Thailand’s VAT Refund
Thailand's standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 7% (statutorily set at 10%, but reduced and extended by royal decree through September 30, 2027)
While shopping in Thailand you may discover that you're required to pay a VAT. The good news is that the VAT in Thailand is relatively lower than in the UK and many other European countries. Even better, Thailand offers a VAT refund scheme for tourists, allowing you to easily claim back your tax. This article will be a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the VAT refund process in Thailand, so you can save more money to cross your next destinations off your bucket list.
It's a refund of the 7% VAT you may have paid while shopping and can be claimed at the airport on your way out. It's for tourists only, so residents and Thai citizens don't qualify, and it only works if you fly out. Land and sea exits don't count.
Before you leave
1. Shop at stores that display the "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign. You need to spend at least 2,000 baht including VAT at one store on one day. You can't add up smaller purchases from different shops.
2. At the till, ask for the P.P.10 form (or the electronic version) plus the original tax invoice, and make sure your passport details on both are right.
3. You have to take the goods out of Thailand within 60 days of buying them.
At the airport
1. Customs first, before you check bags. Show the goods, the form and the invoices to a Customs officer, who stamps the form. The thresholds I found are inconsistent. The Revenue Department says the Customs stamp is needed once your total across forms is 5,000 baht or more. Suvarnabhumi's own page says the inspection counter applies at 20,000 baht or more per person. If you're anywhere near those amounts, just get it stamped.
2. Check in and clear immigration.
3. Go to the VAT Refund counter after immigration, hand over the stamped forms and invoices, and get paid.
4. Luxury items such as watches, jewelry, glasses, pens and some electronics worth 10,000 baht or more each must go in your carry-on. The refund officer inspects them again at that counter.
How you get paid: Up to 30,000 baht can come as cash in baht, a card credit, or via the VRT app (WeChat or Alipay). Anything above 30,000 baht goes to a credit or debit card.
Allow plenty of time, since there can be a queue at both Customs and the refund counter. I'd get to the airport at least 3 hours before the flight if you're claiming. Refund counters are at all ten international airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket and U-Tapao.
Sources: the [Thai Revenue Department](https://www.rd.go.th/english/56327.html) and the [Suvarnabhumi Airport page](https://suvarnabhumi.airportthai.co.th/service/facility/detail/43).