Choosing an Accounting Firm in Thailand: Which Kind Fits Your Needs
A personal tax return, a small company’s monthly books and an international tax question need different kinds of help. Here is how to match the firm to the job.
The short version
- Local accountants suit Thai personal returns and small company books.
- Bookkeeping services handle monthly records, VAT and payroll filings.
- Cross-border tax advisers handle home-country rules and tax treaties.
- From 2026, newly registered company accountants must be members of, or registered with, the Federation of Accounting Professions.
- Get the scope and fee in writing.
Which kind of help for which job
- Personal Thai tax return: a local accountant with expat clients
- Small Thai company: a bookkeeping and accounting service for monthly filings and annual accounts
- Income in several countries: a cross-border tax adviser, working with a Thai accountant
- Larger or regulated business: a mid-size or international firm
The 2026 registration rules
From 1 January 2026, new applicants registering as company accountants with the Department of Business Development must live in Thailand, speak Thai, hold a recognised accounting qualification, be members of or registered with the Federation of Accounting Professions, pass an online exam and renew yearly. Existing accountants keep their registration but must complete annual training and are limited to 100 business clients a year.
What to ask
- Are you registered, and with which body?
- Which filings are included, monthly and annual?
- Do you handle VAT, payroll and social security?
- Who signs and submits returns?
- How do you keep my documents secure?
Tax and accounting
Guides from the JLIT library.
Finance hubs
Tax and business finance.
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Questions newcomers ask
Do I need a Thai accountant or an international firm?
For personal returns and small companies, a local accountant is usually enough. Income in several countries may also need a cross-border tax adviser.
What changed for Thai accountants in 2026?
New company accountants must now be members of, or registered with, the Federation of Accounting Professions, pass an exam and renew yearly.
What should a bookkeeping service include?
Monthly records and filings such as VAT, withholding tax, payroll and social security, plus annual accounts. Confirm the scope in writing.
