Thailand exempts foreign actors from income tax for five years for filming in the country

     Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide, beginning in early 2020, its increasing severity has impacted globally, compelling every country to implement protective measures and control the disease by limiting travel into their territories.

     Similar to other countries, Thailand enforced lockdown measures, closing its cities to restrict travel in and out, which significantly affected daily lives and livelihoods.

     However, as the situation eases, the government has rolled out initiatives to stimulate economic activities, focusing on promoting trade, investments, and particularly the tourism sector, a critical part of the Thai economy, creating jobs and income within the country.

     The exemption of income tax for foreign actors is one of these tax measures aimed at encouraging the filming of foreign movies in Thailand, hoping to stimulate the economy, increase foreign film investment, and enhance soft power.

According to the drafted Ministerial Regulation No. 387 (dated 3rd February 2023) issued under the Revenue Code concerning tax exemptions, the details are as follows:

1. This Ministerial Regulation shall come into force after a period of 180 days from its announcement in the Royal Gazette.
2. It stipulates that the income earned by foreign public actors from performing in foreign movies within five years from the enforcement of this Ministerial Regulation (from 4th August 2023 onwards) will be considered as assessable income exempted from income tax by 10%, and need not be calculated for tax payment. This only applies to foreign movies produced by companies or partnerships legally established under foreign laws and permitted to produce movies under film and video legislation.

     This income tax exemption measure is expected to attract foreign movie investments in Thailand of no less than 3.5 billion baht per year, boosting the economy and providing income to businesses related to the film industry and tourism sector. Moreover, it would encourage knowledge transfer, develop human resources in the film industry, foster Thai and international cultural exchange, and promote tourism following the footsteps of famous movies and actors worldwide.

Data updated on October 18, 2022.

Source: The Government Spokesperson's Office, the Secretariat of the Cabinet, Government House, Dusit, Bangkok 10300. 

Tel: +66 2280 9000.

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