Does VAT Refund apply to Non-O visa holder?

just a heads up, the vat refund isn't automatic. you gotta hit the 5000 baht total across all stores from the same shopping trip to get the 7% back. if you're under that, you won't get anything even with the forms. the pp10 form is the same as the vat refund form, just get it stamped at each shop when you spend over 2000 baht there. i usually do my shopping at centralwOrld or siam paragon and hit the counter on the top floor before leaving. the queue at bkk can be a gamble, sometimes 10 minutes, sometimes an hour, so if you're flying out of don mueang it's usually quicker

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You'll be fine with the Non-O visa. The refund is for tourists and short term visitors regardless of visa class, so you qualify. One thing people often miss is that the refund is processed at the airport by the Revenue Department, not immigration, so they don't care about your visa at all. At Suvarnabhumi, the VAT refund office is near gate 5 on the departure floor before you go through passport control, and you'll want to factor in at least 30 minutes for the queue if it's busy.

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yeah VAT refund in thailand is based on your departure status not your visa type. anyone leaving the country by air from an international airport can claim it as long as you're not a permanent resident or on a diplomatic visa. non-o holders are fine. just keep the receipts over 2000 baht per store and get the pp10 form stamped at the shop. the 60 day thing might matter if you're staying longer but you're under that so no issue. go to the refund counter at bkk after check in but before immigration, bring the goods just in case they ask to see them

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Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

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for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

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honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

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