Forvis Mazars recently hosted the Tax Talk 2026: Transforming Uncertainty into Confidence seminar. The event served as a strategic platform to equip the business sector with essential tools, bringing together tax experts to share deep insights into regulatory compliance. The seminar aimed to prepare businesses for their 2026/2027 tax obligations, addressing challenges in a new era and providing updates on the evolving international tax landscape amidst global economic fluctuations.
Mr. Jonathan Stuart-Smith – Tax Partner and APAC Tax Leader, stated during the seminar that in a volatile global climate, turning uncertainty into confidence begins with a systematic understanding of impact mechanisms. He highlighted that the crisis in the Middle East is not merely a security issue but a critical gear driving the global and Thai economies. As energy costs rise, the impact ripples across sectors, from logistics to industrial production costs and global supply chains—leading to higher consumer prices and affecting tourism, a cornerstone of the Thai economy.
Furthermore, domestic and international tax changes remain pivotal issues for corporate adaptation. Today, tax is no longer just a legal obligation but a strategic mechanism directly influencing business value, risk management, and organisational decision-making. Entities that effectively integrate tax policy into their operational structures will gain a competitive edge in navigating uncertainty and achieving sustainable growth.
The seminar aimed to provide entrepreneurs with the data and frameworks necessary to manage tax transitions. This included updates on international taxation, transfer pricing audits, tax planning opportunities, and ensuring compliance by leveraging tax incentives and measures to enhance business efficiency amidst the current uncertain economic climate.
The event pooled the expertise of Forvis Mazars Thailand’s tax specialists, who provided in-depth guidance, led by Narisaporn Tanapoonsin,Tax Partner and specialist in M&A and Corporate Restructuring, including Pongphan Narasin – Tax Director; Vachirawit Kaew-udom – Tax Director; Parin Supsavaipol – Tax Director; Nachanya Dhianpilan – Audit Director; Nunthanat Thitisuthi – Senior Manager; Nitchakarn Panyarattana – Senior Transfer Pricing Manager; and Rani Pandey – Senior Tax Manager.
The seminar also featured representatives from the Revenue Department, who shared updates on the current tax collection system. Held on 24 March 2026 at The Landmark Bangkok, the event welcomed over 200 participants from various industries.
Ms Naritsaporn Tanapoonsin – Tax Partner, Forvis Mazars and specialist in M&A and Corporate Restructuring, outlined the four core themes of the seminar:
- Managing Tax for Foreign Assignees: Tax management for expatriates extends beyond legal compliance; it requires proactive planning to avoid unforeseen costs and risks. Organisations must establish clear tax policies, including Tax Equalisation criteria, employer-employee tax allocation, and the accurate identification of taxable benefits, alongside timely registration and filings. Close coordination between HR, Payroll, and Tax departments is vital for seamless cross-border operations.
- Transfer Pricing Audits: Audit scrutiny is intensifying, with revenue officers focusing on economic substance, business rationale, and high-risk intercompany transactions. Organisations must prepare comprehensive, credible documentation and appropriate benchmarking. Failure to comply may lead to tax assessments, penalties, and surcharges. Proactive strategies, such as Advance Pricing Agreements (APA) and Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAP), can mitigate these risks.
- Restructuring for Resilience: Corporate restructuring has evolved into a strategic tool for managing not only tax but also cash flow, governance, and overall enterprise value. Effective structures must align tax and accounting goals with business objectives. Clear roadmaps—from objective setting to implementation and Post-deal Integration—are essential. Robust oversight is required during the execution phase to ensure long-term success.
- International Tax Landscape 2026: Driven by OECD developments, the landscape is shifting rapidly through updated conventions and anti-tax avoidance measures. Notably, the Pillar Two framework presents a challenge for large multinationals under the Global Minimum Tax regime, necessitating a review of Effective Tax Rates and business structures. Cross-border planning must now carefully consider holding company locations, financing sources, and exit Strategies.
In these volatile times, companies can adapt to ensure smooth operations and efficient growth by leveraging evolving tax incentives. Forvis Mazars offers high-level expertise in Audit, Tax, Legal, and Advisory services, focusing on proactive impact analysis, digital technology, and risk management. For further details and professional advice, please visit https://www.forvismazars.com/th/en.
