Thailand sees tourist tax refund surge since reopening in June

Following Thailand‘s full reopening in June last year, the number of tourist tax refunds has surged, as reported by Revenue Department director-general Lavaron Sangsnit. The increase in foreign visitors is evident in the substantial rise in value-added tax (VAT) refund totals. In 2022, over 423,000 tourists received VAT refunds, totalling 1.2 billion baht.

Between January and May 2022, there were 55,700 refunds, equating to 204 million baht. However, from June to December, refunds increased to 367,000, amounting to nearly 1 billion baht. As tourist arrivals continue to grow, the department anticipates VAT refunds to rise further. From January to March 2023, VAT refunds were provided to 273,000 tourists, worth 700 million baht.

The department offers three options for VAT refunds:

1. Airport refunds: Goods worth at least 2,000 baht (inclusive…