Pattaya is a shopper’s paradise with a wide range of shops to cater to the tastes of uber-rich and commoner alike. For many tourists, the price may seem very cheap compared to their country standards. However, the quality of items on sale will vary vastly in different shops. Even those who hate shopping will end up with extra bags when they leave Pattaya. Pattaya is known for its gems, pearls, handicrafts, silk and many more. A thriving market of fake products is active here. You can buy duplicates of expensive watches, electronic goods and designer wear. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. The quality of these products will be very poor compared to the originals. Do not believe in the money-back offer advertised by shops. Better check the goods thoroughly before buying.

Most of Pattaya’s shopping centers are located at Beach Road, Pattaya 2 Road and the section of road connecting South and Central Pattaya. Here you will find shops that sell silk and gems to handicrafts and furniture. There are many shops selling souvenirs and gift items to take back home. Some of the popular items bought by tourists are clothing, jewelry, leather goods and bronze ware. Boutiques and tailoring shops can also be found in plenty in the area. The shopping center on the North Pattaya Road offers a complete shopping experience with restaurants and recreational facilities thrown in.

Local products like handicraft products and seafood are better bought from local markets located outside city limits. The Sunday market at Naklua is excellent for this. There are many others in the city outskirts. While shopping in Pattaya, bargaining is allowed in most shops. In enhances the shopping experience for the shopper and the shopkeeper.

VAT (Value Added Tax) Refund

In Thailand, VAT was introduced more than a decade back and the rate is now reduced to 7%. Listed here are a few points for the tourists to keep in mind, while applying for VAT refund.

1. You must have a non-Thai passport and must not have stayed in Thailand for more than 180 days in the same calendar year.
2. Airline crew is not eligible for refund.
3. You must be flying out of Thailand from one of the International Airports at Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai or Hat Yai.
4. Only purchases totaling more than 5000 baht are eligible for refund.
5. The purchased goods must leave Thailand within 60 days of purchase.
6. At the time of purchase, you must produce your passport and get the form PP10 completed by the dealer.
7. You must keep the purchased goods in your hand baggage and produce it for inspection with the shop’s bill of receipt and form PP10.
8. The purchased goods are absolutely prohibited to consume in Thailand. If you use up the purchased goods, you are not eligible for refund.

Note: Before checking-in at the airport, the goods along with form PP10 must be declared at the Customs desk and get the form stamped. If the form is not stamped, no refund will be given. Jewelry, gold ornaments, glasses, watches and pens must be also be inspected by revenue officers to get a second validation in the departure lounge. In reality, it doesn’t happen most of the times.

Then the goods, shop receipt and form PP10 must be produced before the VAT refund desk at Terminal 2. The refund process here is very fast and the people staffing the desk are friendly. Up to 10,000 baht is given as cash. Any thing above this is given as a bank draft. Processing fee of 100 baht and draft commission are deducted from the total amount. For those who had paid for the purchase using credit or charge card, the refund will be directly credited to the account. However, this process may take up to two months.

Though in writing the rules seem tedious, it is not as bad as that. Sometimes, if you forget to get the form stamped, the authorities even let you go back through immigration and get it done. This process will take more than half an hour, as you have to get stamped back into Thailand at the immigration. You have to go through the immigration procedure once more.

For complaints and information regarding VAT refund, contact
VAT Refund For Tourist Office Revenue Department
Phaholyothin Road Bangkok 10400 Thailand
TEL: 02-2729387 (Bangkok)
Fax: 02-6173559