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Last updated: 14.12.2021

Thailand Offers VAT Refund for Tourists

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.

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How to claim a VAT Refund

• is not a Thai nationality
• is not an airline crew member departing Thailand on duty.
• departs Thailand from an international airport.
• purchases goods from stores displaying a "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
• present the goods and submit the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form(P.P10) and original tax invoices to the Customs officers immediately before check-in for departure from Thailand .

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Surge in Tourist Tax Refunds Following Thailand’s Reopening

Tax refunds for tourists have experienced a significant surge since Thailand reopened completely in June of the previous year, as reported by the director-general of the Revenue Department, Lavaron Sangsnit.

The resurgence in the number of international tourists following the reopening was a contributing factor to the considerable increase in value-added tax (VAT) refunds, stated Mr. Lavaron.

The department granted VAT refunds to over 423,000 visitors in 2022, amounting to a total of 1.2 billion baht.

From the beginning of 2022 until May, 55,700 refunds equating to 204 million baht were processed. Conversely, refunds between June and December showed a significant rise to 367,000, totaling nearly 1 billion baht.

This year, as tourist arrivals show a consistent upward trend, the department anticipates a further growth in VAT refunds. From January to March 2023, VAT refunds provided to 273,000 tourists reached 700 million baht.

Three alternatives are provided by the department for VAT refunds.

To get a refund at the airport, purchases of at least 2,000 baht (including VAT) must be made from stores showcasing the “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign.

On the day of purchase, tourists are required to show their passport and ask the sales representative to fill out the VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10), along with the original tax receipts.

When leaving, tourists are expected to present the goods as well as the P.P.10 form and original tax invoices for inspection by a customs officer prior to check-in.

Luxury goods purchased by tourists need to be declared at the Customs Inspection Office.

Items considered luxury goods encompass jewellery, gold ornaments, watches, glasses, pens, mobile phones or smartphones, laptops or tablets, handbags and belts, each valued at 10,000 baht or more.

Other hand-carry items can have a value of 50,000 baht or more per item.

Post-immigration, the P.P.10 form and original tax invoices must be submitted at the “VAT Refund for Tourists” counter at an international airport.

Refunds up to 30,000 baht can be received in cash or electronically via Alipay or WeChat, or transferred to a credit or debit card.

For refunds that exceed 30,000 baht, the amount is transferred to a credit card within 34 days.

For mail-based VAT refunds, tourists can send the necessary documents to the “VAT Refund for Tourists” office, and the refund is processed through a credit card transfer.

Refunds can also be obtained at VAT Refund Downtown agents spread across the country, located in major department stores.

Starting from January 2020, the department has incorporated blockchain technology to facilitate VAT refunds to foreign tourists, aiming for more efficient refunds and to incentivize recurring visits by travelers.

Numerous stores now provide electronic P.P.10 forms, enabling travelers to apply for VAT refunds directly via the Thailand VRT app, which operates on blockchain.

Refunds are issued electronically through Alipay, WeChat, or a credit card account transfer.

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How do foreign tourists have the right to claim VAT refunds?

     Thailand is outstanding in both tourist attractions and shopping areas. Of course, when foreign tourists come to Thailand, it’s time to return with full bags of products.

     Today, I will take you to check the conditions for requesting a refund of value added tax (VAT REFUND). Details are as follows. 

     The foreigners who have the right to request a tax refund determine the qualifications are

     1. Not being of Thai nationality

     2. Not be domiciled in Thailand

     3. Not be a pilot or cabin crew of an airline traveling outside of Thailand

     As for the criteria for tax refunds, the following are set:

     1. Tourists must take the goods out of the Kingdom of Thailand within 60 days, counting from the first day of purchase. 

     2. Purchases must be made from stores displaying the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign.

     3. Must buy products worth at least 2,000 baht (VAT included) from the same establishment on the same day.

     4. On the date of purchase, show your passport to the salesperson and ask for Por Por. 10 form from the store along with the original tax invoice. Each Por Por. 10 form must have a product value of 2,000 baht or more.

     5. On the departure date before Check-in, bring the goods and Form Por Por. 10 with a total purchase value of 5,000 baht to show to the customs officers to inspect the goods and seal them.

