Bangkok, 16 December, 2022 – Further enhancing Thailand’s reputation as a popular shopping destination for travellers from around the world, is the VAT Refund for Tourists scheme which offers holidaymakers a refund on goods they purchase during their trip.

To qualify for the refund, goods must be purchased from stores displaying the ‘VAT Refund for Tourists’ sign, and be to the value of at least 2,000 Baht (VAT included) per day per store. The total value of all goods purchased must be at least 5,000 Baht per person per trip.

The goods must be taken out of Thailand by the tourist within 60 days of the date of purchase through any of the international airports in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang), Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai, U-Tapao, Krabi, and Samui.

In the case the VAT refund is made at a refund location in the city, departure from Thailand must be within 14 days of this date.

Here are some important points to remember:

At the time of purchase

When purchasing the goods, the tourist must present his/her passport and ask the store to issue a VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) along with the original tax invoice/s for the purchase. The passport number must be correct on the form.

*In the case of consumable goods, these must be sealed along with the message ‘No Consumption Made While in Thailand’.

At the airport when departing Thailand

The purchased goods, of which the total value must be 5,000 Baht or more, must be presented along with the VAT Refund Application for Tourists form and original tax invoice/s to a customs officer for inspection before check-in.

In the case of luxury goods (jewellery, gold, ornaments, watch, eyeglasses, pen, mobile or smart phone, laptop or tablet, handbag, and/or belt) of which the value is 10,000 Baht or more per item, and carry-on goods of which the value is 50,000 Baht or more per item, these must be hand carried and showed again at the VAT Refund for Tourists Office after passing through immigration.    

At the VAT Refund for Tourists Office, if the refund amount is not over 30,000 Baht with insurance for the tax refund amount, the payment will be made in cash (Thai Baht).

The refund can also be claimed by post to the Revenue Department of Thailand, or by drop-box in front of the VAT Refund for Tourists Office at the airport, and at the downtown refund office locations.

The post Thailand offers ‘VAT Refund’ for tourists appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

Bangkok, 16 December, 2022 – The many wonderful flower festivals are taking place in December 2022 and January 2023 in the north of Thailand, when the temperature is comfortably lower and various species of flower are in full bloom.

This is the time when the renowned Bua Tong (wild sunflower) carpets the countryside of Doi Mae U Kho in Mae Hong Son province in brilliant yellow, and beautiful pink cherry blossoms are in full splendour in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, while millions of red lotuses adorn Nong Han freshwater lake in Udon Thani in the Northeast. Nearer to Bangkok, there are the dazzling yellow sunflowers at Phattana Nikhom in Lop Buri to admire.

Here are some of the flower festivals to visit, and to enjoy during what is the best time to travel for tourists – when the temperature and humidity is lower, making for more comfortable travels.

CHIANG MAI

Flora Festival 2022

Now until 28 February, 2023 at Royal Park Rajaphruek

Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2023

16 December, 2022 – 2 January, 2023 at the 82nd Anniversary Chaloem Phrakiat Park

CHIANG RAI

9th “Colours of Doi Tung” Festival

Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from now until 29 January, 2023, at Doi Tung Development Project, Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai Flower & Art Festival 2022

24 December 2022 – 8 January 2023, at the Mae Kok Riverside Flower Park

19th Chiang Rai Beautiful Flowers

29 December, 2022 – 29 January, 2023 at Suan Tung and Khom

Chiang Rai ASEAN Flower Festival 2022

30 December, 2022 – 4 January, 2023 at various locations in Wiang Chiang Rung District, Chiang Saen District, and Wiang Kaen District

NAKHON RATCHASIMA

Jim Thompson Farm Tour 2022

Now until 2 January, 2023 at the Jim Thompson Farm – located around 260 km from Bangkok

For those wanting to combine the picturesque North and Northeast with the stunning beaches of Southern Thailand on their holiday, this is also a great time to do so with the Southern region not overly hot or humid during December to February.

Popular spots like Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands on the west coast of the Thai peninsula are best visited from November through April, while great underwater visibility means December is a good time for diving and snorkelling.

Spots like Samui and Phangan Island on the eastern side of the peninsula, in the Gulf of Thailand, are best visited from December to June.

The post Thailand is blooming with flower festivals from December 2022-January 2023 appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

Bangkok, 16 December, 2022 – The many wonderful flower festivals are taking place in December 2022 and January 2023 in the north of Thailand, when the temperature is comfortably lower and various species of flower are in full bloom.

