New Value-Added Tax Refund Limit and Criteria for Tourists Announced
Thailand's government has updated the VAT refund policy for tourists, effective from January 1. The new guidelines increase the maximum refund amount and broaden refund eligibility.
Now tourists who buy less than 20,000 baht don't need customs clearance for VAT refunds, streamlining the process. The declaration range has widened, with higher value limits for items such as jewelry and electronics, set at 40,000 and 100,000 baht respectively.
To qualify for a VAT refund, tourists must:
1. Export the items within 60 days of purchase.
2. Buy from stores that display the "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign.
3. Spend at least 2,000 baht at one store in a day.
4. Acquire a Por Por 10 form and original tax invoice showing a passport on the purchase day.
5. Showcase purchases and the completed Por Por 10 form to customs for verification before leaving Thailand.
6. High-value goods need separate customs certification.
The VAT refund process requires:
1. Customs inspection and form stamp on departure.
2. Flight check-in and baggage drop.
3. Immigration clearance.
4. Form submission and high-value goods verification at the customs booth to claim the refund.
Refunds can be processed at tax refund offices in 10 Thai international airports. Amounts up to 30,000 baht can be refunded in cash, by draft, or transferred to a credit card. Refunds above 30,000 baht are only available by draft or credit card transfer.
To qualify for a VAT refund, tourists must:
1. Export the items within 60 days of purchase.
2. Buy from stores that display the "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign.
3. Spend at least 2,000 baht at one store in a day.
4. Acquire a Por Por 10 form and original tax invoice showing a passport on the purchase day.
5. Showcase purchases and the completed Por Por 10 form to customs for verification before leaving Thailand.
6. High-value goods need separate customs certification.
The VAT refund process requires:
1. Customs inspection and form stamp on departure.
2. Flight check-in and baggage drop.
3. Immigration clearance.
4. Form submission and high-value goods verification at the customs booth to claim the refund.
Refunds can be processed at tax refund offices in 10 Thai international airports. Amounts up to 30,000 baht can be refunded in cash, by draft, or transferred to a credit card. Refunds above 30,000 baht are only available by draft or credit card transfer.