     6. Expensive items include jewelry, gold, watches, eyeglasses, pens, cell phones or smart phones, table computers, handbags (not including luggage), belts worth 10,000 baht each or more, or items that can be carried along with travel with a purchase value of 50,000 baht or more. These items must be brought along to the VAT refund office, which is located in the inner departure area, to show the revenue officers to inspect and certify the Por Por. 10 form once more.

     For the tax refund, it is divided into 2 cases as follows.

     1. Tax refunds not exceeding 30,000 baht can be canceled in cash (baht), drafts, credit card accounts.   

     2. Tax refunds exceeding 30,000 baht can be refunded as drafts, credit card accounts. 

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel:(+66)2 250 5500

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Travel Thailand 101: Top Tips on How to Get a VAT Refund in Thailand

Apart from the world-class food, magnificent temples, and pristine nature, Thailand (particularly Bangkok) is famed for being a top-drawer shopping destination with a myriad of shopping malls and boutiques offering stunning bargains. From cheap finds to brand-name trinkets, Thailand has it all! Apart from sometimes unbelievably good prices – or at least very competitive – you can also enjoy the benefits of discount cards at many shopping centres and department stores.

Apart from the world-class food, magnificent temples, and pristine nature, Thailand (particularly Bangkok) is famed for being a top-drawer shopping destination with a myriad of shopping malls and boutiques offering stunning bargains. From cheap finds to brand-name trinkets, Thailand has it all!  Apart from sometimes unbelievably good prices – or at least very competitive – you can also enjoy the benefits of discount cards at many shopping centres and department stores. 

Here in Thailand, we have a unique tax system called “VAT,” which stands for “Value Added Tax”. Like the name suggests, this is a tax added on any value during each stage of production and distribution of a good or service. As a result, there’s a chance that you can pay more for VAT than the actual amount charged. In this case, you can qualify for a VAT refund. 

“So, why does Thailand have to impose a tax refund system such as the VAT?” you may ask. As Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, there is a lot of traffic of foreigners coming in and out of the country. As a result, they’ve figured out a way to encourage more tourists to spend money in the country. The more money visitors spend in Thailand, the better the country can develop to support its tourism industry.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at these simple steps, on how to get a VAT refund in Thailand.

1.) Look for Qualified Stores for VAT Refunds for Tourists

As mentioned before, the VAT refund system for tourists is a way to encourage tourists to shop in the country. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, The country offers a 7% refund for goods and services that are purchased in Thailand. This excludes the hotels and restaurants you’ve visited during your time in the country, however. Sounds like a splendid idea to plan a shopping spree in Thailand, doesn't it? Goods purchased in Thailand are VAT inclusive. But foreign visitors (with a few exceptions) have the benefit of receiving a 7% VAT refund on luxury goods purchased from shops that participate in the 'VAT Refund for Tourists' scheme.

First things first, just look for stores displaying the " VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS " sign at their shopfront on their eligibility to provide VAT refund for tourists. Of course, there are exceptions for some that are illegal, such as firearms, or other items like gemstones and more. 

2.) Spend at least 2,000 Baht in One Day

Just as there are requirements for the list of items eligible for a VAT refund in Thailand, there are requirements for the cost of the goods and services, too. To get a VAT refund in Thailand, you must spend a minimum of 2,000 Baht on the same day. Also, the total amount of the cost of goods or services must total to more than 5,000 Baht as well, according to Thailand’s Department of Revenue.

3.) Complete the Tax Refund Form & Tax Invoice

Another way to get a tax return in Thailand is to request a tax refund form called the “P.P.10” from the sales assistant at the shop that you’re purchasing from. The sales assistant or cashier will complete the form for you with the necessary information including the value of the purchase. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, You’ll need to also present your passport to them, and attach the original tax invoice to the form. Each application form must show the value of goods of at least 2,000 Baht or more.

4.) Claim for a VAT Refund at the Airport

Since the goods or services that you’ve purchased will be travelling with you outside of Thailand, you’ll essentially be claiming a VAT refund for tourists whilst you leave via any international airport in Thailand. Also, keep in mind that the goods you’ve purchased must be taken out of Thailand with you within 60 days from the date of purchase. Before departure, present your goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourists form to Customs officers for inspection before check-in. According to Thailand’s Department of Revenue, Luxury goods such as jewellery, watches, glasses, or pens must be inspected once more by the Revenue officers at the VAT Refund Office at the departure lounge. Other than that, you can drop the documents into the box in front of the VAT Refund for Tourists office, or mail the documents to the Revenue Department of Thailand. 

