Thailand Company Compliance Guide for Indian Entrepreneurs (2026)
Thailand company annual compliance requirements come from four bodies. The Revenue Department wants a half-year tax return (PND 51) and an annual return (PND 50) within 150 days of year-end, plus monthly VAT and withholding returns. The DBD wants audited financial statements, the Social Security Office monthly contributions, and the BOI annual reports if your project is promoted. Our Thailand company formation page covers setup.
Key facts
- Corporate tax returns: PND 51 within 2 months after the first 6 months of the accounting year, and PND 50 within 150 days of year-end.
- Every company has its accounts audited by a Thai licensed auditor and files them with the DBD within 5 months of year-end.
- VAT is 7% until 30 September 2027; VAT-registered companies file PP 30 returns monthly, and registration is compulsory above THB 1.8 million of taxable revenue.
- Employers pay social security of about 5% of salary each month, and withholding tax returns are monthly too.
- In India, file the APR by 31 December each year, and the FLA return by 15 July if an Indian company or LLP is the investor.
Thailand has a structured but strict regulatory system involving multiple authorities:
- Revenue Department (tax authority)
- Department of Business Development (DBD)
- Social Security Office (SSO)
- Board of Investment (BOI) for promoted companies
Each authority has its own filing requirements, deadlines, and penalties.
Missing even one filing can result in:
- Financial penalties
- License suspension
- Visa/work permit issues
- Audit triggers
This guide explains all key compliance obligations for Thailand companies in 2026.
Key Regulatory Authorities in Thailand
1. Revenue Department (RD)
Responsible for:
- Corporate income tax
- VAT filings
- Withholding tax
- Personal income tax reporting
2. DBD (Department of Business Development)
Responsible for:
- Company registration
- Annual financial statements
- Shareholder updates
- Corporate governance filings
3. Social Security Office (SSO)
Responsible for:
- Employee social security contributions
- Monthly payroll compliance
- Employer obligations
4. BOI (Board of Investment)
Responsible for:
- Investment approvals
- Incentive monitoring
- Annual reporting for promoted companies
Annual Corporate Income Tax Return PND 50
What is PND 50?
PND 50 is Thailandโs annual corporate income tax return.
It is mandatory for all registered companies.
Filing Deadline:
Within 150 days after financial year-end
What it includes:
- Total revenue
- Deductible expenses
- Net profit calculation
- Corporate tax payable
- Financial statements summary
Who must file?
- All Thai companies (Co Ltd)
- Foreign-owned companies
- BOI and non-BOI entities
Penalties for late filing:
- Monetary fines
- Interest on unpaid taxes
- Potential audit trigger
Half-Year Tax Return PND 51
What is PND 51?
PND 51 is a mid-year estimated corporate tax return.
Filing Deadline:
Within 2 months after first 6 months of fiscal year
Purpose
- Estimate annual profit
- Pay advance corporate tax
- Reduce year-end tax burden surprises
Important Note
Many foreign founders overlook PND 51, but it is mandatory for most companies.
VAT Filing PP30 (Monthly)
What is PP30?
PP30 is the monthly VAT return in Thailand.
VAT Rate:
7% until 30 September 2027 (statutory rate 10%). Registration is compulsory once taxable revenue passes THB 1.8 million a year.
Filing Frequency:
Monthly
Requirements:
- Sales invoices
- Purchase invoices
- Input VAT tracking
- Output VAT calculation
Key Compliance Rule:
Even if no revenue is generated, zero filings may still be required depending on registration status.
Penalties:
- Late filing fines
- VAT penalties
- Interest charges
Withholding Tax (WHT) Compliance
Companies must deduct and remit withholding tax on certain payments:
- Employee salaries
- Contractor payments
- Service fees
- Royalties
- Interest payments
Reporting Requirement:
WHT must be reported monthly through Revenue Department filings.
DBD Annual Financial Statements
All companies must submit annual audited financial statements to:
Department of Business Development (DBD)
Filing Deadline:
Within 5 months after financial year-end: the audited accounts are approved at the annual general meeting and then filed with the DBD, together with the shareholder list.
Required Documents
- Audited balance sheet
- Profit & loss statement
- Auditor report
- Shareholder information summary
Important
Audited financial statements are mandatory even for small companies.
Audit Requirement in Thailand
Most companies must undergo:
Annual statutory audit
Conducted by licensed Thai auditors.
Why audits matter:
- Required for DBD filing
- Required for tax filings
- Required for BOI compliance (if applicable)
- Required for bank account maintenance
Social Security Compliance (SSO)
If you hire employees in Thailand, you must register with the Social Security Office.
Employer Contribution:
~5% of employee salary
Employee Contribution:
Also required (deducted from salary)
Monthly Requirements:
- Employee salary reporting
- Contribution payment
- Workforce updates
Penalties
- Fines for late payment
- Legal liability for non-compliance
BOI Compliance Requirements (If Promoted)
BOI companies have additional obligations.
Annual BOI Reporting Includes:
- Investment progress
- Employment numbers
- Machinery imports
- Revenue breakdown
- Project status updates
BOI Monitoring Focus:
- Job creation
- Capital investment compliance
- Industry alignment
- Operational activity
Risk of Non-Compliance:
- Loss of tax incentives
- Revocation of BOI status
- Requirement to repay benefits
Work Permit Reporting Obligations
Foreign employees and directors must comply with:
- Work permit validity checks
- Address reporting
- Role compliance updates
Important Rule:
Work permits are tied to:
- Company compliance status
- Registered capital
- Employee ratios (in some cases)
Penalties for Non-Compliance in Thailand
Thailand enforces penalties for late or missing filings. Late payment of tax carries a surcharge of 1.5% a month on the unpaid amount, a late annual return can bring a fine of up to THB 2,000, and underestimating half-year profit by more than 25% can add a 20% surcharge on the PND 51 tax. Late DBD filings carry fines for the company and its directors.
