VAT refunds surge after reopening

Foreign tourists queue for VAT refunds at Suvarnabhumi airport. This year the Revenue Department estimates VAT refunds should increase as tourism arrivals rise. (File photo)

Tourist tax refunds have skyrocketed since Thailand fully reopened in June last year, according to Revenue Department director-general Lavaron Sangsnit.

Mr Lavaron said foreign visitor numbers jumped after the reopening, reflected by a large increase in value-added tax (VAT) refund totals. In 2022, the department refunded VAT to more than 423,000 tourists with a total value of 1.2 billion baht.