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Do I need to show cash for the 20k baht proof of funds at the airport in Thailand?

Proof of FundsVisa RequirementsThailand ImmigrationCash RequirementTravel Tips
Dec 10, 2025
a day ago
Michał ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
This proof of funds "20k baht" at airport is very popular lately.

Do I need to have cash or bank statement will be enough or even better just show to them my bank APP?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Travelers to Thailand are increasingly being asked to show proof of funds upon arrival, typically in the form of 20,000 baht. The consensus among users indicates that cash is required for this proof of funds, as bank statements or banking apps are not accepted. While the likelihood of being asked for this proof is low, it is advised to carry cash to avoid potential entry denial, especially for those who may have overstayed their tourist visa in the past.
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Kevin ********
I arrived yesterday no questions asked
a day ago
Reply
Pui *****
@Kevin *******
 the chances of being asked are astronomically small, just like the chances you'll get searched for contraband. But that doesn't mean rules don't exist.
a day ago
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James ************
@Kevin *******
 its random. Ive never been asked either.
a day ago
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Kevin ********
@James ***********
 been that many times over the years never been asked but I always have some Thai baht on me
a day ago
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James ************
@Kevin *******
 you can carry any currency. Just has to be equal to 20,000 baht. I keep 1000 usd just in case. But 20 ish times through on visa exempt, never once been asked
a day ago
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Reply to
James ************
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Jesper *******
There's a report on someone being denied entry and did not get the chance of withdrawing cash from the nearest ATM ....do what ever you want to take the risk of being denied
a day ago
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Ralph *******
Cash only.
a day ago
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Phil ******
@Michał **********
 cash in any currency mate and they will let you through. Don't forget the other 2 things
a day ago
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Andrew ********
It was the one time cause the tourist was abusing the exempt but cary cash anyway
a day ago
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Ivan *******
Every day Thai government is setting and thinking what to do with farangs,and how they can reduce the garbage that is coming for only one reason! But in order to do that, they should fix their " garbage" first! If there is always supply, it always will be a demend
a day ago
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Peter ******
@Ivan ******
 idiot
a day ago
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David *****
Troll or Russian Bot
a day ago
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Yo***
@Ivan ******
 how Thailand fix the garbage of farangs? The farang countries are the main to do this in own countries. thailand never produced such garbage farangs. they just come to Thailand in mass. 🤣🤣
a day ago
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Ralph *******
@Ivan ******
 Tourists spend money everywhere. The government collects the tax.
a day ago
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Ralph *******
@Ivan ******
 That isn’t the garbage they are trying to stop. Those visitors are very good for the economy. They are trying to stop those that try to stay long term on what is basically intended for short term stays. Also, the people working illegally.

They are certainly not worried about prostitution or their customers - it’s good business!
a day ago
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Ivan *******
@Ralph ******
 Good business for who? For the government? What is the government getting from the prostitutes- taxes?? Don't be ridiculous!!
a day ago
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Reply to
Ivan *******
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Tony ******
@Ivan ******
 this has been always the case
*****
b
a day ago
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Ivan *******
@Tony *****
 Use your intelligence please! Even if you have lots of money, and you are not working, you can still stay, and brake the rules, overstay.. What this have to do with this
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bth.??? Who is going to live with
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bth. In Thailand?? People that can work illegally, are not westerners. Those are people from Cambodia, Laos, Birma. They know that! If they want to control that, they can do it differently!
a day ago
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Tony ******
@Ivan ******
 Use yours all you mentioned are the labours that do all the work lazy Thais won't do . Especially building industry
a day ago
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Reply to
Tony ******
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Ivan *******
@Tony *****
 Who is the crazy person that will pay $1000 ticket , and come with no money in his pocket?? Do you know somebody like that? I don't think so. I would say it's more possible opposite situation - COMING WITH MONEY, AND GOING OUT WITH NO MONEY, then the previous!!
a day ago
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Jay ************
@Ivan ******
, why would I wander around with $600 to $1,000 in cash when I can hit an ATM once I'm in the country and not having to worry about running around with all of that in my pocket. I can hit up any ATM machine, and then take out 30k in Baht and keep it in my room, hidden. That's how I do it in every country I go to. I have a Charles Schwab account so I don't have to worry about ATM fees, they are reimbursed to me at the end of every month.
a day ago
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Ivan *******
@Jay ***********
 Everything is cash in Thailand bud! They don't want your cards! Everything is monkey business there! And the government closes their eyes! As long as they DONT SUPPORT anyone, don't give social assistance - Do whatever you want to make some money! I know some people would not like my comments, but that's the truth! It's good for the westerners coming with money, and get for what they come for, but for the poor Thai people is not! They are pushed to do whatever they do, to do it to survive! The truth hurts!
a day ago
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Sean **********
@Ivan ******
 if you have not noticed there are more companies going cashless now. Went to Mega the other day. IKEA HAD TO PAY 15 BAHT FOR MY HOT DOG WITH A CREDIT CARD. ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS.
a day ago
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Graham ******
@Jay ***********
 because it's the law for entry maybe but if you know better
a day ago
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Tony ******
@Ivan ******
 The people that use plastic card's

