Can I provide the ฿20,000 cash requirement for entering Thailand in another currency?

Jun 12, 2023
a year ago
Jason *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Can the ฿20,000 cash proof you may be asked for by immigration when entering Thailand be the equivalent amount in another currency?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, the ฿20,000 cash proof required by Thai immigration can be provided in equivalent amounts of other major currencies, as long as it is shown in cash. Some travelers report experiences of officials being inflexible about this rule, so it is advisable to be prepared for potential scrutiny. While written regulations allow for foreign currency, the practical enforcement may vary, making it wise to carry Thai Baht or ensure the ability to exchange it readily at nearby currency changers when crossing the border.
Brown ********
I believe so but amazingly proof of a Thai bank account with 800k in it is not
Anthony *********
It needs to be in small denomination bills as well, like 20s and 50s, nothing bigger ✌️
John ********
1) take a shower

2) don’t carry a backpack

3) no trousers with elephants

Unlikely to be asked in the first place
Jo **********
@John *******
yes agree
Paul *******
@John *******
Number 2 is OK actually. Backpackers are unlikely to be serial border runners as they go from one country to the next.
Jason *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I hear ya, I accidentally replied to you instead of John.
Jason *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
But I have seen reports of people being asked based on entry history, so taking a shower wouldn't really help lol
Paul *******
@Jason ********
Of course. I never suggested the shower thing..that was
@John *******
. My point is that carrying a backpack won't have much bearing on anything
Brian ********
Is this just for land entry?
Brandon ************
@Frank-Steven **********
I cannot reply to your comment on Paul's post as I have him blocked. But there have been reports of land borders requiring baht. It doesn't make sense but I'll leave his answer on there as he specifically states land border. I'm sure it's not at every land border but it's a possibility.
Frank-Steven ***********
@Brandon ***********
Do you know where that quantity is actually written in law or regulation? Cause I don’t believe it is mentioned like that in the Thai Immigration Act for example.
Brandon ************
Frank-Steven Eichholtz I don't know where it's written. I don't know how to find laws or regulations at all really. But I do know that's what it is.

20,000 baht (or equivalent in another major currency (unless they decide baht only)) or 40,000 per family.

Also if you're from a visa on arrvl country it's 10,000 per person and 20,000 per family. I usually don't mention this because everyone thinks they're from an visa on arrvl country when they're not so people get confused. (I obfuscated the arrvl so it doesn't come up if people search)
Frank-Steven ***********
@Brandon ***********
I hear you. Thanks. 👍
Frank-Steven ***********
@Brandon ***********
Crazy. But good to know. So far, I always carried the equivalent in Euro 💶 in cash. Never touched that money. Might switch to an envelope with THB then.
Frank-Steven ***********
Brandon Thurkettle I see. Never heard of that before. But I am not surprised. Every authority in Thailand tends to interpret the rules differently. Or they don’t really fully grasp them themselves and then make things up. Always be prepared for everything, I guess. Thanks for your clarification. 👍
Rob **********
Yes it can be.
Martin *****
20.000 baht for what? Entering Thailand?
Оливер *********
@Martin ****
barfine!
Paul *******
No, they want Thai Baht only. Should be no problem to change foreign currency into Baht at a busy land border crossing provided they have money changers / ATMs around (many do) but not all of them.
Chris *****
Avoid the females and you’ll be fine. Both at immigration and when you’re through. 🤗
Brown ********
@Chris ****
I wonder if the women at immigration think every farang is a sexpat and that's why they are more likely to be difficult. Likely think if you're travelling with your younger Thai girlfriend she's been rented too
Paul *******
@Chris ****
Agreed. The males are much easier to deal with.
Nishant ************
@Chris ****
What do you mean?
Jon *****
@Nishant ***********
Easy to understand 😉
John-Paul ******
Yes it can be in another currency. As long as it is equal to 20,000THB. However, that is what is supposed to be allowed. Whether or not it actually is ... well... that is another thing altogether. Welcome to Thailand. But it is also all in your appearance if you are asked. In my 12 years here and my two children (in their 20's) coming and going as well as many other friends that have visited me over the years... I have never had an instant of any of them being asked for proof of funds. It is a crapshoot like most things here with regards to Immagration officials.
Brown ********
@John-Paul *****
I think it's more how often you've been in Thailand especially on 30 day visa extensions
Paul *******
@John-Paul *****
True. However, it depends on your travel history and perhaps even what you look like and also nationality. I presume you look respectable, like you have money, a good job and aren't a border runner looking to gain more time in Thailand for free without holding an appropriate visa. Hence why you've never been asked. Ditto for me. Never asked because I am not a border runner.
John-Paul ******
Frank-Steven ***********
@John-Paul *****
True story. Accepted answer. 😂 There is written laws. There is unwritten laws. There made up laws on the go. And often nobody bothers about either of them.
Frank-Steven ***********
Unfortunately. Their minds are still quite far detached from modern times. Could be as easy as showing balance on a Thai banking app .... but it isn't.
Stuart *********
Yes. Must be cash. Equivalent in another major currency is fine.
Paul *******
@Stuart ********
It can happen. Thai officials can be notoriously stubborn when it comes to their interpretation of the requirements.
Paul *******
@Stuart ********
If it's in another currency some officials might make a little bit of a fuss. Of course you can insist on exchanging it to Baht at the nearest money changer to their satisfaction but best to be properly prepared in the first place. Makes life a lot easier.
Stuart *********
@Paul ******
never heard of such. As long as it’s the equivalent in a major currency shouldn’t be an issue.
Bob **********
Yes
Jeremy ********
yes of course
Brandon ************
Yes, 20,000₿ or equivalent in another major currency, in cash only. Or 40,000 per family.
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