FR_A, I suspect the situation will be worse for tax than in FR, which is where I guess you are comparing to at the moment, because the EU has a single taxation agreement that I suspect doesn't apply to Thailand. SO, being based in Bangkok, but living in Cork, you'd be liable for you home social charges and, if the Irish tax system is like the UK's, then income taxes too (though probably at a reduced rate). That's why commuting contracts are not as good as the initial salary looks - they're often in USD, which is currently low against the Euro or Sterling, and even though so many of them are tax fee in the ME or Asia, you will still be liable for EU taxes unless you move out there.