Does 17% cover RSU / stock grants?

Yes for RSUs vested and paid via the Thai employer. RSUs paid by a US parent require separate withholding + US tax credit, then 17% in Thailand.

My employer isn't on the S-curve list but I do AI research?

You can still apply as 'Highly-Skilled at academic / public institution' if working at a university or RIA. Fully private employers must wait for BOI approval first.

Yes — notify BOI within 60 days. New employer must remain within the same S-curve category or the 17% rate is lost.

Highly-Skilled Professional

LTR สำหรับบุคลากรทักษะพิเศษ (17% Flat Tax) · § Highly-Skilled

Quick Answer

17% flat PIT (instead of progressive up to 35%) · 10-year visa · Digital Work Permit · ideal for VP/Director-level compensation with base + bonus + stock — million-baht annual tax savings.

Timeline: 3–4 months · needs Endorsement + Employer sponsorship + Thai entity qualifying under S-curve list.

Official fees: THB 50,000 per person (10 years) + Digital Work Permit THB 3,000/yr

Eligibility

Income ≥ USD 80,000/yr (or USD 40,000 with Master's/PhD) · work for a business in Thailand's 12 targeted S-curve industries (BEV, MedTech, Digital, Space, Robotics, Aviation, etc.) or a public / academic body · ≥ 5 years experience.

Required Documents

Thai employer proof of S-curve eligibility (BOI cert / MHESI cert / SEC listing)
Employment contract + total compensation summary (base + RSU + bonus)
12 months of payslips + 2 years of tax returns
Master's/PhD + transcript + verification letter
Portfolio / publications / patents (if any)
Police clearance + health insurance

Pitfalls to Avoid

17% flat applies only to Thai employment income · passive/dividend still taxed progressively
Must stay in Thailand ≥ 180 days/year to claim tax residence + 17% rate
Employer must be on the BOI-published 12-industry list · generic 'IT services' does not count — must fit the Digital sub-category

Best Fit

VP Engineering relocating from Google Singapore to Thailand office
Chief Medical Officer at a private rare-disease hospital
Chief Data Scientist at a BEV supply-chain company

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 17% cover RSU / stock grants?: Yes for RSUs vested and paid via the Thai employer. RSUs paid by a US parent require separate withholding + US tax credit, then 17% in Thailand.
My employer isn't on the S-curve list but I do AI research?: You can still apply as 'Highly-Skilled at academic / public institution' if working at a university or RIA. Fully private employers must wait for BOI approval first.
Can I change jobs?: Yes — notify BOI within 60 days. New employer must remain within the same S-curve category or the 17% rate is lost.