ ($111,204) | 35 |
Thailand has a progressive taxation system. By the end of 2024, tax residents will have to pay the following share of their income:
Experts note that the Thai crypto exchange Bitkub, through which many local players withdraw their winnings, will most likely be obliged to submit reports on the movement of funds to the Thailand Revenue Department (local tax).
The only possible way to "avoid" such a tax rule is to withdraw funds (cryptocurrencies) via cash through exchangers. However, we assume the fees charged for this transaction may grow. If you plan to increase your equity (for example, buying a house), you will have a hard time explaining such a movement.
In any case, we recommend you ask a local accountant to find the best solution.
Not a final word?
However, there is still a chance that if the new law sharply reduces Thailand's attractiveness for foreign capital and the benefit from tax revenues does not cover the losses, the authorities may soften the rules or cancel them altogether.
The probability of the latter option is considered not so low because a well-known businessman, Srettha Thavisin, became the new Prime minister of Thailand in August. He participated in investing in XSpring Capital, a company known for its investments in the cryptocurrency market.
We will monitor the situation and promptly report all changes. You can ask our manager your questions on the topic:
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