This is the time when the renowned Bua Tong (wild sunflower) carpets the countryside of Doi Mae U Kho in Mae Hong Son province in brilliant yellow, and beautiful pink cherry blossoms are in full splendour in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, while millions of red lotuses adorn Nong Han freshwater lake in Udon Thani in the Northeast. Nearer to Bangkok, there are the dazzling yellow sunflowers at Phattana Nikhom in Lop Buri to admire.

Here are some of the flower festivals to visit, and to enjoy during what is the best time to travel for tourists – when the temperature and humidity is lower, making for more comfortable travels.

CHIANG MAI

Flora Festival 2022

Now until 28 February, 2023 at Royal Park Rajaphruek

Charming Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2023

16 December, 2022 – 2 January, 2023 at the 82nd Anniversary Chaloem Phrakiat Park

CHIANG RAI

9th “Colours of Doi Tung” Festival

Every Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from now until 29 January, 2023, at Doi Tung Development Project, Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai Flower & Art Festival 2022

24 December 2022 – 8 January 2023, at the Mae Kok Riverside Flower Park

19th Chiang Rai Beautiful Flowers

29 December, 2022 – 29 January, 2023 at Suan Tung and Khom

Chiang Rai ASEAN Flower Festival 2022

30 December, 2022 – 4 January, 2023 at various locations in Wiang Chiang Rung District, Chiang Saen District, and Wiang Kaen District

NAKHON RATCHASIMA

Jim Thompson Farm Tour 2022

Now until 2 January, 2023 at the Jim Thompson Farm – located around 260 km from Bangkok

For those wanting to combine the picturesque North and Northeast with the stunning beaches of Southern Thailand on their holiday, this is also a great time to do so with the Southern region not overly hot or humid during December to February.

Popular spots like Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands on the west coast of the Thai peninsula are best visited from November through April, while great underwater visibility means December is a good time for diving and snorkelling.

Spots like Samui and Phangan Island on the eastern side of the peninsula, in the Gulf of Thailand, are best visited from December to June.

The post Thailand is blooming with flower festivals from December 2022-January 2023 appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

Bangkok, 13 December, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that the “Amazing MuayThai Festival 2023” will be held at Rajabhat Park in the famous seaside resort of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, on 4-6 February, 2023.

TAT is organising this exciting event together with the Royal Thai Army, the Ministry of Culture, Sports Authority of Thailand, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, and private sector partners.

The Amazing MuayThai Festival aims to promote cultural tourism and is in line with the Thai government’s policy to promote Thailand’s soft-power foundations, which include Food, Film, Fashion, Fight, and Festival.

Mr. Apichai Chatchalermkit, TAT Deputy Governor of Tourism Products and Business, said “In addition to promoting Muay Thai as a national heritage and a world-famous element of Thai culture, the Amazing MuayThai Festival is also an opportunity to create economic value and generate income for Thailand through sports tourism.”

The festival’s date of 4-6 February coincides with ‘National Muay Thai Day’ which falls on 6 February every year, to commemorate the day Somdej Phrasanphet – commonly known as Phra Chao Suea – ascended the throne. His Majesty was known for his mastery of Muay Thai, with his techniques still being taught today.

Among the activities on the program of the festival are a Wai Kru ceremony with 5,000 participants to set a new Guinness World Record on 6 February. The Wai Kru ceremony is a ritual performed by fighters before a fight.

There will also be a Muay Thai exhibition, Muay Thai industry promotional activities, and sales of merchandise and local cuisine to enjoy.

The nearby Sea Pine Beach area will be designated for Muay Thai training, Muay Thai practice with Muay Thai superstars, an international amateur Muay Thai tournament, and Muay Thai World Championship showdowns.

Hua Hin Municipality will also be holding a Muay Thai festival and “Street Fight” competition.

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a unique Thai martial art form that combines grace and flow and utilises the hands, elbows, knees and shins as weapons. Thus it is also sometimes referred to as the ‘art of eight limbs’. Popular worldwide, it can trace its history back to at least the 16th Century.

More information on the Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2023 can be found at:
Facebook page Amazing MuayThai Festival
Website: www.amazingmuaythaifestival.com
Instagram: @amazingmuaythaifestival

All photos: The “Amazing MuayThai Festival 2023” press conference at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters.

The post ‘Amazing MuayThai Festival 2023’ set to thrill spectators in Hua Hin seaside setting appeared first on TAT Newsroom.