Inheritance Tax (Thailand)
For foreigners, Thailand’s inheritance tax applies only to the portion of an inheritance from one decedent that exceeds THB 100 million. The rate is 5% for ascendants/descendants and 10% for other heirs; a spouse is expressly exempt.
- Who is in scope (foreigners): Non-Thai, non-domiciled heirs are taxed only on assets situated in Thailand. Thai nationals and non-Thai persons domiciled in Thailand are taxed on eligible assets worldwide.
- What counts as “situated in Thailand”: land/buildings, Thai-listed securities, claimable bank deposits, registered vehicles, and other financial assets named by Royal Decree.
- Valuation & filing: assets are valued on the date the heir receives them; if tax is due, file and pay within 150 days (form ภ.ม.60).
- 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 land is registered, the land office notifies the Revenue Department, expect follow-up if the return is missing.
Why it exists: introduced in 2015 to target very large intergenerational transfers; the threshold is reviewed periodically against CPI.
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