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Can I use money in a Thai bank account as proof of funds for a visa-exempt entry into Thailand?
Jan 9, 2026
4 months ago
Gary ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, can you show money in a Thai bank account as proof of funds on visa exempt
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among users is that while technically you might be able to present a bank statement from a Thai bank account, cash is the preferred and safer option as proof of funds upon entry into Thailand. Many have noted that they have never been asked to show proof of funds, especially those who frequently travel to the country. However, there is a belief that having a bank account might raise questions about whether one is genuinely a tourist. The general requirement stated is to carry cash, with amounts recommended being 10,000 baht for singles and 20,000 baht for families.
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Oles **********
Как блять у человека могут быть наличные страны, в которую он еще не въехал? Тайский бат это не доллар. Где я могу купить это, кроме в Таиланде?🤣
Dennis *********
You can't legally get a thai bank account on visa exempt, and you'd have to already be here to get the bank account. So no, its not possible. Why people want to travel to other side of the planet without any cash in their pocket is beyond me, it's only $600 usd, so really???
Bruce ***********
No only cash in any currency total to 20k baht
Paul ********
i have been asked multiple times to show the money. it happens particularly in phuket
Ralph *******
Technically yes. You can show a recent bank statement. What the IO does is another matter.
Jonny *********
No
Todd *********
you can certainly try. And it might work. But it depends how badly they want to deny entry.
Amit *******
Thai bank in your name can show at Immigration if they ask you ..!! Relax
Kim *********
@Amit ******
the rule is in cashChris *******
@Amit ******
NO, the law is CASH.what an officer does is at his discretion.
If he accepts something that's an individual decision.
We are always at the mercy of the officer we are in front of.
Angelo ***********
@Amit ******
Only if you have a card, that works at the ATM at the border ... otherwise: you are lost.Bob **********
@Angelo **********
there’s been posts where the couldn’t use an ATM it’s cash and it’s not that much cashReply to
Bob **********
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Bob **********
@Amit ******
So you’re supposed to be a tourist,why do you have a Thai bank account?This is just what there trying to stopReply to
Bob **********
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Albert ********
Do you have a bank account in your name?
George *********
@Albert *******
yes since 1997Gary ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERYes
Reply to
Gary ***********
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Tony **********
Cash better
Carsten ************
Nope
George *********
I have always arrived to Thailand with cash in my local bank account that I have maintained since 1997. I have never got asked but it surprises me that only cash is acceptable as proof of funds.
Jeff *************
@George ********
I think it’s a croc if you have a Thai bank account you should be able to show them on your banking app you have enough moneyGeorge *********
@Jeff ************
yes I thought so to. Better to have some non Thai cash on you just in case.Reply to
George *********
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Steve *******
@George ********
Why does it surprise you? It's been a requirement for nearly ever. Rarely asked for but it is a requirementGeorge *********
@Steve ******
I mean it surprises me that they specifically would ask for cash.Steve *******
@George ********
They've always specifically asked for cashGeorge *********
@Steve ******
I always carry about 1000€ in cash when I travel but my main source for Thailand is my local bank account that I maintain there. I am not a resident of Thailand any more but I visit once a year.Angelo ***********
@George ********
It is the law. Has nothing to do with "what they ask for".Graham ******
@George ********
it's been a law for years, before we all had banking apps etc. ;)Reply to
Graham ******
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Carsten ************
@George ********
they only ask when searching for a reason to deny entry.Reply to
Carsten ************
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David *********
I have been coming for 30 years and never once have had to show any money I have on arrival in Thailand but hey maybe that’s just me oh and by the way I stay here for 3-4 months at at time obviously with visa runs in between🤔🤔👍
Angelo ***********
@David ********
Well, nitpicking mode on: This was not the question. The question was if a bank account is enough - which it is not.
What happened to you or not: has nothing to do with the law.
It is pretty pointless to give advice to people who have a serious question, with "never happened to me" answers. 😛
Nitpicking mode off.
Reply to
Angelo ***********
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Glyn **********
No
Lars **********
Only cash. 10.000 bht for a single and 20.000 bht for a family. I have been traveling to Thailand for almost 40 years and they have never asked me.
Jim ********
@Lars *********
it’s 20,000. Doesn’t matter where you are fromGary ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERYeah, I’ve never been asked before
FirstNam*********
@Gary **********
you won’t do unless they are looking for a reason to deny youReply to
FirstNam*********
Reply
FirstNam*********
@Lars *********
it’s 20k for single and 40k a for familyBrandon ************
@Lars *********
that's the requirement for visa on arrival, where you apply for and pay for a visa at the airport.The requirement for visa exempt (most western nations) is 20,000 per person and 40,000 per family.
Lars **********
@Brandon ***********
Not for citizens from my country (Denmark). We don’t pay anything for visa on arrival. Can stay 60 days without visa, but still needs to prove, that You have 10.000 bht in cash at arrival. Still they have never asked me.Tore *********
@Lars *********
visa exempt is 20k baht equivalent cash for Danish, Norwegian and any other visa exempt nstionalsAngelo ***********
@Lars *********
You are wrong. And you are mixing up visa exempt with visa on arrival, so you are double wrong.YOU have to show 20,000 - if they ask. So have I.
Lars **********
@Angelo **********
I just read that it have been changed to 20.000 bht. Så you’re right, but now is the question not about the amount of money, but only if you could show money in the bank or needed to show cash.Robbie *******
If you are a genuine tourist , why would you have a Thai bank account ??
Mma *******
@Robbie ******
Alot of Teachers that change jobs in the Kingdom need to leave and re-enter on Tourist Visa/Exemption. Then they will pivot to work related paperwork. Its possible to change jobs without leaving but not so common.Brandon ************
@Lars *********
you're incorrect. It's the same for everyone visa exempt.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Brandon ************
If they ask you for proof of funds, it's because they are looking for a reason to deny you entry, most likely for spending too much in time in Thailand and they consider you to not be a tourist.
That means if you don't have the money in cash, it's very easy for them to deny you entry. Also having a Thai bank account doesn't exactly support that you're just a tourist and not someone who is trying to live in Thailand.
That means if you don't have the money in cash, it's very easy for them to deny you entry. Also having a Thai bank account doesn't exactly support that you're just a tourist and not someone who is trying to live in Thailand.
Thai *******
@Brandon ***********
it's actually for proving your not there to work and you have sufficient funds to look like you have enough to last for 60 days or how long you stayGraham ******
@Thai ******
good luck with that thenReply to
Graham ******
Reply
FirstNam*********
Cash only if you did ever get asked
Andrew ********
FirstNameLastName yeah, whip out several stacks of 100baht bills and you’re good.
Graham ******
@Andrew *******
20k in Baht (there are 1000B notes too) or the equivalent in any major currencyAndrew ********
@Graham *****
but the stacks are more impressive when it’s 100s. You could do coins but they are very heavy and if you are using it to bribe someone, they may not accept.Angelo ***********
@Andrew *******
Bribing an immigration officer at the border ... well, it would be funny, if you would not be meaning it serious.Andrew ********
@Angelo **********
ok, don’t invite Angelo to anything fun. He will think you are trying to overthrow the government.Reply to
Andrew ********
Reply
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