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, For purchases under 30,000 Baht, refunds will be made in cash or credited to your credit card account. For purchases over 30,000 Baht, the refund will be made by bank draft or credited to your credit card account. There’s also an additional 100 Baht fee for cash refunds, and a few hundred Baht plus a draft issuing fee at the rate charged by banks plus postage fees for a bank draft refund. For credit to credit card account refund, a few hundred Baht plus a money transfer fee at a rate charged by banks and postal fees will be further added.

So, Who can claim a VAT Refund in Thailand?

• Those who are not Thai nationals  
• Those who do not have a residency in Thailand. 
• Those who are not airline crew members departing Thailand on duty 
• Depart Thailand from an international airport. 
• Purchase goods from stores displaying a "Vat Refund For Tourists" sign. 
• Present the goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourist Form (P.P.10) and original tax invoices to the Customs officer before check-in at the airline counter on the departure date.

Vat Refunds in Thailand Will Not be Made If:  

• You carry a diplomatic passport and reside in Thailand.
• You are an airline crew member departing Thailand on duty
• Your stay in Thailand exceeds 180 days in a calendar year
• Goods were not taken out of Thailand within 60 days after the date of purchase
• You didn't depart Thailand from an international airport
• The name or passport number does not match those on the original tax invoice attached to the VAT Refund Application form
• The value of goods purchased is less than 2,000 Baht per day per store
• Your purchased items fall under the following category: gemstones, firearms or explosives, prohibited items
• VAT Refund Application for Tourist form was not prepared on the date of purchase
• The total value of goods claimed for refund is less than 5,000 Baht
• Original tax invoices were not attached to the VAT Refund for Tourist form
• You did not carry the goods out of Thailand on the day of your departure
• Goods were not purchased from shops participating in the VAT Refund for Tourists Scheme
• The quantity of goods shown in the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form is less than that shown in the original tax invoice
• Goods were taken out of Thailand without being inspected by Customs or Revenue officers
• Luxury goods were taken out of Thailand without being checked by the Revenue officers
• Tax invoices attached to the VAT Refund Application for Tourists were issued from a different store than mentioned on the form.

To conclude, getting a Vat Refund for Tourists in Thailand can be trouble-free for you if you follow these simple steps and other essential conditions in mind. Even though there are a few conditions that you have to remember, we advise all travellers to have this information with you if you want to go on a splurge while you’re in the kingdom.  Other than being a culinary, and historical paradise, Thailand is a place for shoppers. From quaint flea markets to upscale malls, Thailand is a place for every type of shopper and traveller alike. For a smooth holiday in Thailand, we recommend you to get the TAGTHAi  App on your mobile phone for all the essential information. For an even smoother holiday here in Thailand, the TAGTHAi Pass provides a comprehensive introduction to your stay in the “Land of Smiles”.

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How tourists in Thailand can claim a ‘VAT refund’

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.

Further enhancing Thailand’s reputation as a popular shopping destination for travellers from around the world, is the VAT Refund for Tourists scheme which offers holidaymakers a refund on goods they purchase during their trip.

To qualify for the refund, goods must be purchased from stores displaying the ‘VAT Refund for Tourists’ sign, and be to the value of 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.

The goods must be taken out of Thailand by the tourist within 60 days of the date of purchase through any of the international airports in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang), Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai, U-Tapao, Krabi, and Samui.

In the case the VAT refund is made at a refund location in the city, 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 his/her 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 Thailand

The purchased goods, of which the total value must be 5,000 Baht or more, 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 (jewellery, gold, ornaments, watch, eyeglasses, pen, mobile or smart phone, laptop or tablet, handbag, and/or belt) 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 showed 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).

The refund can also be claimed 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.

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‘Downtown VAT Refund for Tourists’ scheme gains momentum with opening of Siam Paragon counter

The “Downtown VAT Refund for Tourists” campaign has kick-started an initiative to set up counters in numerous locations across central Bangkok to help tourists obtain value added tax refunds when shopping at authorised retailers, the Revenue Department said on Tuesday.

