Thailand
Tropical beaches, affordable care and popular long-stay visas.
Important Notice: No Individual Advice
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal decisions.
Key Metrics
Cost of Living
Cost Breakdown
Quality of Life
Taxes
Tax information for Thailand
Tax resident after 180 days of stay in Thailand
2024
March 31st of following year
Yes - only domestic income
🇹🇠The Thai Tax System: Territorial Taxation & 2024 Changes
ATTENTION 2024 CHANGE: Previously only Thai income + foreign income remitted in same year was taxed. NEW from 2024: ALL foreign income remitted to Thailand is taxed, regardless of when earned! The 'prior year rule' was abolished. Foreign income kept abroad = still 0%!
8 tax brackets: THB 0-150,000 = 0%, then 5-35%. Allowance ~€4,000/year. Top rate 35% from THB 5M (~€130,000). Social security: 5% employee + 5% employer (capped at THB 750/month). For expats: Only on Thai income + remittances!
Long-Term Resident Visa (10 years): 17% flat tax on Thai income for 'Wealthy Global Citizens' (>$1M assets), 'Wealthy Pensioners' (>$80k/year), 'Work-from-Thailand Professionals' (>$80k/year), 'Highly-Skilled Professionals'. Foreign income: 0% if not remitted!
No capital gains tax on stocks, bonds, crypto! Only real estate sales: Progressive up to 35% (or flat rate depending on holding period). Dividends: 10% withholding on Thai dividends (can be credited in tax return). Foreign dividends: Only if remitted!
Foreign pensions: 0% tax if kept abroad! If remitted to Thailand: Progressive taxation 0-35%. TIP: Only remit needed amounts. German pensions: DTA prevents double taxation. Thai pensions: Normally taxed.
Only 7% VAT (originally 10%, 'temporarily' reduced since 1999). Exempt: Basic food, education, healthcare. No wealth tax, no inheritance tax (except >THB 100M = 5-10%). Cost of living very low!
2024 change is CRITICAL: Old strategy 'remit money next year' NO LONGER works! Visa options: Retirement (50+, THB 800k deposit), Elite (5-20 years, from $16k), LTR (10 years, income requirements). Crypto: Tax-free if not remitted. Climate: Tropical, Bangkok flood-prone!
Income Tax
Only Thai income and foreign income remitted to Thailand is taxed
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €4,050 | 0% |
| €4,050 | €8,100 | 5% |
| €8,100 | €13,500 | 10% |
| €13,500 | €20,250 | 15% |
| €20,250 | €27,000 | 20% |
| €27,000 | €54,000 | 25% |
| €54,000 | €135,000 | 30% |
| €135,000 | Unlimited | 35% |
LTR visa offers 17% flat tax for qualified high earners
Pension Tax
Foreign pensions only taxable if remitted to Thailand
Capital Gains Tax
No capital gains tax on securities
Tax only on real estate sales
Dividend Tax
10% withholding tax on Thai dividends
Wealth Tax
No wealth tax in Thailand
VAT
7%Standard VAT of 7% (originally 10%, temporarily reduced)
Important Notice
This is not tax advice. Thai territorial tax system allows tax planning. Consult a Thai tax advisor.
This is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws change frequently and can be complex. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult a tax advisor licensed in Thailand for your specific situation.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Thailand
UCS for Thais + private
Private essential for expats
Expat Access
Not accessible
World-class, JCI-accredited
€100-300/month essential
Climate Change & Future Outlook
Climate risks in Thailand
Thailand: Tropical, extremely endangered. BANGKOK UNDERWATER BY 2050! 10% population threatened. Heat, floods, monsoon chaos. ND-GAIN #75/#85.
Climate Scenarios
Switch between IPCC SSP pathways
SSP2-4.5
Current policy trajectory – ~2.7°C warming by 2100, moderate mitigation.
Values are approximations relative to our SSP2-4.5 baseline. They illustrate directional change, not exact national projections.
Overall Climate Risk
Projected risk index (0 = low risk, 100 = extreme risk)
Risk Categories
Personal climate risk assessment
Tune the analysis to your health profile and comfort level.
Age group
Sensitivity
Risk tolerance
Personalized risk index
Current level: Extreme
Priority risks
Floods & Coastal
Base 94 → Personal 94
Economic Impact
Base 92 → Personal 92
What to prioritize
- •Prefer elevated districts and buildings with flood-mitigation infrastructure.
- •Budget for higher insurance/utilities and diversify income streams against climate shocks.
- •Prioritise shaded neighborhoods, AC-ready apartments, and early-morning routines.
Adaptation Measures
- •€15B Bangkok flood protection, rice adaptation, relocation plans
- •Leave Bangkok or >10m above sea. Dengue protection!
Climate Resilience
ND-GAIN #75/#85. Mediocre. Bangkok sinking = existential crisis.
Tips
- đź’ˇBangkok NOT livable long-term! Chiang Mai (north) better.
- đź’ˇCoast/islands (Phuket, Koh Samui) endangered. Only inland/mountains safe.
Pros
- •Chiang Mai/north OK, tourism infrastructure
Cons
- •BANGKOK UNDERWATER 2050! 10% population, dengue, PM2.5: 32
Notes
EXISTENTIAL CRISIS: Bangkok underwater by 2050, 10% population threatened. Chao Phraya Delta sinking. Rice production collapsing. Only north (Chiang Mai) safe long-term. Dengue exploding, air pollution extreme.
Data sources
Scientific Disclaimer
Climate projections are based on models with inherent uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ. We present mainstream scientific consensus (IPCC) but acknowledge uncertainty ranges. This is not financial advice. Consult climate scientists and experts for specific decisions.
Safety & Security
Safety & Crime in Thailand
Safety Indicators
Comparison with DACH Region
For comparison: Germany (CPI: 78), Austria (CPI: 71), Switzerland (CPI: 82)
Notes
Standard precautions recommended in urban areas.
Visa & Immigration
Immigration Options for Thailand
Visa Options
Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement)
For retirees aged 50+
LTR Visa
Up to 10 years
Path to Permanent Residency
Permanent residency very difficult. Citizenship nearly impossible.
Important Notice
Visa and immigration regulations change frequently. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult the official government website or an immigration attorney for current and accurate information.
Climate
Data Sources & Updates
Data Sources
- World Bank World Development Indicators(CC BY 4.0)
- NOAA Climate Data(Public Domain)
- WHO Global Health Observatory(CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
- World Bank World Development Indicators(CC BY 4.0)
- Numbeo(User-Generated Data)
- Numbeo Quality of Life Index(CC BY 4.0)