Inheritance Tax (in Thailand)
Thailand’s inheritance tax generally applies only to the portion of taxable inheritance received by each heir from one deceased person that exceeds THB 100 million, after applicable deductions. The rate is 5% for ascendants and descendants and 10% for other heirs. A surviving spouse is exempt.
- Who is in scope: Non-Thai, non-domiciled heirs are generally taxed only on taxable assets situated in Thailand. Thai nationals and non-Thai persons domiciled in Thailand may be taxed on eligible assets worldwide.
- What counts as “situated in Thailand”: immovable property in Thailand, including land, buildings and condominium units, Thai-listed securities, claimable Thai bank deposits, registered vehicles, and other financial assets prescribed by Royal Decree.
- Valuation & filing: assets are generally valued on the date the heir receives them. If tax is due, the heir must file and pay within 150 days, using form ภ.ม.60.
- Foreign wills: Thai courts may recognise a foreign will or succession document if valid under the relevant foreign law, but Thai-situated assets may still be subject to Thai succession, transfer, and tax procedures.
- Case note for foreigners: Supreme Court Judgment 6524/2561 confirms Thai courts may recognise foreign wills/trusts if valid under the testator’s law, yet Thai-situated assets remain taxable above the threshold.
- Compliance signal: when inherited immovable property is transferred or registered, the Land Office may notify the Revenue Department, and the Revenue Department may request filing or clarification if applicable.
Why it exists: Thailand introduced inheritance tax in 2015 to target very large intergenerational transfers. The THB 100 million threshold means most ordinary estates are not affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foreigners pay Thai inheritance tax?
Yes, but only in limited cases. A non-Thai, non-domiciled heir is generally liable only on taxable assets situated in Thailand, and only where the inheritance received from one deceased person exceeds THB 100 million.
What are the inheritance tax rates and threshold?
Only the taxable portion above THB 100 million is taxed. The rate is 5% for ascendants and descendants and 10% for other heirs. A surviving spouse is exempt.
Does Thai inheritance tax apply to foreign quota condominiums?
A condominium unit located in Thailand is generally treated as Thai-situated immovable property. For a non-Thai, non-domiciled heir, Thai inheritance tax would generally only become relevant if the taxable inheritance from one deceased person exceeds THB 100 million.
Will a foreign will be recognised in Thailand?
Thai courts may recognise a foreign will or succession document if it is valid under the relevant foreign law. However, Thai-situated assets may still require Thai succession, transfer, Land Office, and tax procedures.
Planning Ahead
Understanding inheritance tax is only part of the picture. A valid last will can help ensure your assets are passed on smoothly.
Learn how to draft a Thai last will