When Brits think about retiring or moving abroad, more often then not, picturesque landscapes of beaches with cloudless skies are cited as features they want.
While usual suspects Spain, Portugal, France and Italy are always top of the list, many have been looking further afield to find a place in the sun.
And these prospective expats are drawing the attention of several countries around the world that have been passing favourable tax rules and opening up opportunities for them to either move or retire there.
One such country is Thailand. Not only is it famous for its climate and affordable lifestyle, it has also been making strides to become more attractive to foreigners.
For instance, this year the Thai government set out a ‘proactive economic plan’ aimed at drawing at least one million high-income foreigners and investors to Thailand and helping them settle down.
While the prospect of retiring to a tropical place certainly sounds appealing, what can Thailand offer and what is available to Brits looking to relocate and/or retire there?
International Adviser spoke with advice firms in the country to understand what benefits expats will be able to enjoy were they to make the one-way trip.
Appealing destination
Paul Gambles, managing director of MBMG Investment Advisory, said: “Many of the features – the climate, the food, the welcoming people, and easy-going lifestyle – that make Thailand an attractive holiday destination also make it a great place for Brits to live and work.
“The Board of Investment makes it possible to own and run your own business in Thailand. The UK is one of 14 countries whose nationals, aged 50 or over, are eligible to apply for five yearly renewable retirement visas. A Bangkok lawyer can help you with BOI.
“Currently, various government departments are consulting on how to implement the cabinet’s proactive economic plan to attract more wealthy foreigners to stimulate domestic consumption.
“Proposed solutions include making it easier for foreigners to own houses and offering greater tax benefits. Currently, foreigners can own properties but not land which is understood would be preferable to wealthy western retirees.
“Tax incentives could focus on attracting foreign investors to set up regional offices in Thailand along with more attractive propositions for retirees, self-employed people, so-called digital nomads, and start-ups.
“MBMG’s view is that, while the proposed incentives seem likely to throw up a range of exciting new opportunities, Thailand’s legal and taxation structure has always offered particularly favourable legitimate opportunities for UK expats, especially those who either earn income outside Thailand or hold significant assets outside the country.”
Expats, however, are not the only ones who took notice. Many wealth firms have entered into partnerships, joint ventures, or even set up shop in Thailand to tap into the country’s growing advisory market.
Examples include Schroders, Julius Baer, Lombard Odier, Franklin Templeton, LGT and Stashaway.
Investments
Tim Niranvichaiya, Thailand country manager at Stashaway, said that the investment option pool available to clients has been expanding to cater to a more global and mobile population.
“In the past, most investment options available to investors were focused on the domestic market. But today, we’re seeing both the traditional banks and fintech players offering more offshore investments to their clients, allowing them to build a more globally diversified portfolio.
“A reason for this, is that the Bank of Thailand has also eased the rules surrounding foreign investments and has put in place better regulations to benefit consumers. As a result, it has opened the opportunity for financial institutions to offer directly more global investment products and services.
“There are also tax-advantaged funds offering a variety of investment strategies like the Provident funds, Retirement Mutual funds, and Super Savings funds where foreigners can enjoy tax benefits in the same way as Thais.
“With that said, these funds are commonly used as tax-reduction vehicles in Thailand but there are eligibility requirements that you need to carefully consider such as continuation of contribution or holding periods.”
Living and working in Thailand
Paul Wyatt, managing director at AIMS Pensions and Investments, added that the UK has links to Thailand via the British embassy and British Chamber of Commerce Thailand as they “both work for UK expats and companies here and provide networking and commonality of purpose for those of the same mind and values”.
“Working in Thailand is fairly straightforward, although it is a good idea to have an accountant who is conversant with the local rules and has a good understanding of English to help run the company side of things, if you have one. They can also make visas and work permits a lot more straightforward to go through.
“To work here you need a working visa and a work permit and you cannot have one without the other. The visa is renewed every year and your passport needs to be stamped every three months either by travelling outside the country or at local immigration offices.
“Income tax is on worldwide income with eight bands, ranging from 0% to 35%, so is a reasonable overall level. On international income, tax is only assessed if the income was earned in the year you bring the money into the country. There are various deductions and allowances including savings via Thailand Provident or Mutual funds available through local banks. VAT is 7%.
“Corporation tax is 20% although there is a small company’s rate of 15%.
“In terms of investment management, Thailand’s regulations are broadly similar to the UK. The financial services regulator, the Thailand SEC, is very clear on the advice process using risk profiling, client types, disclosure of fees/commission and written advice.
“There is no National Health Service in Thailand, but the private hospital network is excellent. This does come at a price and so a decent quality local or international medical plan is usually a good idea to cover inpatient, outpatient, or both to give you peace of mind,” he added.
With Brexit making life more difficult for Brits seeking a life in the sun, Thailand could prove an appealing alternative that has an established link to the UK as well as a large, multi-national expat community.
