1 Apr 2025

Thailand VAT Refund Guide (Updated 1st April 2025) - Latest Rules & Process

EXPLERA DMC

✅ Eligibility Criteria (Updated 2025)

1. Only foreign tourists (non-residents) holding passports from any country
2. Minimum purchase: 2,000 THB per store (same day, same VAT-registered shop)
3. Maximum refund: 12,000 THB per passport per day
4. Departure must be via international airports (no land border claims)
5. Goods must leave Thailand within 60 days of purchase

🛍️ Qualifying Purchases

1. Eligible: Clothing, electronics, jewelry, souvenirs (must be new/unused)
2. Excluded:Services (hotels, tours, spas)Consumables (food, beverages, tobacco)Prohibited items (weapons, certain art/antiques)Gold bars/bullion
3. Services (hotels, tours, spas)
4. Consumables (food, beverages, tobacco)
5. Prohibited items (weapons, certain art/antiques)
6. Gold bars/bullion

📝 Required Documents

1. Original passport (same one used for purchases)
2. Completed P.P. 10 refund forms (from each store)
3. Original tax invoices/receipts
4. Purchased goods (must be available for inspection)

🔄 Step-by-Step Claim Process (April 2025 Update)

1. Shopping at Participating Stores

1. Look for blue "VAT Refund for Tourists" signage
2. Present passport at time of purchase
3. Ensure store provides P.P. 10 form with each qualifying receipt

2. Airport Procedure (Must Do Before Check-In)

1. Customs Verification:Locate VAT Refund Office in Departure HallPresent: Passport, boarding pass, goods, all P.P. 10 formsOfficer may inspect purchasesGet forms stamped (critical step!)
2. Locate VAT Refund Office in Departure Hall
3. Present: Passport, boarding pass, goods, all P.P. 10 forms
4. Officer may inspect purchases
5. Get forms stamped (critical step!)
6. Check-In:After verification, proceed to airline check-inGoods worth >10,000 THB should be in carry-on for possible re-inspection
7. After verification, proceed to airline check-in
8. Goods worth >10,000 THB should be in carry-on for possible re-inspection
9. Claim Refund After Immigration:Visit VAT Refund Counter near departure gatesSubmit all stamped documentsChoose refund method:Cash (THB): Immediate but deducts 100 THB/admin fee per formCredit Card: No fee, processed within 10 business daysAlipay/WeChat Pay: Now available for Chinese tourists
10. Visit VAT Refund Counter near departure gates
11. Submit all stamped documents
12. Choose refund method:Cash (THB): Immediate but deducts 100 THB/admin fee per formCredit Card: No fee, processed within 10 business daysAlipay/WeChat Pay: Now available for Chinese tourists
13. Cash (THB): Immediate but deducts 100 THB/admin fee per form
14. Credit Card: No fee, processed within 10 business days
15. Alipay/WeChat Pay: Now available for Chinese tourists

⚠️ Important 2025 Updates

1. New: Digital P.P. 10 forms now accepted at major retailers (keep QR code receipt)
2. Stricter enforcement: All high-value items (>50,000 THB) require secondary inspection
3. Extended hours: Suvarnabhumi Airport refund counters now open 24/7
4. E-receipts allowed if containing all required VAT information

⏳ Processing Times & Fees

Refund MethodProcessing TimeFeesCash (THB)Immediate100 THB per formCredit Card7-10 daysNoneAlipay3-5 daysNone

💡 Pro Tips for Smooth Refund

1. Shop smart: Consolidate purchases at fewer stores to minimize forms/fees
2. Time management: Allow extra 60-90 minutes for VAT process at busy airports
3. Document safety: Photograph all forms/receipts as backup
4. Pack wisely: Keep refund items accessible (may need to show at multiple checkpoints)

For the most current information, always check the Thai Revenue Department website before traveling.

Need help with your Thailand trip?
📞 +66 93 071 1160 | ✉️ b2b@expleradmc.com | 🌐 www.explera.co.th