The Minister of Tourism and Sports in Thailand recently revealed that the number of foreign tourists has decreased after the mall shooting in Bangkok and the war in Israel.
Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports, told Thai media, "The number of tourists has decreased from last week, especially Chinese which saw only 75,093 tourists arriving. We have determined this is because some Chinese went traveling before their Golden Week, a major holiday, to avoid crowds. Additionally, some Chinese are still worried about the Siam Paragon shooting."
"The long holidays for Chinese have ended and another school semester in Asia, East Asia, and Oceania has started. As a result, the total number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand last week was at 497,966 which was 54,453 less than the prior week or about a 9.86 percent decrease. (From the latest update on October 8th)," Ms. Sudawan explained.
"The top five foreign visitors are Malaysian, Chinese, Indians, South Koreans, and Laotians. Laotians have decreased 1.16 percent, Chinese, South Korean, Malaysian and Indians have decreased in order 29.47 percent, 26.77 percent, 20.43 percent and 8.22 percent. Tourists from East Asia and Oceania are expected to be continually decreasing in the next few weeks as they are worried about the war in Israel and potential impact on flights," Ms. Sudawan added.
Thailand is moving toward greater tax compliance from the hundreds of thousands of expats living in the kingdom. At the same time, banking facilities at home are being challenged. They are likely to be more expensive as the world moves towards based on Environmental, Social and Governance values driven by the United Nations 2015 Sustainable Development Goals.
Government agendas and leading firms, including banks, are increasingly dominated by environmental, social, and governance values pushed by bodies such as the United Nations and intergovernmental panels. This trend especially includes the financial industry. This growing impetus has begun to impact Western expats living in Thailand, challenging their lifestyle with the curtailment of trusted bank facilities in their home countries. There is also an increased push towards the global taxation principle targeting those who have sought a better lifestyle abroad and, in many cases, more personal freedom.
UK expats in Thailand are increasingly anxious about their financial arrangements. The situation has come about due to moves by leading UK banks to restrict services to overseas residents and a new push by the Revenue Department in Thailand to widen its tax base, targeting tax residents in the kingdom deriving income from abroad.
The latest challenge to UK pensioners comes with new rules from the HM Revenue and Customs tightening the rules on transferring pensions amid turmoil in the pension markets over the value of long-term bonds.
Under the new rules, pension holders no longer resident in the United Kingdom cannot transfer their pension to another provider.
New rules make it more difficult for non-UK residents to control pension pots or access retirement benefits in addition to new banking restrictions
The new rules also make it more complicated for non-residents in the UK to claim their pensions with the prospects of higher taxes on the final pension pot being raised unless some accommodation is found to allow expats access to managing their funds from abroad just the same as UK tax residents.
UK financial services firms in the financial services market are increasingly restricting access to their services amid a drive for tighter compliance with money laundering regulations, business efficiency and a need to meet vaguely defined but growing Environment and Social Governance ethos driven by top management.
These goals are based on the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
These were 17 goals adopted by the world body in 2015 dealing with climate action, social justice, eradication of hunger and poverty, clean and affordable energy, eradication of inequality, gender equality, sustainable cities and communities, health and wellbeing, responsible consumption, education, clean water and sanitation.
The goals are increasingly at the heart of decisions made in government and business around the globe.
These decisions need to be more responsive to government mandates, controls and protections despite many of the banks in the United Kingdom being government-owned following rescues during the 2009 banking crisis.
New banking drive is clearly to eliminate banking services to non-resident nationals while offering new, more expensive 'international' banking options
The UK banks have adapted themselves to a trend which is reducing the level and scope of services to citizens living abroad.
The move by UK banks and, by and large, other financial service providers is to eliminate the provision of services to UK nationals no longer living in Britain.
Initially, this was a response to Brexit.
It has, however, taken on a drive of its own as an increasing number of financial services firms, including major banks, decided that the provision of routine services to UK residents should not be extended to former residents, as has been the case up to now for many decades.