I'm 💯 it's the equivalent of
*****
b in any currencies
a day ago
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Tony ******
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Louie *********
And here I thought the land of smiles welcomed tourism
a day ago
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Peter ******
@Louie ********
 they do you numpty
a day ago
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Ivan *******
@Louie ********
 Yes it is- They are smiling at you when you are leaving
a day ago
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Ivan *******
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Mauro *********
I'm so surprised.. really people travel without same cash for emergency??

🤔🥴🫢
a day ago
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Tania **********
@Mauro ********
 My thoughts ; anywhere we go, we should have cash .
a day ago
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Mauro *********
@Tania *********
 agree.
a day ago
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Mauro *********
@Tania *********
 for my experience.. cash in emergency can save your life .!! 😉

I see I bring some cash also when I just go in swimming pool in condo.. ahahaha (sometimes swimming with cash ) 🤣😂
a day ago
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Tania **********
@Mauro ********
 Yes 😊
a day ago
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Reply to
Tania **********
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Phil ******
@Mauro ********
 law is you will have cash in your pocket. People are being denied on no visa
a day ago
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Andrew *******
@Phil *****
 Well it’s a regulation that was changed from cash to cash or equivalent.

And as you well know most people are never asked for any of these things.

So yeah if they are looking for an excuse to stop you entering then its probably wise to limit their reasons :)
a day ago
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Mauro *********
@Phil *****
 why you tell me that ..I have always cash. I don't pay fee to bank actually normally I'm worried to don't Exide maximum limit of cash 🤣😂
a day ago
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Jay *****
@Phil *****
 True, I have meet people without cash and use only card, but they did not activate the card for overseas use or some lost their card and they are helpless. I don't know why some people can't have some cash on them. It's only 20k Thai baht. 😂
a day ago
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Andrew ********
@Phil *****
 it was 1 person
a day ago
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Mauro *********
Isn't one.

It's just one who make news rampant but have many case !! .

Don't think is one because you know "one"
a day ago
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Phil ******
No its over 5000 people at the moment and usually applies to people entering Thailand without a visa exempt for the 3 requires immigration needs from you.
a day ago
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Reply to
Phil ******
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Andrew ********
@Mauro ********
 this day and age debit cards are go to i never carried cash till I got to thailand
a day ago
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Yo***
@Andrew *******
 yes right. Not many cash needed. Just 20,000 THB around 500 something Euro only in cash. Is this so much?
a day ago
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Tania **********
@Andrew *******
 In EU, i live in very touristic place, and many of us just accept cash ; we are always amazed how, some can come without cash… so they need look for a ATM and take it .

Easy life is having , cash and cards !
a day ago
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Andrew *******
@Tania *********
 I’ve lived in Europe and traveled there a lot. You really don’t need cash in Europe.
a day ago
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Tania **********
@Andrew ******
 Where i live, a very famous touristic place, we in many business accept only cash nowadays; last summer season increased number of business wanting cash only .
a day ago
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Mauro *********
🤣🫢🤣

Hei mate... So generic.. but try go in my hometown or in same part of south Italy and tell me how much more you will pay without cash 😉
a day ago
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Reply to
Mauro *********
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Chris *********
For sake of easy life I dont understand why people dont withdraw the equivalent in their currency or exchange 20,000 baht before coming, rather than worry about it and ask if its required or not. Just take the safe option and carry it. Seems people are making a bit of an ordeal about something thats not really that important. Just my opinion.
a day ago
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Yo***
@Chris ********
 Agreed. It is not
*****
Euro or USD, it is just 500 + Euro about. If someone does not have this in cash, how can he come to Thailand or other foreign countries???
a day ago
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Andrew *******
@Yo***
 I’d be reasonably confident I’ve got more money than most in this thread and I can’t remember the last time I carried cash of more than a couple hundred bucks. I haven’t used cash here in Australia in 7 years. You do need some cash in Thailand although you can generally do 95% of stuff there without it too.

