VAT Refunds: Unveiling the Mystery

Western shoppers in Thailand are often mystified by the process involved in getting a refund of Thailand’s value-added tax, or VAT. To simplify things, just remember that you’ll have to obtain a refund form at every store in which you make purchases totaling 2,000 baht or more, and you must obtain it on the date you’re shopping.

You’ll make your final claim at Suvarnabhumi airport on your date of departure, and to be eligible, goods will have to be purchased within the previous sixty (60) days. VAT refunds are not available to individuals who have been in Thailand more than 180 days in a given calendar year. You must depart Thailand by air in order to claim the VAT refund.

After making your purchases at your store:

1. Ask for the store’s VAT desk, which is generally also Customer Service. Present your passport and your receipts.
2. Ask for Form P.P. 10, and attach your receipts to the form.
3. You will have to obtain a P.P.10 from each store you visit, on each day on which purchases are made, again for 2,000 baht or more in purchases.

When arriving at the airport to claim your VAT refund, you must visit two VAT offices at the airport, one prior to going through Passport Control, one after.

Here’s how it works:

1. The VAT Information counter is located to the left of the Customs desk, at the end of Rows F-G, before you go through Passport Control.
2. You must hand-carry luxury items, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, glasses, and pens to the VAT Information office, so they can inspect and ensure that they're actually being taken out of Thailand (purchases remaining in Thailand are not eligible for VAT refund). Gemstones are not eligible for VAT refund.
3. After inspection at VAT Information, proceed through Passport Control.
4. Your total eligible purchases must exceed 5,000 baht to be eligible for refund.
5. There are two VAT Refund claims offices located inside the departure area, to the left and right of the golden naga sculpture immediately as you exit Passport Control. Submit your forms and original tax invoices to the claims office. If your claim is 10,000 baht or more, your refund will be given only in the form of a bank draft, or credited to your credit card.
6. The Thai government charges a 100 baht fee to you for processing your VAT claim, which is subtracted from your refund. Just when you're griping about the 500 baht "exit fee" from Thailand, the government takes you for 100 more. This is Thailand.

For more VAT info, visit www.rd.go.th/vrt