If you’re visiting Thailand and shopping for fashion, electronics, souvenirs, or luxury goods, you may be eligible to claim a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund before you leave the country. Thailand’s VAT rate is 7%, and the government offers a VAT Refund for Tourists program that allows eligible visitors to reclaim part of that tax on goods taken out of Thailand.
This guide explains who is eligible, what you need, and provides an easy step-by-step tutorial—from shopping in Thailand to claiming your refund at the airport—plus frequently asked questions at the end.
What Is VAT Refund in Thailand?
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a 7% consumption tax included in most retail prices in Thailand. Under the VAT Refund for Tourists scheme, foreign visitors can claim a refund on VAT paid for goods purchased in Thailand and exported out of the country in their personal luggage.
Who Is Eligible for a VAT Refund?
You can claim a VAT refund if you:
- Are not a Thai national
- Stay in Thailand for less than 180 days
- Depart Thailand by international flight
- Purchase goods from shops displaying “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS”
- Take the purchased goods out of Thailand within 60 days of purchase
Step 1: Shop at VAT Refund Participating Stores
When shopping, look for stores with a “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign (commonly found in malls like Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM, CentralWorld, and duty-free shops).
What to Do at the Store
- Spend at least 2,000 THB per receipt (same-day, same store)
- Show your passport to the cashier
- Ask for:
- P.P.10 VAT Refund Application Form
- Original tax invoice/receipt
There is no minimum total spending, but each receipt must be at least 2,000 THB.
Step 2: Prepare Documents Before Going to the Airport
Before leaving for the airport, make sure you have:
- Passport
- Boarding pass (or flight details)
- Purchased goods (unused and packed accessibly)
- Original receipts
- Completed P.P.10 forms
Keep high-value items (bags, watches, jewelry) in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
Step 3: Get Customs Inspection at the Airport
At the airport before check-in, go to the VAT Refund for Tourists – Customs Inspection Counter.
What Happens Here:
- Officer may ask to see the goods
- Your P.P.10 forms will be stamped
- Once approved, you can proceed to the airline check-in and immigration
If you check in first and cannot show the goods, your refund may be denied.
Step 4: Claim Your VAT Refund After Immigration
After passport control, head to the VAT Refund Office inside the departure area.
Refund Options:
- Cash (THB) – usually for smaller amounts
- Credit card transfer
- Bank transfer
- Cheque
Processing time varies, but cash refunds are immediate.
How Much VAT Can You Get Back?
You won’t receive the full 7% VAT—the refund amount depends on the total purchase value and processing fees.
Approximate guide:
- Small purchases → lower percentage refunded
- Large purchases → higher refund value
For example:
- Spend 10,000 THB → refund approx. 400 – 500 THB
- Spend 100,000 THB → refund approx. 4,000 – 5,000 THB
What you need for a VAT Refund?
✔ Passport shown at the store
✔ P.P.10 form collected
✔ Receipts kept
✔ Goods carried to the airport
✔ Customs stamp obtained
✔ Refund claimed after immigration
FAQs
No. The P.P.10 form must be issued at the store at the time of purchase.
No. Only original receipts and original P.P.10 forms are accepted.
No. VAT refunds apply only to physical goods exported from Thailand, not food, hotels, or services.
Items should be unused. Customs officers may deny the refund if goods appear used.
Each receipt must be at least 2,000 THB, and purchases must be made within 60 days of departure.
Major international airports including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
