How to Claim VAT Refund Online in Thailand: A Step-by-Step Guide for Tourists

Shopping your way through Thailand is fun, but getting some of that money back? Even better! 

With Thailand’s VAT refund system, international tourists can claim back part of their purchases when leaving the country. And now, with options like the TAGTHAi app, it’s easier than ever to go digital and skip the airport chaos.

Here’s your go-to guide on how to claim a VAT refund online while keeping things quick, stress-free, and app-savvy.

What Is the VAT Refund and Who Can Claim It?

The VAT (Value Added Tax) refund allows non-Thai residents to reclaim a portion of the 7% tax they pay on goods purchased in Thailand. To be eligible, you must:

• Be a non-Thai national
• Depart Thailand via international airport within 60 days of purchase
• Spend at least 2,000 THB (including VAT) per store per day
• Carry goods out of Thailand within the same trip
• Depart Thailand from an international airport.
• Purchase goods from eligible stores displaying a "Vat Refund For Tourists" sign.
• Present the goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourist Form (e-P.P.10) and original tax invoices to the Customs officer before check-in at the airline counter on the departure date.

Understanding how to claim VAT refund online before your trip gives you a major edge, especially with digital options that cut the time and hassle at the airport. Some exclusions apply (e.g. services, hotels, or food), but for clothes, tech gadgets, or souvenirs—yes, you’re in.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim VAT Refund Online

Claiming your refund online makes everything smoother. Here’s how to do it the smart way:

Step 1 – Shop at Participating Stores

Look for stores with a “VAT Refund for Tourists” sign. These merchants are approved by the Revenue Department and will provide a P.P.10 tax invoice when you spend over 2,000 THB in a day. This step is crucial when learning how to claim VAT refund online.

Step 2 – Register Online or Use Official App

No more piles of paper! Download the TAGTHAi app or use the official Revenue Department’s e-claim platform to register. The TAGTHAi app even lets you submit requests directly in-app, track refund progress, and access exclusive partner stores.

Step 3 – Keep All Original Documents

Even when going digital, keep your:

• P.P.10 VAT refund forms
• Purchase receipts
• Boarding pass
• Passport copy. You’ll need to show these when checking your goods at the airport.

Step 4 – Visit the VAT Refund Inspection Point at Airport

Head to the customs inspection desk before check-in for goods over 5,000 THB or electronics. Show your items and paperwork. For goods under 5,000 THB, digital submission may suffice depending on airport policies.

Step 5 – Submit for Refund After Immigration

Once you’ve passed immigration, go to the VAT Refund for Tourists Office. If you’ve registered via TAGTHAi, you may not need to queue—just follow the app instructions to complete the claim. This is one of the easiest ways how to claim VAT refund online.

Tips to Make the Process Smooth

Before you start scanning receipts or hunting down counters, here are a few helpful tips to save time and reduce stress during your VAT refund journey:

• Download the TAGTHAi app before your shopping day
• Use participating stores to avoid paperwork hassles
• Submit claims within 60 days of purchase
• Arrive early at the airport for customs check
• Double-check your paperwork before heading to the inspection point
• Don’t forget to keep all receipts in your carry-on, not your checked luggage

Knowing these tricks ensures your experience of how to claim VAT refund online is fast, smooth, and frustration-free.

Common Mistakes Tourists Should Avoid

No one wants to miss out on their VAT refund due to a small error. These are the most common slip-ups tourists make and how you can avoid them:

• Not requesting a P.P.10 form at purchase
• Leaving receipts in checked luggage
• Missing the customs check
• Not using the online system when available
• Skipping app registration and relying solely on airport counters

Understanding how to claim VAT refund online is just half the battle. Avoiding common mistakes is what helps you win the refund game.

FAQ: What Tourists Ask About VAT Refund

Still have questions about how to claim VAT refund online? You’re not alone! Here’s what fellow travelers often want to know:

Can I claim VAT on all purchases? 

No, only on goods, not services, hotels, or meals.

What’s the minimum purchase amount? 

2,000 THB per store, per day.

Can I get a cash refund at the airport? 

Yes, but processing fees apply.

Is using TAGTHAi better than other methods? 

Yes! The app simplifies registration, submission, and tracking—all in English, with support built for tourists.

How long does the refund take? 

Online claims can be processed faster, especially if submitted correctly through apps like TAGTHAi.

When it comes to how to claim VAT refund online, asking the right questions means you're already on the path to getting your money back quickly and easily.

Claiming VAT Refund Just Got Easier

With smarter tools like the TAGTHAi app, knowing how to claim VAT refund online is no longer a hassle. You’ll shop, upload your receipts, and walk away with more baht in your pocket without the last-minute stress at the airport. Plan ahead, go digital, and let your Thai shopping spree end on a high note.

Whether you’re planning a quick shopping trip or stocking up on Thai treasures, understanding how to claim VAT refund online will give your travel budget a little bonus. And with TAGTHAi in your pocket, the whole process is smoother from start to finish.

Now that you know how to claim VAT refund online, be sure to download the TAGTHAi app and enjoy a more seamless travel experience in Thailand!