Since Thailand opened up to tourists, the number of VAT refunds from their purchases has increased dramatically. This experiment is considered so successful that Thailand decided to remind tourists how to get their money back officially.
As the Thai press reported, referring to the speech of the Director General of the Department of Revenue Lavaron Sangsnit, in 2022 more than 423 thousand tourists received VAT refunds for a total amount of 1.2 billion baht. And 2023 has already shown results, according to which VAT refunds were provided to 273,000 tourists worth 700 million baht.
Tourists were also reminded that the Department offers three options for VAT reimbursement:
Refunds at the airport: Goods worth at least 2,000 baht (including VAT) must be purchased from shops with a “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign. On the day of purchase, tourists must present their passports and ask the seller-consultant to issue a VAT refund application for tourists in the form (PP10) with original tax invoices. On the day of departure, tourists must present the goods and the RR10 form with original tax invoices to customs for verification before check-in. At the same time, expensive jewelry and other luxury items must be declared at the Customs Inspection.
VAT refunds by post: Tourists can send the required documents to the Tourist VAT Refund Office and refunds can be paid by credit card transfer.
VAT refunds through City Center VAT Refund Agents: Located in leading department stores nationwide. “Since January 2020, the department has been using blockchain technology to refund VAT to foreign tourists, speed up refunds and encourage repeat visits. Many shops now issue electronic PP10 forms, allowing travelers to submit VAT refunds directly through the blockchain-powered Thailand VRT app. Reimbursement payments are made electronically via Alipay, WeChat, or by credit card transfer,” explained Thai experts.