Figures released in 2022 suggest that 560,000 UK citizens had left the country to live long-term abroad, while figures from 2021 showed that at that time, 14.5% of the United Kingdom's population were born abroad or 9.6 million people.
The latter figures rose for only 5.3 million foreign-born residents in 2004.
Barclays Bank advises UK nationals abroad to open an account in the Isle of Man or Jersey with a £40 monthly charge if the balance is under £100,000
The new business dispensation sends a very unwelcome message to UK expats living abroad and in this increasingly politically polarised world.
In recent months, Barclays Bank, one of the leading financial service providers and banks in the United Kingdom, announced that it was withdrawing the provision of banking facilities to current and savings accounts linked with nationals no longer resident in Britain.
The bank is offering an alternative service to international customers where they can register with the banks and open accounts with the bank's branches in the Isle of Man and Jersey to avail of specialised service with a monthly fee of £40 if the balance in the account is below £100,000.
Many Thai-based UK pensioners are currently making alternative arrangements to receive their pensions from the United Kingdom, with the latest restriction on expats coming into effect in mid-November.
Use of residential addresses linked with relatives is discouraged along with the new rules and is not recommended to UK non-resident nationals
Barclays Bank has defended its decision to withdraw such services based on commercial viability, saying that its products and services are specifically tailored to UK residents, with the bank making it clear that maintaining an address at a relative's or some other arrangement will be viewed as a breach of the agreement with the client going forward.
For some UK residents in Thailand, the changes impact not only the payment of their pensions but also arrangements regarding investments and credit card facilities.
The situation with Barclays Bank's proposed curtailment of services now aligns it with other UK banks who also insist that its specialist arms should provide services to non-resident individuals.
Lloyds Bank, for instance, no longer provides standard services to non-UK residents but does provide a banking service to expats and prospective expats through its Lloyds Bank International unit.
Lloyds Bank offer an international current account
The International Current Account requires an annual income of £50,000 sterling but offers a worldwide Internet banking facility.
The news of restrictive practices linked with pensions and bank account facilities is not limited to the United Kingdom, with similar provisions also being made recently in the Netherlands and other European countries.
It is a concerted move by banking institutions and government regulatory authorities worldwide to deal with the growing number of pensioners and adults deciding to live the expat lifestyle.
As governments and officials see it, the UN goals do not favour the expat lifestyle that relies on cheaper air travel, generally promoting additional consumption and a more individualistic, less compliant focus, often leading to lower costs and taxation.
The trend is coming as Thailand is negotiating more bilateral tax treaties.
The change in the revenue interpretation of its tax code announced on the 15th of September will also mean greater accountability and oversight powers for Thai tax collection authorities as it would income crossing into Thailand from a foreign country and being paid to a Thai resident or a foreigner resident in Thailand will be automatically subject to tax unless the tax resident or foreigner can show that tax has already been paid in respect of the income in the country of origin.
Tax regime in Thailand from January 2024 means more accountability for expats with income from abroad due to a change from the 1985 interpretation
The previous directive, issued in 1985, designated that any income earned in a foreign country in another tax year is not taxable in Thailand and offered a vast loophole for many to avoid tax accountability in Thailand.
The change in tax interpretation in Thailand in a directive issued on September 15th, 16/2023, is widely expected to be challenged in the courts on the basis that it is only a revised interpretation of an existing provision of the Thai tax code, which has been accepted for 35 years.
The change in the tax code interpretation was clarified by the Director General of the Revenue Department on the 19th of September after days of clamour, with officials also announcing that a focus group had been established to deal with issues that may arise between now and the 1st of January 2024.
Thailand remains a favourite country for retirees or middle-aged people seeking a second life abroad, and these challenges are not insurmountable
In recent decades, Thailand has become a trendy country for the middle-aged and pensioners, particularly men, seeking to retire because of its warm and sunny climate and lower cost of living.
