Pattaya has a fabulous range of shops and markets catering for all tastes. From the very expensive to the incredibly cheap (particularly by Western standards), you can find it all here. While the quality of some of the goods can vary greatly from stall to stall and shop to shop, even those who usually hate shopping will find a bargain here. It’s pretty difficult to leave Pattaya without some extra luggage, whether you’re looking for local handicrafts, precious gems or just a fake Rolex to show off at home. Remember, however, that you get what you pay for and the quality of goods here is far lower than you would expect at home. Money-back guarantee is a vague concept, so check the goods thoroughly first and avoid buying the cheapest models.

As a leading tourist centre in the Eastern Seaboard, Pattaya is also occupied with department stores, shopping centres, street shops and stalls specially concentrated on Pattaya 2 Road, Beach Road and the area between Central and South Pattaya. Whatever you are looking for - such as gems, silk, garments, tailor-made suits, leather ware, furniture, handicrafts, souvenirs and gifts, etc. - you can easily find a wide selection of items within your reach. There are several shopping malls in the centre of Pattaya, and there are two super centres which sell everything from instant noodles to TV sets. Beach Road and south Pattaya areas have many shops selling clothing, jewellery, leather goods, paintings, bronze ware and a variety of things. South Pattaya is the major shopping area for beachwear, souvenirs, films, tapes, pharmaceuticals and liquor. The resort's major gems, jewellery, silk, cotton and handicraft shops, tailors and boutiques are located in the vicinity of, or adjacent to, major beachside hotels. Pattaya 2 Road is also a favourite haunt for shoppers, with several handicraft and Thai silk shops. Department stores and allied bazaars in Central Pattaya offer other shopping experiences. There is an excellent market at Naklua, just north of Pattaya city every Sunday. On North Pattaya Road, A multi-million Baht shopping complex offers a handicraft centre, bazaar and shopping arcade with small bars, nightclubs and an outdoor seafood restaurant. For those who looking for local products such as handicraft, basket ware, dried seafood, may like to visit the following principal markets which are popular among Thai tourists. They are located out of Pattaya city. Do not afraid to bargain at these shops it is a part of fun-making.

VAT (Value Added Tax) Refund For Tourists
Thailand introduced their own version of VAT a few years ago. The rate has been reduced in 1999 from 10% to the now ruling 7%.

Following point you need to keep in mind when applying for VAT refund

• You must be a non-Thai passport holder and not airline cabin-crew.
• You must not have been resident in Thailand for more than 180 days in the current calendar year.
• You must be departing by air from an International Airport. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Hat Yai.
• The amount of purchases must be more than 5000 Baht.
• Goods must leave Thailand within 60 days of purchase.
• When you buy your goods, you must produce your passport and get the dealer to complete form P.P.10.
• Your purchased goods must be in your hand baggage for inspection, along with the store receipt and the P.P.10 form
• The purchased goods are absolutely prohibited to consume in Thailand." This is an exact quotation, so don't expect to drink your bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label and get a VAT refund!

IMPORTANT Before you check-in at the airport, you must declare the goods along with the P.P.10 form, to Customs, the office is in Terminal 1 by the Thai Airways check in desks, (at the moment!). They will stamp the form, without the stamp, no refund!

From the official literature - "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 practice, this does not seem to happen, although it is best to be prepared.

The stamped P.P.10 form, the store receipt, and the goods must be taken to the VAT refund desk in Terminal 2, after passport control. They are fast and efficient, and quite friendly!

Refunds up to 10,000 Baht are in cash, over 10,000 Baht by way of a bank draft. 100 Baht fee applies in both cases plus a charge for the bank draft. If you used a credit or charge card, your refund is applied directly to your account, but this can take up to 2 months to appear, depending on your statement date.

It is not nearly as bad as it sounds, and even if you forget to have the P.P.10 stamped in the departure hall, they now even let you go back through immigration and have a second go at getting it right. This can take another 30 minutes or more though, as you have to get stamped back into Thailand, and go back though immigration passport control a second time!

Any issues with your VAT Refund?

VAT Refund For Tourist Office Revenue Department
Phaholyothin Road Bangkok 10400 Thailand
TEL: 02-2729387 (Bangkok)
Fax: 02-6173559