What can Thailand businesses claim as expenses?
10 common business expenses with Revenue Department (กรมสรรพากร)-compliant rules for limited companies, sole traders and contractors in Thailand.
Accounting and Audit Fees
Yes. Bookkeeping, tax and audit fees are business costs. Every Thai company and juristic partnership needs a licensed auditor.
Business Travel
Yes. Travel for the business is a cost. Keep tax invoices so the input VAT on domestic travel can be claimed.
Client Entertainment
Partly. Entertainment is deductible only up to 0.3% of gross receipts, capped at 10 million baht, and its input VAT is not claimable.
Company Passenger Car
Partly. A passenger car of up to 10 seats is depreciated only on a cost of up to 1 million baht, and the VAT on it and its running costs is not claimable.
Computers and Equipment
Yes, through depreciation. Computers are written off over at least 3 years, and SMEs may take a 40% initial allowance.
Input VAT You Cannot Claim
Input VAT that Section 82/5 blocks cannot go on your P.P.30, but it can usually be deducted as a cost for corporate income tax.
Office Rent
Yes. Rent for business premises is a cost. Withhold 5% from the rent and remit it monthly.
Private and Personal Costs
No. Personal costs of the owner or directors are not company expenses. Keep them out of the company's books, or record them against the director who benefited.
Software and Subscriptions
Yes. Software, cloud tools and online subscriptions used for the business are normal costs of a Thai company.
Staff Salaries and Social Security
Yes. Salaries and the employer's 5% Social Security contribution are business costs.