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Thailand Inheritance and Gift Tax Guide

Thailand's inheritance tax (ภาษีมรดก) applies at 10% on inheritances exceeding THB 100 million (only the excess over THB 100M is taxed). For descendants, ascendants, and spouses, the rate is 5% on amounts exceeding THB 50 million after the personal exemption. Gift tax (ภาษีการให้) applies at 5% on gifts to non-family exceeding THB 20 million per year and to family exceeding THB 20 million per year, subject to exemptions for customary gifts and educational support. All amounts in THB.

Thailand introduced inheritance and gift taxes relatively recently under the Inheritance Tax Act B.E. 2558 (2015) and relevant provisions of the Revenue Code. These taxes are administered by the Revenue Department (กรมสรรพากร). For related guidance, see our Personal Tax Guide →, Wealth Tax Guide →, and Property Tax Guide →.

Inheritance Tax (ภาษีมรดก)

  • Rate — 10% (general): A flat 10% inheritance tax is imposed on the value of an inheritance exceeding THB 100 million. The tax applies only to the excess over THB 100 million, not the entire estate.
  • Rate — 5% (family): For descendants (children, grandchildren), ascendants (parents, grandparents), and the surviving spouse, the rate is reduced to 5%. The threshold for family members is THB 50 million after applying the personal exemption (i.e., only the inheritance amount above THB 50M is taxed at 5%).
  • Personal exemption: An exemption of THB 50 million applies to each inheritor for inheritances received from one deceased person (for family members). For non-family, the THB 100 million threshold applies before tax is due.
  • Taxable assets: Inheritance tax covers assets located in Thailand, including real estate, bank deposits, securities (listed and unlisted), vehicles, and business interests. Life insurance proceeds and retirement benefits (provident fund, pension) are generally excluded from the taxable estate.
  • Exempt assets: Assets inherited by a spouse are exempt from inheritance tax (spousal exemption). Assets inherited by government entities, temples, and charities are also exempt.
  • Valuation: Inheritance is valued at the market value or appraised value on the date of death (for real estate, the government appraised value is used).

Gift Tax (ภาษีการให้)

  • Rate — 5%: A flat 5% gift tax applies to gifts (both cash and assets) exceeding the annual exemption thresholds. The donor is primarily liable for the tax.
  • Annual exemption for non-family: Gifts to persons other than direct ascendants/descendants/spouse are subject to gift tax if the total value of gifts to any single recipient exceeds THB 20 million per calendar year. Only the excess over THB 20 million is taxed at 5%.
  • Annual exemption for family: Gifts to direct ascendants (parents, grandparents), descendants (children, grandchildren), and spouse are subject to gift tax if the total value exceeds THB 20 million per calendar year. Only the excess is taxed at 5%.
  • Customary gifts exemption: Gifts given on customary occasions (birthdays, marriages, New Year, etc.) in reasonable amounts are exempt from gift tax up to THB 2,000 per person per occasion (or a reasonable value).
  • Educational and medical gifts: Gifts given for educational purposes (tuition, living expenses for students) or medical treatment costs are exempt if paid directly to the institution/provider and the amount is reasonable.
  • Gifts to charities: Donations to approved charitable organisations are not subject to gift tax (and may be deductible against IIT — see Personal Tax Guide).
  • Gift between spouses: Gifts between legally registered spouses are generally exempt from gift tax.

Filing and Payment

  • Inheritance tax filing: The inheritor must file an inheritance tax return within 150 days of the date of death (or within 150 days of the date the inheritor knew or ought to have known of the inheritance).
  • Inheritance tax payment: Tax is due at the time of filing. Instalment payment may be available for large estates (up to 5 annual instalments with interest).
  • Gift tax filing: The donor must file a gift tax return within 30 days of the end of the month in which the gift is made (for gifts exceeding the annual exemption).
  • Penalties: Late filing — up to 2x the tax due. Late payment — 1.5% per month on the outstanding amount.

Estate Planning Considerations

  • High thresholds: The THB 100 million (non-family) and THB 50 million (family) inheritance tax thresholds mean that the vast majority of estates are not subject to inheritance tax. Only very large estates face liability.
  • Annual gifting: Wealthy individuals can reduce their eventual estate by making annual gifts of up to THB 20 million per recipient per year without triggering gift tax.
  • Life insurance: Life insurance policies with designated beneficiaries are excluded from the taxable estate, making them a common tool for estate planning in Thailand.
  • Property planning: Transferring property through the family gifting exemption may reduce future inheritance exposure. However, gift tax on large property transfers and land transfer fees must be considered.