Thailand Introduces Tax Exemption for Foreign Actors, Boosting Incentive Scheme

Thailand boosted its film incentive scheme on Tuesday by approving a tax exemption for all foreign actors who work on movies or television productions in the country. The new measure will remain in effect for a period of at least five years.

Thailand has operated an incentive scheme since 2017 to lure international productions to shoot in the country. The existing measures include a cash rebate of 15-20 percent on all in-country production spending, up to a maximum of 75 million baht (about $2.1 million at current exchange rates). But foreign actors previously were required to pay tax to Thailand from their earnings during their work in country, in addition to whatever tax obligations they might have in their home country (the United States requires its citizens to pay tax regardless of wherever they work and reside in the world). The new exemption is expected to further ease the path…