e-Invoicing in Thailand [2024 Requirements]

Thailand e-invoicing is a viable alternative for business

Electronic invoicing is currently not mandatory in Thailand. However, the Thai government is taking steps towards digitizing the tax system to create a comprehensive digital tax ecosystem that should be available by 2028. Mandatory e-invoicing will be rolled out in phases starting in 2024.

In 2016, the Thai government introduced a new policy called “Thailand 4.0”, which includes two main long-term objectives: to transform Thailand into a digital economy, and for it to become an advanced economic nation 2032. To achieve those objectives, the Thai government together with The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), which is the main agency responsible for standards and the development, promotion and support of electronic transactions in the country, is promoting e-invoicing and encouraging companies to make the switch.

The e-tax system in Thailand is intended to replace paper-based tax invoices in many common business transactions. It is already possible for VAT parties to send e-invoices and receipts voluntarily using the e-Tax Invoice and Receipt system (which is dedicated to e-invoicing). The Thai Tax Authority has also taken steps to expand its infrastructure for electronic invoice exchange and reporting of account and tax information to be built with specialized service providers.

Implementation timeline

The timeline for using the e-invoicing system depends on a company’s size:

Since 2018 - system open to large (annual sales over THB 500 million) and medium-sized companies (annual sales between THB 30 and 500 million)
Since 2020 - small companies (annual sales between THB 1.8 and 30 million) may use e-invoicing
Since 2022 - micro-companies (annual sales under THB 1.8 million) may use e-invoicing

The full implementation of the Thai government's plan to implement e-invoicing will take place in stages:

by 2024 - service providers must be able to issue invoices electronically, archive them and deliver them on behalf of taxpayers
by 2025 - large companies should be able to issue electronic invoices
by 2027 - large companies should be able to file their tax returns electronically
by 2028 – all entrepreneurs should have the ability to file taxes electronically

Implementation timeline

E-invoicing process description

The Thai e-invoicing system cannot be considered as a full clearing model. This is due to the fact that only the data contained in e-invoices are transferred to the Thai tax authorities (ETDA), while the e-invoices themselves are transferred directly by the seller to their recipients. Prior notification is required to issue e-invoices to the central system run by the Thai tax authorities of such desires. All e-invoices must meet certain requirements: firstly, they must be digitally signed and, moreover, they must have an electronic time stamp confirming the date of issue and must contain defined information. Data from invoices issued in this way are delivered to the Thai tax authority by the 15th day of the month, in monthly cycles.

Since tax e-invoicing involves undertaking complex technical and legal steps by enterprises, the government is trying to support them and optimize the process of switching to e-invoicing. One of the activities is the initiative of the Agency for the Development of Electronic Transactions, under which the certification process ("ETDA") is conducted for e-service providers in order to assess their security and compliance. As a result, Comarch obtained an official certificate as a provider of data transmission services in the field of electronic invoicing and tax receipt (Service Provider Certified).

How integrity and authenticity may be ensured?

E-invoices and e-receipts must contain two digital signatures created by the prescribed means and supported by a certificate and the signatory’s certificate number. This number is issued by the approved certification body of the tax authority.

What is the required format of an e-invoice

What is the required format of an e-invoice?

Invoices may be in XML format (ETDA Standard).

Archiving requirements for e-invoicing

Archiving requirements for e-invoicing in Thailand

Documents prepared in electronic form and with digital signatures the original is an electronic file, so the document must be stored in electronic form (if printed on paper, it will be considered a copy) based on the Electronic Transactions Act.

Tax invoice, report, copy of tax invoice as well as supporting documents shall be kept at least 5 years as from the date of tax return filing or report making.

Why is Comarch the best choice?

We have 20+ years of experience in carrying out various EDI, e-invoicing, and other document exchange projects around the world. In those years, we have successfully connected more than 130,000 entities from over 60 countries.

1. Legal compliance
Full compliance with the latest data exchange regulations and modern data transfer standards
2. Digitization
Applying new technologies and IT solutions in order to streamline workflows and automate activities and procedures
3. Individual approach
Tailor-made solutions based on processes specific to each company – own road map and a suitable pace of changes
4.Security
Highest level of security for all sensitive and important company data

Achieve Global e-Invoicing Compliance with Comarch

Make sure your business meets international standards with the Comarch e-Invoicing platform, trusted in more than 60 countries. Enjoy hassle-free integration and continuous compliance updates.

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