India โ Thailand Tax Treaty
The India-Thailand tax treaty caps withholding on dividends at 20% for portfolio investors and 15% for qualifying direct investment, and interest at 25%. Royalties are taxed at a uniform 15% across all categories. Private pensions are taxable only in the country of residence, with no withholding at source. This is one of 48 active treaties in India's network and one of 22 in Thailand's. The general dividend rate of 20% is above the median in both countries' networks (India: 10%, Thailand: 15%).
Verified data
CBDT DTAA Collection (incometaxindia.gov.in) (Treaty list verified April 2026)
Withholding Rate Summary
Source: India Treaty Reference| Income Type | Treaty Rate | Statutory Rate (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Dividends (general) Portfolio investors | 20% | 20% |
| Dividends (qualified) Beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock | 15%saves 5% | 20% |
| Interest Bank interest, bonds, loans | 25% | 20% |
| Royalties (avg) Patents, copyright, know-how, film/TV | 15% | โ |
| Pensions Private pension distributions | 0% | โ |
| Social Security Government social security benefits | 0% | โ |
โTreaty Rateโ is the maximum withholding permitted under this treaty. The actual effective rate may be lower if domestic law provides a more favorable rate independently. โStatutory Rate (India)โ shows the rate that applies when no treaty benefit is claimed. Qualified dividend rate requires: Beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock.
Dividends
The general dividend rate of 20% applies to portfolio investors. A reduced rate of 15% is available when beneficial owner is a company holding >= 10% of voting stock. Without the treaty, the statutory withholding rate on dividends is 20%.
Source: India Treaty Reference
Interest
Interest payments (bank interest, bonds, loans) are subject to 25% withholding under this treaty, compared to the 20% statutory rate. This represents a no reduction from the statutory rate.
Source: India Treaty Reference
Royalties
Royalty withholding rates vary by the type of intellectual property. This treaty distinguishes 4 categories, with rates ranging from 15% to 15%.
Source: India Treaty Reference
Pensions & Social Security
Private pension distributions are taxable only in the country of residence, with no withholding at source. Government social security benefits are exempt from source-country withholding.
Source: India Treaty Reference
Comparative Context
๐ฎ๐ณIndia's Network
Among India's 48 active treaty partners, the 20% general dividend rate ranks 46th (median: 10%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| Slovak Republic | 15% |
| Turkey | 15% |
| Philippines | 20% |
| Thailand (this treaty) | 20% |
| Canada | 25% |
| United States | 25% |
๐น๐ญThailand's Network
Among Thailand's 22 active treaty partners, the 20% general dividend rate ranks 20th (median: 15%).
| Partner | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sweden | 15% |
| United States | 15% |
| Indonesia | 20% |
| India (this treaty) | 20% |
| Philippines | 20% |
| Pakistan | 20% |