VAT refunds for tourists in Thailand

Tips on claiming VAT refunds after shopping in Thailand

Most countries allow tourists to claim back the VAT that is paid on goods that are bought in their country as long as those goods are to be enjoyed or used outside of that country. Thailand is no different in fact as a shopping paradise in Asia they are very much used to refunding the VAT.   Each country though has its own rules and regulations as to what can and can't be claimed back and how it should be done.

The information below, will help you to understand this process, and will hopefully make things a lot simpler, when you do actually begin to enjoy the wonders of shopping in Thailand.

Do allow yourself adequate time at the airport to fulfill all the necessary procedures. 

What goods can you not claim VAT refunds ?

 - prohibited items

 - firearms, explosive, or any such similar item.

 - gem stones

 Who can claim VAT refunds ?

 - A non Thai visitor who has been in Thailand less than 180 days in a calendar year.

 - A non Thai visitor who is not a crew member of an airline.

 - A non Thai visitor who departs Thailand by air from an International airport.

 How do you claim a VAT refund ? 

 - A VAT refund will only apply if the goods purchased are taken out of Thailand within 60 days of purchase.

 -The goods must be purchased from participating shops that display a "VAT Refund For Tourists" sign.

 - On any one day, the goods purchased from an individual participating shop must not be less than 2,000 Baht including VAT, and the total amount claiming for refund must not be less than 5,000 Baht, including VAT.

 - When you purchase the goods, ask the sales assistant to complete a VAT refund form, known as the P.P.10, and attach the original tax invoices to that form. Each P.P.10 must show a value of 2,000 Baht or more.

 - You will need to know the method or refund you would prefer, and input that onto the P.P.10 form. 

 - You will need to show your passport to the sales assistant when you purchase the goods, to allow her to fill in the above mentioned form.

 - When you are requesting the refund, the goods must be inspected by customs officers prior to check in. Show these customs officers the P.P.10 and tax invoices.

 How will the refund be paid ?

 -  If the refund does not exceed 10,000 Baht then you can have the refund made by cash (Thai Baht), draft, or a credit to your credit card.

 - If the refund total does exceed 10,000 Baht then, refunds will be made by either draft or a credit to your credit card.

 Are there any fees ?

 - If you request a cash refund a fee of 100 Baht will apply.

 - For a draft refund a 100 Baht fee plus, the draft issuing fee at the rate charged by banks and postage fees.

 - For credit card refunds, a 100 Baht fee plus money transfer fee at the rates charged by banks.

If you have any further questions on VAT refunds, please contact the VAT refund office at Bangkok International Airport, (Tel: 02-535 6576-79), or VAT Refund for Tourist Office (Revenue Department) Tel :02- 272 9387-8 or 02-272 8195-8.

Happy shopping! See also: Currency Converter and Money Tips