VAT refunds will be returned to tourists in the form of cash in baht, encouraging them to continue shopping in Thailand with ease and convenience.  Apart from helping tourists, the campaign has been initiated to promote growth and balanced income distribution to small businesses. As one of the founding parties of VAT Refund Centre (Thailand) Co Ltd, Siam Piwat said it was proud to be an official partner and representative to assist tourists with VAT refund processes in five locations across central Bangkok: Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Central Chidlom, Robinson Sukhumvit and The Emporium.  Charnchai Cherdchoowongtha-nakorn, senior executive vice president of Siam Piwat’s retail business development division, said: “Siam Paragon is delighted to fully support the government’s policies and work with the Revenue Department. ‘Downtown VAT Refund for Tourists’ is set up to be a key area on G Floor, which tourists can find conveniently, as it is located by one of our entrances connected to the BTS Skytrain and taxi stops.  “Additionally, adept, knowledgeable and service-minded staff have been assigned to accommodate tourists with paperwork and essential procedures in order to fully and successfully comply with policies from the Revenue Department. “Not only will shopping tourists of Siam Paragon, Siam Centre and Siam Discovery find it convenient to proceed with VAT refund at Siam Paragon, all tourists who have purchased goods, in accordance with all policies by the Revenue Department, are welcomed to complete all necessary procedures at our department stores.  “The convenience of VAT refund at Siam Paragon is extremely helpful for those who have purchased in the popular shopping destination One Siam, as hundreds of SME businesses, small retailers and corporations are located in the area, covering a vast space of 2 million square metres, with over 20 hotels to accommodate international tourists in more than 3,000 rooms available – with extra support from Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain system, connecting Ratchathevi and National Stadium to Siam station,” Charnchai explained. “According to statistics, out of 400,000-500,000 shopping tourists per day at One Siam, an average of 938 VAT Refund Forms (PP10) have been filled each day from shops and retail spaces in Siam Paragon, totalling to a signification amount of 342,494 applicants,” the executive added. The initiative of establishing VAT refund counters directly impacts the tourism industry on multiple levels, according to the Revenue Department:  1. The retained money which tourists have spent after receiving VAT refunds helps small retailers and businesses, which, in turn, strengthens Thailand’s economy;  2. The growth in sales volume and sales value is proportional to the rate of economic growth and revenue from tourist spending;  3. A significant decline in VAT refunds at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports reflects a positive sign of service improvement; and  4.The VAT refund for tourists promotes better opportunities for local retail shops to generate more sales.

Travel Tips

Vat refund for tourists.

As a tourist, you are not required to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on items more than 5,000 Baht that you intend to take out of Thailand. For most people the amount returned is very welcome and a pleasant surprise, so it is well worth making the effort to collect the paperwork you need for a refund. It is not that difficult to do either. Stores participating in the refund scheme display a sign stating: “VAT Refund for Tourists”. If you make a purchase from these stores, ask for a VAT Refund Form (P.P 10) and keep the original tax invoice(s) a store gives you. That is really all you need to do. If you take that paperwork to the 'Customs Inspection for VAT Refund' desk at Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hay Yai, Phuket or U-Tapao International Airports, you will be granted a tax refund. Bear in mind that the tax refund process is the final stage of your journey in Thailand - you will have gone through passport control on your return leg before you arrive at the appropriate counter. You can only make claims on the day you leave the country. If your claim is for less than 30,000 Baht, you can receive a payment as a cheque or Bank Draft, or the amount can be paid into a credit card account. If your claim is for over 30,000 Baht, you can only receive payment by Bank Draft or payment into a credit card account. For more information on VAT refund, visit the Revenue Department of Thailand’s website: vrtweb.rd.go.th

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VAT Refunds in Bangkok & Tourist Discount Cards

How to get vat refunds in bangkok.

Bangkok is a famous shopping destination, with dozens of malls and boutiques offering great bargains. Apart from sometimes unbelievably good prices – or at least very competitive – you can also enjoy the benefits of discount cards at many malls and department stores.

The city has a 7% VAT refund scheme on luxury goods. Sounds like a great idea to plan a shopping spree in the Thai capital, doesn't it? Goods purchased in Thailand are VAT inclusive. But foreign visitors (with a few exceptions) have the benefit of receiving a 7% VAT refund on luxury goods purchased from shops that participate in the 'VAT Refund for Tourists' scheme.

How to claim a VAT refund in Bangkok

Goods must be purchased from stores displaying the 'VAT Refund For Tourists' sign. VAT refunds only apply to goods taken out of Thailand within 60 days from the date of purchase.