Common Penalties:
Late Tax Filing
- Fixed fines
- Interest on unpaid tax
VAT Non-Compliance
- Additional penalties
- Audit risk
DBD Filing Delay
- Company status warnings
- Legal penalties
Social Security Violations
- Fines per employee
- Employer liability
BOI Violations
- Loss of privileges
- Tax incentive withdrawal
Common Compliance Mistakes by Foreign Founders
Many Indian entrepreneurs face issues due to:
- Missing PND 51 filings
- Ignoring VAT registration thresholds
- Not hiring certified auditors
- Improper bookkeeping
- Assuming BOI removes all obligations
- Late social security registration
- Weak document retention practices
Compliance Calendar Overview (Annual Cycle)
Monthly
- VAT return (PP30)
- Social security payments
- Withholding tax filings
Half-Year
- PND 51 tax return
Annual
- PND 50 tax return (150 days)
- DBD audited financial statements (5 months)
- BOI annual report (if applicable)
- Statutory audit completion
BOI vs Non-BOI Compliance Load
| Compliance Area | Non-BOI | BOI Company |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Filing | Yes | Yes |
| VAT | Yes | Yes |
| Audit | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| BOI Reporting | No | Yes |
| Incentive Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Complexity | Medium | High |
Why Compliance Matters for Foreign Investors
Thailand is business-friendly but enforcement is strict.
Compliance is essential for:
- Maintaining visas and work permits
- Protecting BOI incentives
- Avoiding financial penalties
- Ensuring banking stability
- Maintaining legal status
Final Thoughts
Thailand works well for Indian entrepreneurs who keep their filings on time.
The system is structured around multiple authorities, each with strict deadlines:
- Revenue Department (tax compliance)
- DBD (corporate filings)
- Social Security Office (employment compliance)
- BOI (investment monitoring)
For foreign founders, missed filings after incorporation cause more trouble than incorporation itself.
A well-managed compliance system ensures:
- Smooth operations
- Tax efficiency
- Visa stability
- BOI incentive protection
- Long-term business continuity
What you file in India for your Thai company
Your Thai company is Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) under FEMA. Your AD Category-I bank reports it on Form FC and obtains a UIN before any capital leaves India. After that you file the Annual Performance Report (APR) by 31 December each year, and the FLA return to RBI by 15 July if an Indian company or LLP is the investor. A resident individual who holds the shares personally files the APR but not the FLA return, and remits capital within the Liberalised Remittance Scheme limit of USD 250,000 per financial year. Keep the Thai audited accounts ready in time: the APR is based on them, so a late Thai audit makes the India filing late too.
Frequently asked questions
What annual filings does a company in Thailand have to make?
The half-year corporate tax return (PND 51) within 2 months after the first 6 months, the annual return (PND 50) within 150 days of year-end, and audited financial statements with the shareholder list to the DBD within 5 months. Monthly, you file VAT (PP 30) if registered, withholding tax returns and social security contributions. BOI-promoted companies also report to the BOI.
Is an audit mandatory in Thailand?
Yes. Every Thai limited company must have its annual financial statements audited by a Thai licensed auditor, whatever its size or revenue, and file them with the DBD. The audited accounts also support the PND 50 tax return, BOI reporting and your bank. Choose the auditor early, because a late audit pushes every later filing back.
What are the penalties for late filing in Thailand?
Unpaid tax attracts a surcharge of 1.5% for each month or part of a month, a late annual return can bring a fine of up to THB 2,000, and underestimating half-year profit by more than 25% can add a 20% surcharge on the PND 51 tax. Late DBD filings bring fines for the company and its directors.
What do I have to file in India for my company in Thailand?
Form FC through your AD Category-I bank when you invest, with a UIN obtained before you remit. Then the Annual Performance Report (APR) by 31 December each year, and the FLA return to RBI by 15 July if the investor is an Indian company or LLP. Resident individuals file the APR but not the FLA return.
Does a dormant Thai company still have to file?
Yes. A company with no trading still files PND 51 and PND 50, has its accounts audited and files them with the DBD. If it is VAT-registered, it files PP 30 returns each month even when there are no sales. Missing these filings brings penalties, so close the company formally if you no longer need it.
What extra does a BOI-promoted company file?
Everything a standard company files, plus BOI reports on investment progress, employment, machinery imports and revenue from the promoted activity. The BOI checks that you meet the conditions in your promotion certificate. Breaching them can cost you the tax incentives, the BOI status and, in some cases, benefits already received.
More Thailand guides
Setting up in Thailand? Our Thailand company formation page explains the process and the services we offer. Other guides in this series:
- Thailand Visas for Indian Entrepreneurs (2026) Non-Immigrant B, Smart Visa, BOI Visa & Work Permits
- Thailand Company Costs THB 50Kโ2M Capital, BOI Costs, Work Permits & Annual Maintenance (2026)
- FEMA, RBI & Indian Tax for Thailand Company Owners (2026) ODI, DTAA, BOI & ASEAN Strategy
- How to Open a Thai Business Bank Account (2026) Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn (KBank), SCB & Foreign Company Challenges
- Thailand Tax Guide for Indian Entrepreneurs (2026) 20% CIT, BOI Tax Holidays (3โ13 Years), EEC & India DTAA
- How to Register a Company in Thailand from India Co Ltd, BOI, FBA & Step-by-Step (2026)
All Thailand articles: Thailand guides.


