Forvis Mazars Hosts Tax Talk 2026 to Navigate Global Volatility

Transforming Uncertainty into Confidence: Forvis Mazars Navigates the 2026 Tax Landscape

In an era defined by rapid global shifts, the intersection of geopolitics and fiscal policy has become the new frontline for corporate strategy. To address these complexities, Forvis Mazars recently hosted the “Tax Talk 2026: Transforming Uncertainty into Confidence” seminar at The Landmark Bangkok. The event drew over 200 industry leaders, serving as a high-level briefing to equip the business sector with the tools necessary to navigate the tax obligations of 2026/2027.
 

Tax as a Strategic Lever in a Volatile World

The seminar opened with a sobering look at global triggers. Mr. Jonathan Stuart-Smith, Tax Partner and APAC Tax Leader, emphasized that businesses must look beyond local borders to understand their fiscal risks.

“In a volatile global climate, turning uncertainty into confidence begins with a systematic understanding of impact mechanisms,” Mr. Stuart-Smith stated. “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.”

He further argued that the traditional view of taxation is obsolete. “Today, tax is no longer just a legal obligation but a strategic mechanism directly influencing business value, risk management, and organizational decision-making. Entities that effectively integrate tax policy into their operational structures will gain a competitive edge in navigating uncertainty and achieving sustainable growth.”
 

Four Pillars of Strategic Tax Management

Ms. Naritsaporn Tanapoonsin, Tax Partner and specialist in M&A and Corporate Restructuring, led the technical deep dive, outlining four critical themes that will define corporate success in the coming years:

Managing Tax for Foreign Assignees: Beyond simple compliance, this requires proactive planning. “Tax management for expatriates requires proactive planning to avoid unforeseen costs and risks,” Ms. Tanapoonsin noted. She urged organizations to establish clear Tax Equalization criteria and ensure seamless coordination between HR, Payroll, and Tax departments.

Transfer Pricing Audits: With revenue officers intensifying scrutiny on "economic substance," businesses must move toward proactive risk mitigation. The seminar highlighted that failure to prepare credible benchmarking could lead to severe penalties, suggesting that Advance Pricing Agreements (APA) are no longer optional but essential.

Restructuring for Resilience: Restructuring has evolved into a tool for managing cash flow and enterprise value. Ms. Tanapoonsin explained that "effective structures must align tax and accounting goals with business objectives," requiring a robust roadmap from objective setting to post-deal integration.

The International Tax Landscape 2026: The OECD’s Pillar Two framework remains the most significant shift. Large multinationals must now navigate the Global Minimum Tax regime, necessitating an urgent review of Effective Tax Rates (ETR) and exit strategies.

A Collaborative Future

The event also featured insights from the Revenue Department, providing a rare opportunity for direct dialogue between regulators and the private sector regarding the current tax collection system.

The seminar was supported by a powerhouse of Forvis Mazars Thailand’s specialists, including:

Narisaporn Tanapoonsin (Tax Partner)

Pongphan Narasin, Vachirawit Kaew-udom, Parin Supsavaipol (Tax Directors)

Nachanya Dhianpilan (Audit Director)

Nitchakarn Panyarattana (Senior Transfer Pricing Manager)

Nunthanat Thitisuthi & Rani Pandey (Senior Tax Managers)

As 2026 unfolds, Forvis Mazars continues to champion the use of digital technology and proactive impact analysis to ensure that businesses do not just survive the volatility but use it as a springboard for efficient growth.