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Can holders of retirement visas claim VAT refunds at Thai airports?

VAT refunds Retirement visa Thai immigration rules NON-O visa Tourist visa Expat tax regulations

Aug 23, 2025

2 days ago

Xao ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Has anyone get vat return at airport with their retirement visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Holders of retirement visas in Thailand cannot claim VAT refunds at airports because they are classified as residents. The VAT refund system is designed exclusively for tourists. Therefore, retirees can consider passing their receipts to friends or relatives with tourist visas for potential refunds.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Michael ********

Uhmm it says only tourists and DTV is a tourist visa

a day ago

James *******

@Michael *******

got any VAT receipts?

a day ago

Michael ********

@James ******

Nope

a day ago

Reply to

Michael ********

Jim *******

You have to show the goods. If it was a Rolex watch, bought in Thai, 10,000 US$ easy to show. You may get 2,000 US$ back, the tax on luxury goods. But, buy it first.

a day ago

Dimitris ************

Do you need to show the goods? Or just the receipts?

a day ago

Wannikea *********

@Dimitris ***********

a tourist leaving the country is usually taking everything they bought with them

a day ago

Reply to

Wannikea *********

Dave ***********

No, you can’t.

a day ago

Dca *****

from field reports, those with a Non–O (Retirement) or Retirement Extension of Stay have been considered to have a domicile in Thailand and denied either by the Thai Customs Officer inspecting the goods before Checking-in at Airport Departures, or, by the VAT Refund Counter Employee before the Airplane Boarding Gates

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a day ago

Pete *******

VAT returns are only for tourists.

2 days ago

Jesper *******

When u hold a retirement visa u are considered residents u don't claim VAT returns.....you can pass your receipts to your friends or relatives holding tourist visa

2 days ago

Paul *******

@Jesper ******

The Retirement Visa and following Extensions of stay are "Non Immigrant" and by definition, you cannot be a resident..

2 days ago

Bob **********

@Paul ******

to claim VAT you must be a tourist

16 hours ago

Max *************

@Paul ******

I think you have misunderstood what being a Non-immigrant means.

a day ago

David *******

@Paul ******

But most people get a "certificate of residency" from immigration in order to open a bank account or get a driver's licence. So a non-immigrant can still be a certified resident

2 days ago

Reply to

David *******

Wayne ******

i was curious about that the other day

2 days ago

Reply to

Wayne ******

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