Goods must have a value of at least 5,000 baht (including VAT), and single purchases must have a value of at least 2,000 baht per day.

On the day of purchase, present your passport and request the sales assistant at the store to complete the VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) and attach the original tax invoice to the form. Each application form must show the value of goods of 2,000 baht or more.

Before departure, present your goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourists form to Customs officers for inspection before check-in. Luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watches, glasses, or pens must once more be inspected by the Revenue officers at the VAT Refund Office at the departure lounge.

You can present your claim to the Revenue officers, mail it back to the Revenue Department of Thailand, or drop it into the box in front of the VAT Refund Office.

Refund fees

There's a fee of 100 baht for cash refunds. As for bank draft refund, a few 100 baht plus a draft issuing fee at the rate charged by banks plus postage fees. For credit to credit card account refund, it's a few 100 baht plus a money transfer fee at a rate charged by banks and postal fees. 

Refund methods

For purchases not exceeding 30,000 baht, refunds will be made in cash, i.e. Thai baht, by bank draft or credit to your credit card account. For purchases exceeding 30,000 baht, the refund will be made by bank draft or credit to your credit card account.

Refund conditions

Refunds will not be granted in the following cases:

• You carry a diplomatic passport and reside in Thailand.
• You are an airline crew member departing Thailand on duty.
• Your stay in Thailand exceeds 180 days in a calendar year.
• Goods were not taken out of Thailand within 60 days after the date of purchase.
• You didn't depart Thailand from an international airport.
• Name or passport number not on original tax invoice attached to the VAT Refund Application form
• Value of goods purchased is less than 2,000 baht per day per store.
• Your purchased items fall under the following category: gemstones, firearms or explosives, prohibited items
• VAT Refund Application for Tourist form was not prepared on the date of purchase.
• The total value of goods claimed for refund is less than 5,000 baht.
• Original tax invoices were not attached to the VAT Refund for Tourist form.
• You did not carry the goods out of Thailand on the day of your departure.
• Goods were not purchased from participating shops in the VAT Refund for Tourists Scheme.
• Quantity of goods shown in the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form is less than that shown in the original tax invoice.
• Goods were taken out of Thailand without being inspected by Customs or Revenue officers.
• Luxury goods were taken out of Thailand without being checked by the Revenue officers.
• Tax invoices attached to the VAT Refund Application for Tourist were issued from a different store than mentioned on the form. 

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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VAT Refunds

To encourage tourists to shop in Thailand a VAT refund for tourists scheme was introduced for tourists to be able to claim back the VAT paid on certain items.

“http://www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html”>

“Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visa are entitled to refunds of the 7% value added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying VAT Refund for Tourists signs, where tax refund application forms are available. Prior to airport departure, visitors must present a completed VAT refund form, plus passport information and purchase receipts, to a customs officer. Certain luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watch, glasses, or pen, must be shown to an excise official at the VAT refund office at the departure lounge after passport control. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card.”

Source: Revenue Department of Thailand.

• Refunds can only be claimed by a non-Thai visitor who has been in the Kingdom for less than 180 days in that calendar year. Air-crew departing Thailand on duty are ineligible for the refund.
• A refund only applies to goods taken out of the country within 60 days after purchase.
• The minimum purchase is at least 2,000 baht per store – per day.
• Total value of purchases must be over 5,000 baht.
• Goods must be purchased from stores displaying the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign.
• You must present your passport to the sales assistant to obtain a PP10 VAT refund form .
• Keep hold of all receipts and credit card vouchers.
• You must depart Thailand by air from an International Airport (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, etc.)

Your documents need to be inspected and approved prior to checking in. This is done at the VAT Refund Office in the departure hall. Your refund is then processed in the departure lounge of the airport. For this reason you must have your purchases in your hand luggage.

Further information can be found on the Revenue Department’s website: http://www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html

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Vat, Tax Refund

Who can claim a VAT refund

• Those who are  not Thai nationality  
• Those who are not a permanent resident of Thailand. 
• Those who are not a crew member of an airline departing from Thailand.
• Those who are departing from Thailand from an international airport.
• Those who purchase goods from stores displaying a “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign. 
• Those who purchased goods of at least 2,000 baht (VAT included) from each store per day.

