Vat Refund 101: How to Get Your 7% Back at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Your Step-by-Step Guide to VAT Refund at Suvarnabhumi Airport

If you’re a tourist shopping in Thailand, you might have noticed that a 7% VAT (value-added tax) is added to most retail goods. The good news? With the right steps, you can get that 7% VAT refunded at Suvarnabhumi Airport before you head home. Here’s how the process works, what documents you need, and exactly where to go so you can maximize your savings and enjoy stress-free shopping in Bangkok.

Who Can Claim a VAT Refund?

Only non-Thai residents or tourists leaving Thailand by air are eligible to claim the VAT refund. You must depart from an international airport, like Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang in Bangkok. Travelers holding a Thai passport, airline crew on duty, and those with a stay of 180 days or more are not eligible for this program.

How Does the VAT Refund Scheme Work?

When you shop at a participating store displaying the “VAT Refund For Tourists” sign, you can request a PP10 (VAT Refund Application for Tourists) form. There’s a minimum cumulative purchase requirement of 2,000 THB (including VAT) per day, per store. Not all items are eligible, durable goods like luxury watches, designer bags, and high-value electronics qualify, but items like gemstones, firearms, or consumables often don’t.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your VAT Refund at Suvarnabhumi Airport

1. Shop and Collect Your PP10 Forms

At the time of purchase, inform the cashier you want the PP10 form. Show your passport and make sure the staff fills out the paperwork correctly. Keep all receipts and forms, you’ll need them at the airport.

2. Before Check-in: VAT Refund Inspection Counter

Pack eligible goods in your carry-on or checked luggage based on what you want refunded. For high-value items (over 5,000 THB, such as luxury watches, electronics, or jewelry), you must present the goods for inspection before checking in. Here's how:

• Look for the Customs/VAT Refund Inspection Counter in the departures hall at Suvarnabhumi Airport, near check-in Row Q (opposite Row W).
• Present your passport, PP10 form(s), purchase receipts, boarding pass (or flight confirmation), and the goods themselves.
• An officer will stamp your documents and may physically inspect your items.

Tip: If you’ve already checked your luggage without declaring, you cannot claim a refund for items inside. Always do this step before checking in for high-value goods!

3. Check-in and Enter the Departure Area

Once you’ve got your forms stamped, check in and proceed through immigration. Keep the stamped PP10 forms, receipts, and eligible goods (if required) with you.

4. After Immigration: Submit VAT Refund Claim

Now you’re airside, follow the signs for “VAT Refund” (usually near Gates D5–D8). Here’s what to do:

• Queue at the VAT Refund for Tourists Office.
• Hand over your stamped PP10 forms, receipts, passport, and (sometimes) the goods for a final check.
• Your refund can be paid in cash (THB), by bank draft, or to a credit card (small fee applies for non-cash refunds).

There’s a refund limit for cash; amounts over 30,000 THB are given via bank draft or transfer. Refund queues can vary depending on the time of day, so arrive early just in case.

Where to Find the Queues and Counters at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Before Departure: Inspection Counter

• Location: Departure Hall, 4th Floor, near check-in Row Q (opposite Row W).
• Hours: Usually from 6 AM to midnight, matching most international departures.

After Immigration: VAT Refund Office

• Location: Airside, Departure Area (Concourse D, near Gates D5–D8).
• Look for “VAT Refund” signs; these are clear, and the counter is often busy.

Want a preview of Suvarnabhumi? Learn more about the history of Suvarnabhumi Airport or get tips for festive periods in our Suvarnabhumi Airport travel guide.

What Documents Do You Need?

• Original passport (not a copy)
• Boarding pass or proof of confirmed international departure
• All original receipts/invoices
• All yellow PP10 VAT refund application forms
• The physical goods for items above the required threshold

Double-check that all purchase details are correct and that each receipt is attached to a properly filled PP10 form. Mistakes or missing paperwork can delay or block your refund.

VAT Refund Tips and FAQs

• Can I claim VAT on services? No, only tangible goods (not hotel stays, meals, or transportation).
• How long does the refund take? Cash is immediate; bank transfers or drafts are processed within weeks.
• Is there a minimum purchase per store? Yes, at least 2,000 THB (incl. VAT) per day, per shop to qualify.
• What happens if my documents are incomplete? You won’t be able to submit a claim. Double-check before going to the airport!
• How much do they deduct as an admin fee? Typically 100 THB per form, plus a 0.5% fee for bank drafts or credit card transfers.

VAT Refund: Worth It?

Absolutely! While there’s a bit of paperwork, reclaiming your 7% VAT is a real bonus for those shopping trips in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and beyond. The process is straightforward as long as you prepare documents in advance and follow all the steps. Don’t forget to check out our guide to new alcohol rules in Thailand or discover where to stay in Bangkok for your next visit.

Key takeaways

• Shop at VAT Refund-eligible stores and ask for the PP10 form at every purchase.
• Obtain customs stamp before check-in for high-value items at Row Q, Departures Hall.
• Present all documents and goods for inspection.
• After immigration, submit forms at the VAT Refund office (Concourse D).
• Cash refunds are immediate; large refunds are by draft or transfer.
• Arrive early at the airport, as queues can be long during peak hours.