Thailand, along with countries like Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Belize, has become a popular retirement location for Western retirees from Europe and the United States.
Not only are foreigners retiring to Thailand, but many are experiencing a second life, often establishing new relationships or even secondary incomes.
The endeavours often include fledgling small business interests, challenging the old order, driven by increased mobility offered by lower airfares in the last few decades and the internet.
Sense of personal freedom living abroad
Many availing of a new lifestyle are also looking for more or a sense of personal freedom, which comes from living abroad but is challenged by the recent move towards global compliance and accountability.
Under Thailand's retirement visa regime, which is available to foreigners over 50 years of age with ฿800,000 on deposit or an income of ฿65,000 per month, there is an explicit requirement that the holder will not be working or engaged in commercial activity.
At the same time, foreigners are also restricted from various commercial activities in Thailand under the Business Act.
Foreign retirees must negotiate these existing restrictions carefully and respectfully if seeking to pursue interests in Thailand.
They now face new challenges regarding greater tax accountability and restrictions imposed on them from their home countries.
Foreign retirees in Thailand are also constrained by other requirements of the kingdom's immigration laws, whose enforcement by the Immigration Bureau can vary from province to province regarding specific details or minutiae.
The current changes in banking originate from the top of large financial institutions in Western countries.
Expats can get organised on an even stronger footing in a country where personal taxation is still remarkably low. Attention to detail is now required
Expat retirees can get properly organised and even end up on a firmer footing by ensuring compliance with all the requirements both in the country of origin and in Thailand, where personal income tax is still notably low.
However, what is clear is that the free-for-all of the last few decades is coming to an end, and what is required is careful attention to detail.
There have already been problems with foreign retirees needing help to avail of increased benefits associated with their pensions, which the government in the United Kingdom has frozen for retirees living abroad.
UK authorities have, point-blank, refused to entertain representations made by residents from outside the jurisdiction in the same way as the country's Home Office enforces demanding visa requirements for Thai women or wives of UK partners going in the opposite direction to live in the United Kingdom.
United States social security benefits can be paid into Thai bank accounts, but US citizens must file annual tax returns on a global income principle
In the United States, the situation is different because American citizens are still required to file annual tax returns based on a global income principle.
At the same time, before coming to Thailand, most US retirees will have registered with the US Social Security Administration or, in some instances, by doing this online from Thailand.
The United States operates a facility where American Social Security benefits for American citizens can be paid by direct deposit into Thai bank accounts, including Thailand, through arrangements with large US banking institutions.
The US Social Security Administration also sends retirees a questionnaire at regular intervals to be completed and returned to US authorities.
Failure to do so can see benefits disabled until the questionnaire requirement is fulfilled. Such questionnaires are sent every one to two years to establish if the recipient of US benefits is still entitled to do
Trapped Thai worker says Thai death toll in Israel higher than reported
The number of Thais killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict since Saturday is higher than news reports indicate, according to a Thai worker who is hiding in a bunker near Gaza.
Facebook user Tew Nakongpen told local media that he is one of 16 workers hiding in a 4x4-metre bunker just 2 kilometres from the Gaza Strip.
Speaking in a video call, the 25-year-old Udon Thani native said that there were around 100 Thai workers trapped in the same area.
The workers are unable to contact their employer, he added.
He said they had managed to pack up their belongings and were ready to return home. However, they have not been able to contact anyone for help.
He said his group had been hearing continuous explosions and gunfire for days. They have no idea whether the area they are located in is safe or not, he explained.
Local media reported that during the video call, airstrikes were visible and explosions could be heard in the background.
Tew is one of around 30,000 Thais thought to be in Israel. Most work in the agricultural sector via agreements between the Thai and Israeli governments.
The reported Thai death toll rose to 18 on Tuesday, based on information from Israeli employers.
