Making Thailand even more of an attractive shopping destination, tourists can claim back the VAT on goods they purchase while on holiday in the kingdom.
Wondering how to claim your VAT Refund for tourists? Below we’ve outlined the 3 easy steps to claim a refund when departing Thailand from either Don Muaeung or Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
To qualify for the refund, Thai-bought goods must be purchased from stores displaying the ‘VAT Refund for Tourists’ sign and be at least 2,000 Baht (VAT included) per day per store. The total value of all goods purchased must be at least 5,000 Baht per person per trip.
Tourists must take the purchased items out of Thailand within 60 days of the date of sale through any of the international airports in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang), Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai, U-Tapao, Krabi, and Samui.
If the VAT refund is made at a refund location in the city, a departure from Thailand must be within 14 days of this date.
Here are some important points to remember:
At the time of purchase:
When purchasing the goods, the tourist must present their passport and ask the store to issue a VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) along with the original tax invoice/s for the purchase. The passport number must be correct on the form.
*In the case of consumable goods, these must be sealed along with the message ‘No Consumption Made While in Thailand.’
At the Airport, when departing from Thailand:
The purchased goods must be presented along with the VAT Refund Application for Tourists form and original tax invoice/s to a customs officer for inspection before check-in.
In the case of luxury goods of which the value is 10,000 Baht or more per item, and carry-on goods of which the value is 50,000 Baht or more per item, these must be hand carried and shown again at the VAT Refund for Tourists Office after passing through immigration.
At the VAT Refund for Tourists Office, if the refund amount is not over 30,000 Baht with insurance for the tax refund amount, the payment will be made in cash (Thai Baht). Tourists can also claim the refund by post to the Revenue Department of Thailand or by drop-box in front of the VAT Refund for Tourists Office at the Airport and at the downtown refund office locations.
