History

The VAT Refund for Tourists Office was established on June 1, 1999 by the Revenue Department to promote tourism in Thailand through the  tax incentives. The office reports directly to the Director-General of the Revenue Department or a person who is assigned by the Director-General for a precise, prompt and efficient management.

At the beginning, the office has operated at 4 major international airports which are Bangkok International Airport (Don Mueang), Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat-Yai International Airport, and Phuket International Airport.

On January, 1, 2000. The Revenue Department launched the fifth VAT refund office at U-Tapao International Airport in order to promote the Eastern tourism of Thailand.

On October 9, 2002, the divisions under the Revenue Department were restructured including the VAT Refund for Tourists Office.

The government of Thailand has initiated Thailand to be the hub of aviation in Southeast Asia but Bangkok International Airport has some restrictions on further development to support the flight increase, so the government established the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the VAT Refund for Tourists Office at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport has opened since September 15, 2006.

In addition, on December 23, 2009, the Revenue Department opened 2 more VAT refund offices at Krabi International Airport and Samui International Airport to stimulate a tourism in Andaman Coast.

Presently, the VAT Refund for Tourists Offices are available at 10 international airports which are Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat-Yai, U-Tapao, Krabi, Samui, Surathani and Mae Fah Luang Chiang-Rai International Airports.

The VAT Refund for Tourists Offices responsibilities:

1. To serve tourists for VAT refund at 10 international airports.
2. To advise, monitor, and supervise the entrepreneurs who participated in VAT Refund for Tourists Scheme.
3. To receive a tax payment from foreigners who is suspended from departing Thailand.
4. To plan and set up the audit standard for a transparency and meeting the international standard.     

VAT Refund for Tourists Office 

The Revenue Department of Thailand
90 Phaholyothin 7 Road Samsen Nai,
Phayathai Bangkok 10400,
Thailand