Thailand is currently hosting approximately 10,000 Israelitourists, a situation that arose due to the recent Israel-Gaza conflict. The country's Tourism and Sports Ministry is monitoring the effects of this situation on its tourism sector.
Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Tourism and Sports Minister stated that while numerous airlines have suspended flights between Thailand and Israel, El Al Airlines, Israel's national airline, has maintained its regular flight schedule. Additionally, all airlines have provided options for flight cancellations and delays to support travellers affected by the ongoing conflict.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Tourism Department have been directed by the ministry to track the situation closely and ensure the welfare of any tourists stranded in the country.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, noted that outbound flights to Israel are nearly fully booked, indicating a potential shortage due to Israelis' concerns for their families.
"El Al will continue to operate 11 flights per week between Israel and Thailand, including 8-9 flights to Bangkok and 2-3 flights to Phuket."
In the case of stranded tourists, the agency plans to collaborate with private operators to offer assistance, such as temporary accommodation and food provisions.
Inbound tourism from Israel
Cheawsamoot acknowledged that the conflict would likely impact inbound tourism from Israel, which has seen about 190,000 visitors in the first nine months, nearing the annual total of 194,081 tourists in 2019. He noted that this market typically stays for an average of 18 days, often travelling as family units or as remote workers.
Projecting the impact on nearby markets is premature, according to Cheawsamoot. He believes the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East will have lesser repercussions on European markets than the Ukraine war, which has strained European economies due to sanctions. In the first nine months, Thailand received 4.1 million European tourists, with the number expected to hit six million this year.
The TAT anticipates at least 800,000 visitors from the Middle East this year, including the Israeli market.
Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the Thai Hotels Association's southern chapter, stated that the Israeli market in Phuket had grown by 623% in the first nine months of this year, attracting 51,651 visitors. This is a significant increase from 2019, which saw 12,746 visitors in the same period, reported Bangkok Post.
While some Israeli guests have cancelled their trips to return home due to the attacks, the effect on Phuket's hotels has not been severe. Although Israel is recognised as an emerging market this year, its visitor numbers are relatively small compared to other major markets, such as Russia.
12 Thais may have been killed in Hamas attack in Israel
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As many as 12 Thais may have been killed in the Hamas attack on Israel, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Jakkaphong Sangmanee in his post on X Sunday night.
He said that Israeli officials have confirmed the deaths of two Thai nationals, but Israeli employers claim that ten more Thai workers were killed, but no details about their identities are available so far.
He also said that eight Thais were injured, two of them seriously and 11 have been abducted.
Three of the Thais abducted have been identified as Anucha Angkaew, a resident of Udon Thani, Natthaporn Onkaew, a native of Nakhon Phanom and Ovart Suriyasri.
The parents of Anucha told the media yesterday (Sunday) that their son had been working in Israel for almost two years, earning about 50,000 baht per month.
The mother said she learned from relatives in Bangkok that Anucha is being held captive by Hamas and pleaded with authorities to secure his safe return.
The parents of Natthaporn said that they last spoke with their son on Friday night, adding that he has been working in Gaza for almost two years and is also earning about 50,000 baht a month.
Ovart's wife said she last spoke with her husband on Saturday night. He said that he heard gunshots and then the line went dead. She subsequently learned from her husband's relatives that he had been kidnapped.
"IKEA Sukhumvit" to Debut as IKEA's First City-Centre Store in Southeast Asia
IKEA Thailand's fourth store, "IKEA Sukhumvit" is coming to town with the new concept of a city-center store.
The new store will offer a full IKEA shopping experience and bring ideas for better living and more convenient home furnishings for everyone to enjoy.
4th store in Thailand in the heart of Bangkok
12,000 sq.m. city center store
Easy and convenient to visit. Direct connection to BTS Sky train Phrompong Station.
Bringing Sweden and Swedish taste to Sukhumvit with panoramic Benchasiri Park view
At IKEA, it is so much more than a job!