Vat Refund Payment Methods

For refund amount not exceeding 30,000 baht, the refund payment can be made in the form a  1.1 Cash (Thai baht only) or  1.2 Bank draft in four currencies: US$, EURO, STERLING, YEN or  1.3 Transfer into Credit card account (VISA, MASTERCARD, and JCB)  2. For refund amount exceeding 30,000 baht, the refund payment can be made in the form of bank draft or transfer into a credit card account (as detailed in 1.2 and 1.3) 

The expense consist of draft or transfer fee, and postal fee which are charged by banks and post office and they will be deducted from the refund amount.  Below tables are shown the approximately rate of the expenses.

*The postal fee depends upon distances and weights of the letter

Why the VAT refund are disapproved

• A claimant carries a diplomatic  Passport  and/or resides in  Thailand .
• A claimant is an airline crew member that is on duty when departs Thailand.
• A claimant did not depart Thailand from an international airport.  A claimant did not carry the goods out of Thailand on the departure date.
• Goods were not taken out of Thailand within 60 days from the date of purchase. The purchase date is counted as the first day.  Goods were taken out of Thailand without inspected by a Customs officer.
• Luxury goods were taken out of Thailand without inspected by a Revenue officer.
• The total value of purchase is less than 2,000 baht per day per store.
• The VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10) was not issued on the date of purchase.
• The name or passport number on the original tax invoices that are enclosed to the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10) is not a claimant.
• The original tax invoices were not enclosed to the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form ( P.P. 10).
• Goods were not purchased from the shops participating in the VAT refund for tourists scheme.
• The tax invoices were not issued from a store that mentioned on the form.  

Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore Office

• c/o Royal Thai Embassy 372 Orchard Road Singapore 238870
• +65 6235 7901
• [email protected]

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VAT Refund for Foreign Tourists

     Travel and shopping in Thailand by foreign tourists is a stimulus to the overall economy of the tourism and service sector. One action that tourists should take before leaving Thailand is to apply for a VAT refund. Foreign tourists may check and follows these procedures:

- Tourists must take the goods out of the Kingdom of Thailand within 60 days from the first day of purchase.

- Purchases must be made from stores displaying the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign.

- Goods must be purchased for at least 2,000 baht (VAT included) per day per store.

- On the purchasing date, tourists must present passports and ask the sales assistant to issue the VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) with the original tax invoices. Each P.P. 10 form must include a product value of 2,000 baht or more.

- Tourists must present the goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) with a total purchase value of 5,000 baht with original tax invoices to a Customs officer for inspection before check-in. 

Information as of March 19, 2020

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Tourist VAT refund scheme in Thailand

• Thailand Taxation
• posted by msna-admin
• December 29, 2012

If you are a visitor to Thailand, you shall be qualified to a VAT refund on goods that you purchased from retailers participating in the VAT refund scheme provided that you meet all the eligibility criteria and conditions as stated below.

Before departing Thailand, travelers will be eligible for a VAT refund if the following conditions are met:

• You are a non-Thai resident and not staying in Thailand up to 180 days in a current tax year;
• You are not a pilot or a cabin crew of any airline departing Thailand on duty;
• You purchased goods from stores displaying “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign;
• VAT refund only applies to goods taken out of Thailand with the eligible traveler within 60 days from the date of purchase; and
• You leave Thailand via an international airport.

If you wish to claim a refund of the tax paid on eligible goods, a proof of export is required. To claim for a VAT refund, contact Customs officials at the airport before checking in. The following documents must be available for inspection by Customs officials:

• A valid passport;
• VAT Refund Application Form (VAT Form 10);
• An original receipt/tax invoice;
• Goods that go with the original receipts.

If the declarations for VAT refund are correct, Customs officials will sign and stamp the VAT Refund Application Form, affix a sticker to the luggage containing the eligible goods, and return everything to you. After clearing Immigration for a VAT refund, the VAT Application Form approved by the Customs must be presented to the Revenue Department officials. If a claim is for small and expensive items such as jewelry, gold, watches, pens, glasses, etc, these items must be available for inspection at the VAT Refund Office again.

Thai Customs also remind travelers to allow extra time at the airport to have application stamped and eligible goods verified, keeping in mind that other passengers are also requesting these services. You should arrive at the airport even earlier than the time recommended by your airline to be at your boarding gate on time.

Contact MSNA, Tax Advisors for consultation on Thai taxation and further information about Tourist VAT Refund.

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