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Can holders of retirement visas claim VAT refunds at Thai airports?
Aug 23, 2025
8 months ago
Xao ******
ORIGINAL POSTERHas anyone get vat return at airport with their retirement visa?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Individuals holding a retirement visa (Non-O) in Thailand are not eligible to claim VAT refunds at airports, as they are considered residents. Unlike tourists, who can claim VAT refunds on purchases, retirement visa holders must pass their receipts to friends or relatives with tourist visas to benefit from any VAT return. Reports indicate that customs officers and VAT refund personnel at airports enforce these rules strictly, denying refunds to those with retirement visas.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Tom *******
Why bother
Leave the tax to the country who paid you hospitality
It’s only 6%
Leave the tax to the country who paid you hospitality
It’s only 6%
Michael ********
Uhmm it says only tourists and DTV is a tourist visa
James *******
@Michael *******
got any VAT receipts?Michael ********
@James ******
NopeReply to
Michael ********
Reply
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.
Dimitris ************
Do you need to show the goods? Or just the receipts?
Wannikea *********
@Dimitris ***********
a tourist leaving the country is usually taking everything they bought with themReply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
Dave ***********
No, you can’t.
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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4Pete *******
VAT returns are only for tourists.
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
Paul *******
@Jesper ******
The Retirement Visa and following Extensions of stay are "Non Immigrant" and by definition, you cannot be a resident..Bob **********
@Paul ******
to claim VAT you must be a touristMax *************
@Paul ******
I think you have misunderstood what being a Non-immigrant means.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 residentReply to
David *******
Reply
Wayne ******
i was curious about that the other day
Reply to
Wayne ******
Reply
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