IKEA Sukhumvit are looking to welcome A part-time co-worker to join our store. At IKEA we have countless of job opportunities. We're pretty sure you will find your perfect job.
Makro-Lotus Mall hybrid wholesale store unveiled in Samut Prakan
In a significant move in Thailand's retail landscape, CP Extra's CEO, Tanin Buranamanit, yesterday launched the first hybrid wholesale store known as Makro Samut Prakan.
Covering approximately 12,000 sqm, the hybrid brings together Makro and Lotus Mall in the same space, marking a historic moment in Thailand's wholesale business.
Makro offers more than 30,000 consumer products at wholesale prices while Lotus Mall serves as a central hub for community living. It encompasses some 30 dining outlets, tutoring centres, comprehensive entertainment options, and even offers free shuttle services. This one-stop service store is expected to cater to over 8,000 customers daily.
During Makro's 34 years of operations, the focus has been on expanding branches in five formats: Makro Classic, Eco Plus, Food Service, FUDS (Food and Drinks Service), and Food Shop. Now, with the introduction of Hybrid Wholesale, the aim is to be more than just a wholesale retailer. The concept emphasises creating a business ecosystem that supports local entrepreneurs to grow. By combining Makro's and Lotus Mall's strengths, they aspire to become a new destination for wholesale, reinforcing their business approach with the motto "34 Years Growing Together".
Hybrid wholesale supports local entrepreneurs in various ways. This includes promoting businesses through digital media, expanding both business and consumer customer bases, and offering one-stop services to families and businesses. High-quality ingredients from both local and global sources converge in the new model, ensuring the best wholesale prices to help entrepreneurs increase profits.
There is also a focus on business education through skill-enhancing activities for small-scale business owners, such as through the Makro HoReCa Academy (MHA), which imparts knowledge on business management.
Makro has also established itself as a central support hub for local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), organising events like the SME Fair where quality agricultural products are showcased, complete with traceability information through the iTrace system. This initiative caters to both consumers and entrepreneurs. Additionally, Makro PRO Point offers benefits to entrepreneurs, allowing them to exchange points for discounts, starting from 1,000 points for a 1 baht discount.
Höstens flygresande har fått en stabil start drivet av en stark efterfrågan på utrikesflygresor som håller i sig och främst inom Europa. Under månaden flög närmare tre miljoner resenärer via Swedavias flygplatser, en ökning med fem procent jämfört med september i fjol, enligt ett pressmeddelande.
Totalt reste nära 3 miljoner resenärer via Swedavias flygplatser under september, vilket är en ökning med 5 procent jämfört med september 2022 och utgör 80 procent av resandet före pandemin, 2019. Utvecklingen är fortsatt främst driven av ett ökat utrikesresande via Sveriges största flygplats, Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Utrikesresandet ökade totalt sett med 8 procent till drygt 2 miljoner resenärer jämfört med september förra året, medan inrikesresandet minskade med 5 procent till drygt 740 000 resenärer.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport hade nära 2 miljoner resenärer under månaden, en ökning med 6 procent jämfört med september förra året. Utrikesresandet ökade med 8 procent till nära 1,7 miljoner resenärer medan inrikesresandet minskade med 2 procent till drygt 300 000 resenärer.
Göteborg Landvetter Airport hade nära 500 000 resenärer under september, en ökning med 8 procent jämfört med förra årets september. Utrikesresandet ökade med 11 procent till drygt 400 000 resenärer medan inrikesresandet minskade med 12 procent till drygt 57 000 resenärer.
Övriga Swedavia-flygplatser hade en varierad utveckling under september. Resandet vid Malmö Airport och Bromma Stockholm Airport hade en svagare utveckling, driven av ett något minskat inrikesresande under september och antalet resenärer minskade med 9 procent respektive 10 procent jämfört med september i fjol.
