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TRAVEL
TIPS CAMBODIA
- THAILAND - December 2007
Dr Beat in Siem Reap - Thailand's Bumrungrad Hospital - Sales Tax in Thailand Refundable - Air Travel
National Radio Text Service - Monday December 31, 2007 DR BEAT IN SIEM REAP When visiting the Angor Wat Temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia a good hour plus of entertainment is a concert by Dr. Beat Richner. Richner is most notably known for two things... building children's hospitals in Cambodia and playing the cello. He performs in Siem Reap at Jayvarman Hospital on Friday (NEW) and Saturday nights at 7:15pm. BUMRUNGRAD HOSPITAL The Tsunami tragedy brings into focus the importance of good hospitals and health care. Thailand has high marks for having excellent hospital facilities. Bangkok's Bumrungrad Hospital is recognized as one of the best in the region. Some of the Tsunami survivors have been treated at Bumrungrad. Bumrungrad visually has the atmosphere of a five-star hotel. Their equipment is modern and the service is fairly prompt. Located in the heart of the Sukhumvit district at 33 Sukhumvit 3 ( Soi Nana) Wattana between New Petchuburi Roads and Sukhumvet Roads. Tel: (662) 667-1000 -- Web site: www.bumrungrad.com THAILAND'S REFUNDABLE VAT (Value Added Tax) Did you know that when you make a purchase of 5000 baht or more in Thailand you may have the VAT (Value Added Tax) refunded? The purchsae total may include the VAT. You may see signs or a salesman might tell you about the refund offer but…. there are some procedures. QUALIFICATIONS 1. Shop at a store shop displaying a "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign. 2. The total amount of purchase total must be at least 5000 baht ($125) VAT included 3. After making a purchase PRESENT YOUR PASSPORT and fill out a VAT REFUND form AT THE STORE ON THE PRUCHASE DATE. 4. Attach the original tax invoice to the form. TO CLAIM THE REUFND: 1. Refunds are only granted upon departure from an INTERNATIONAL airport terminal. 2. BEFORE checking in, show your purchases and the completed form and tax invoice to the Customs officer for inspection at the Customs Office. 3. Hand carried luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments; watches, glasses and pens must be re-inspected at the VAT Refund Office after you go through passport control. 4. Request the VAT from the VAT Refund Office before boarding the plane. 5. HURRIED OR LATE? After all inspections are made by the Customs and Revenue Officers, you may either drop your application form AND TAX INVOICE(S) into the VAT Refund box IN FRONT OF the Value Refund Office. REFUND METHODS 1. Refund amounts not exceeding 30,000 baht ( $750) may be made in cash (Thai baht), bank draft or credited to your credit card account. 2. Refund amounts exceeding 30,000 baht can be paid by bank draft or credited to your credit card account. CHARGES 1. Cash refunds are subject to a 100 baht ($2.50) charge. 2. Bank draft refunds are also charged a 100 baht fee plus the rate charged by the issuing bank. 3. Credit card refunds are charged a 100 baht fee plus a money transfer fee at the rate charged by the bank and postage fees. NOT QUALIFIED 1. Prohibited items, firearms, explosives or any similar items. Gem stones. 2. Goods not taken out of Thailand within 60 days of purchase. 3. NO customs inspection NO REFUND. 4. Purchases less than 5000 baht. INFORMATION Email: vrefund@pasi.rd.go.th Web site : www.rd.go.th/vrt AIR TRAVEL IN THE REGION For the traveler that prefers to make their own decisions getting around the southeast Asia region is getting easier and cheaper. One-way tickets to numerous locations in the region are in the $25 to $30 range. Fuel surcharges may apply. Bookings are easy to come by but keep in mine that this is the beginning of a new high (peak) tourist season in Thailand and the rates and availability can vary. Several low cost airlines are providing service from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Air Asia Airlines and Orient Thai airlines are the most popular low budget carriers. They both have routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and other destinations. Orient Thai has a route from Chiang Mai to Phuket as well. Air Asia also offers routes to Malaysian destinations. Phuket Airlines were canceling some flights due to the rise in oil prices. Best to check on line. You can pay with a credit card. Air Asia - www.Airasia.com -- In Thailand call: 02-515-999 Orient Thai Airlines - www.onetwo-go.com In Thailand call: 02-267-2999 Phuket Airlines - www.phuketairlines.com HAPPY NEW YEAR
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