A worked example: $60k remote salary
Say you earn $60,000/year remotely and become a tax resident in each country (240 days), no dependents:
- Thailand, remitting ~50%: only the money you bring in is taxed, after deductions β a meaningfully lower bill, and potentially zero with an LTR visa.
- Vietnam: the full $60k is taxable as a resident regardless of where it's paid β a higher effective rate, though the generous new 2026 deductions soften it, especially with dependents.
For a European comparison at several income levels, our Beckham Law savings report runs Spain’s inbound regime against ordinary IRPF income by income. The exact numbers depend on your remittance pattern, dependents and visa β which is why the two calculators above let you model your own situation rather than rely on a generic figure. The structural point stands: Thailand rewards keeping income offshore; Vietnam doesn't recognise the distinction.
Beyond tax: cost of living & lifestyle
Tax is only half the decision. Rough monthly budgets for a comfortable single nomad (2026):
- Vietnam (Da Nang): $900β1,400 β generally the cheaper base
- Thailand (Chiang Mai): $1,000β1,500 β deeper nomad infrastructure
- Thailand (Bangkok) / Vietnam (HCMC): $1,300β2,500 β big-city premium either way
Beyond tax, compare visa routes (Thailand's LTR and DTV) and your own living costs. The tax structure can outweigh both, so model it before committing to a long stay anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can I just stay under the residency threshold in both?
A. Many nomads do exactly this β splitting the year. But watch Vietnam's rolling 12-month rule (not just calendar year) and Thailand's 180-day line. Crossing either makes you resident with very different consequences.
Q. I'm American β does any of this remove my US tax?
A. No. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence. The FEIE and foreign tax credits may reduce US tax, but you still file. Local tax here is in addition to, not instead of, US obligations.
Q. Which should I pick?
A. If you can keep income offshore or qualify for Thailand's LTR, Thailand's tax base is narrower: unremitted foreign income is not taxed. If you are a Vietnamese non-resident (under 183 days and no registered or rented home there), Vietnam taxes only Vietnam-source income. Run both calculators with your real numbers.
Sources and official references: Vietnam PIT Law 109/2025/QH15 (vbpl.vn); Thai Revenue Department β Personal income tax rates (Por. 161/2566, foreign income taxed on remittance from 2024); Revenue Department β PIT rates for tax year 2560 onward (Thai); General Department of Taxation of Vietnam (PIT Law 109/2025/QH15, 5-bracket schedule from the 2026 tax year). Source URL not obtained for the Vietnam figures: gdt.gov.vn timed out on every attempt on 18 August 2026, so the bracket schedule is cited to the law without a linkable official page. For informational purposes only β not tax advice. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances; consult a qualified adviser before relying on any figure.