The Thai Revenue Department has in a press release explained more about the taxation of income overseas which will affect both some foreigners and some Thai people.
The basic idea is, that when money is transferred into Thailand it should be taxed in Thailand if it is income. If the income has been received in another country and later within the same tax year is being transferred to the taxpayer's account in Thailand it must be taxed in Thailand. If Thailand has a double tax agreement with the country where the money comes from, the tax paid in that foreign country can be deducted in Thailand according to the rules in the double tax agreement.
According to Mr. Winit Wisetsuvarnabhumi Deputy Director General and Spokesperson of the Revenue Department, the new rule basically follows the many international tax treaties, which Thailands is a signatory to. The implementation follows the development of information technology which makes it easier now for Thailand to live up to these agreements.
The Revenue Department Order will soon be followed up with administrative directives to the local revenue departments around the country, explaining how the new order must be administered, what kind of documentation is needed, etc. Transfer of savings from another country is e.g. an area that needs clarification. Savings is not classified as income – but a part of it may be identified as interest income that must be taxed in Thailand regardless of the year it was earned when transferred into Thailand.
If you want to talk to your auditor, the new rule is in the Revenue Department Order No. P.363/2017 regarding payment of income tax according to Section 47, paragraph two of the Revenue Code, dated September 15, 2023,
The World Bank has adjusted its growth projections downward for developing countries in the East Asia and Pacific region due to the continued slowdown of China's economy and global uncertainties, such as high interest rates and sluggish trade.
The World Bank has released a report in October, revising down its economic growth forecast for Thailand this year to 3.4%, reflecting a slower recovery compared to other countries in the ASEAN region.
The World Bank has adjusted its growth projections downward for developing countries in the East Asia and Pacific region due to the continued slowdown of China's economy and global uncertainties, such as high interest rates and sluggish trade. For Thailand, the economy continues to recover at a slower pace compared to its ASEAN counterparts, and reduced exports pose challenges for the Thai economy. The World Bank has revised its economic growth forecast for Thailand for this year from the previously estimated 3.9% in April to the current 3.4%, following a 2.6% expansion in 2023. The bank also forecasts a 3.5% growth for Thailand in 2024, slightly lower than the previous estimate of 3.6% in April.
The Thai economy in 2023 is being driven by resurgence in the tourism sector and private consumption. However, exports are expected to contract by 2.1% in terms of US dollars due to reduced demand from key trading partners. The delayed formation of the Thai government after recent elections has led to a slowdown in public and private sector investment.
The report suggests that tourism and domestic consumption are likely to offset weaknesses in foreign demand, with foreign tourists expected to return to pre-COVID-19 levels by the end of 2024.
The World Bank also predicts that Thai inflation will moderate to 1.5% in 2023, which is lower than most emerging market economies. This is due to the decline in global energy prices and stable commodity prices.
It is also anticipated that Thailand's public debt in 2023 will remain high, exceeding 60%, and the country will return to a current account surplus of 0.5% of GDP this year, ending two consecutive years of deficits in 2021 and 2022. (TNA)
Western expats worry mostly about income tax and hospital bills.
The new top concern of Pattaya expats, almost 60 percent, is the recent announcement of the Thai internal revenue service to tax all income brought into Thailand by both Thai nationals and farang residing here over 180 days in a calendar year. According to a straw poll of 150 expats (UK, US, EU, Australia), conducted in Jomtien soi five from 26-28 September, the subject has displaced visa and insurance concerns from their traditional first place in past polls.
"Touch my pension and I'm out of here, was the response of many expats. Some, mostly retirees, said they were reviewing their options such as moving to Cambodia or the Philippines where tax laws are believed to be softer or ignored for foreign residents. However, about a quarter of the respondents had never heard of the proposal or thought it did not apply to them. Five respondents thought it only referred to currency speculators, holders of off-shore accounts in Hong Kong or elsewhere or rich investors in overseas businesses.
Pattaya Mail contacted a Thai tax lawyer for his personal perspective. Here is his reply, "Thai revenue is simply updating an old law by saying that tax must be paid, from next year, on foreign income even if the incoming money's arrival is delayed into a future tax year. But there is no intention to tax again income that has already been taxed abroad. For example, the pensions of most foreign retirees are taxed initially in their home country and there are, in any case, double taxation treaties with 61 countries. The issue is whether all resident expats will need to register with Thai revenue to obtain a tax identification number (TIN) to explain their individual circumstances. Nobody can answer detailed questions until the revenue issues more guidelines for the non-business community."
Second subject choice for most respondents was concern that more long term visas would soon require compulsory hospital insurance. The prime worry was amongst the holders of non "O" retirement extensions or the annual extension granted to foreigners with a Thai spouse. There have been no official announcements, but remarks earlier in the year by a deputy national police chief, Surachate Hakparn, seem to be the main source of worry. Several respondents said they had now moved to Elite visas which guarantee multiple-entry to Thailand for 5-20 years depending on the initial cash sum paid, starting with 900,000 baht. The whole subject is controversial in Thai government circles as the evidence shows that most non-payment of hospital bills by foreigners arises from motorbike accidents involving short-term tourists under 40.
Other subjects of worry raised in the field study included the future of night life in the city which some see as short-term as the Pattaya tourist profile changes to Asia and away from Europe and the future of ganja leisure smoking in view of recent government announcements to restrict use to medical treatment. Brits are understandably upset by their "frozen" old age pensions here, although respondents seem resigned to the inevitability of discrimination. Four respondents primarily raised the issue of inflation in supermarket products, whilst three referred to traffic jams which they blamed on city hall or too many music festivals. A sole Australian expat said she was really worried about an influx of Americans if Donald Trump won the general election next year.
In a move designed to close legal loopholes and boost tax revenue, Thailand's Revenue Department recently issued a new directive effective from January 1, 2024. The order targets individuals—both Thai citizens and foreigners—earning income from abroad, requiring them to pay Thai taxes when that income is brought into the country. While the intent may be laudable, the manner of its implementation risks destabilizing the country's attractiveness to foreign investors and the burgeoning community of digital nomads and remote workers.
At its core, the directive's Achilles' heel is ambiguity. Section 41, paragraph 2 of the Revenue Code is already a complex piece of legislation that has been open to various interpretations. This new order adds another layer of uncertainty, with unclear stipulations on who is precisely liable to pay these new taxes and when. Such legal murkiness is a red flag for foreign investors who prize stability and predictability in tax regimes.
Thailand has long been a haven for digital nomads, offering an attractive blend of low living costs, good weather, and a vibrant culture. These individuals contribute not just to the economy but also bring with them a milieu of innovation and expertise. The new tax directive casts a dark shadow over this arrangement. Unclear tax rules make Thailand less appealing to these location-independent workers, who could very well opt for other countries with more favorable tax regimes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the landscape of work dramatically, making remote work not just an option but often a necessity. The new tax rule could disincentivize companies from setting up remote teams in Thailand or even leveraging local talent, as the tax implications could become too complex to navigate.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is crucial for any economy, more so for a developing economy like Thailand. The new tax regulation adds a layer of complexity that could very well deter FDI. The lack of clarity in the tax laws could be perceived as a lack of transparency, eroding trust between the government and foreign investors.
While the Thai government's intention to increase tax revenue is understandable, the approach taken with this new directive is fraught with challenges. For a country aiming to be at the forefront of the evolving global economy, alienating foreign investors and the digital workforce seems like a step in the wrong direction. A revisit and possible restructure of this tax directive might be essential to maintain Thailand's competitiveness on the global stage.
As the world moves toward a more flexible, digital-first working environment, Thailand risks being left behind unless it can provide a stable, transparent, and welcoming atmosphere for people and businesses of the future.