It’s not so much that it’s much money it’s just that carrying it in cash rather than just showing a balance is dinosaur age policy.
a day ago
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Chris *********
My comment has went a bit far to be fair, my point was just carry the cash rather than moan about it and risk being denied 🤣🤦
a day ago
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Reply to
Chris *********
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Chris *********
@Yo***
 yeah agreed. It doesn't matter how anyone values 20,000baht if it is 1 days spending or 1 weeks, its still a low amount to take for a holiday/ travel anywhere.
a day ago
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Reply to
Chris *********
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Trav **********
@Chris ********
 Because that requires common sense, which half the people coming to Thailand don't have.
a day ago
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Chris *********
@Trav *********
 thats the answer i was looking for. People would rather take the chance then moan about it.
a day ago
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Reply to
Chris *********
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John ********
It's another nail in Thailand tourist coffin. They have some strange rules but it is there laws so just obey or like a lot now go elsewhere.
a day ago
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John ********
@Chris ********
 People do not use cash nowadays. I never carry cash just cards
a day ago
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Tania **********
@John *******
 In EU, touristic places, we have many business accepting cash only; Japan as well .

It saves in emergency.

It makes feel comfortable that you can pay whatever and wherever.
a day ago
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Andrew *******
@Tania *********
 It is true that some systems remain quite backwards :)
a day ago
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Tania **********
@Andrew ******
 backwards in your opinion, not ours ( owning business in EU ).
a day ago
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Reply to
Tania **********
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Chris *********
@John *******
 I also rarely use cash but if I felt I needed to carry 20,000 baht to get through, I wouldn't think twice about it. Fortunately I have a long term visa and dont deal with this border bouncing fiasco 🤣
a day ago
Reply
Chris *********
@John *******
 dont really think its a nail in the coffin, its not a massive issue really. I've never ever been asked to show cash (or had any other questions at immigration) in 10 years living there, but then again I have always had a proper visa to live there and before that always stayed well within the visa exempt limits.
a day ago
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Andrew *******
@Chris ********
 The visa exempt limits?
a day ago
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Chris *********
The stamped in days, extentions etc without border bouncing and basically living without a visa is what I mean. Before living in thailand I always stayed less than 30 days on a stamp, when moved there I got a correct visa to live there. Hence ive never personally experienced any issues that others are raising
a day ago
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Reply to
Chris *********
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Bigd **********
@Chris ********
 its only a little over $625 USD, SHEESH! 555
a day ago
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Andrew *******
@Bigd *********
 I haven’t used cash here in Oz for 7 years, taking $700 out just to carry it on a long haul flight and then convert it at the other end makes not much sense.

Also the fact I’ve never been asked for any of the “requirements” in over 20 years of extremely regular travel to Thailand tends to make one pretty blase about this
a day ago
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Reply to
Andrew *******
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Ilia *********
@Chris ********
 because from my experience if you are traveling to several countries, let's say you are coming from the Philippines or Laos, you will not be able to withdraw us dollars from ATM. Moreover, you will have to withdraw from the ATM many times as the machine will not allow
*****
baht equivalent in one withdrawal, that will charge more commission. Then when arriving to Thailand you will be stuck with this foreign currency. In case of money Laos that's even a bigger pain in the ass as no change will agree to exchange them to baht.

Believe me that's very annoying (speaking from experience). Hope now you understand. Not everyone comes directly from their home country. But yeah rules are rules and it is what it is.
a day ago
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Carlos *********
@Ilia ********
 in Laos you can withdraw dollars no problem
a day ago
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Michał ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Carlos ********
 where? Can you show me where?
a day ago
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Reply to
Michał ***********
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Chris *********
@Ilia ********
 fair point never considered that situation I suppose.
a day ago
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Simon ********
@Ilia ********
 you can draw
*****
baht from these ATM machines
a day ago
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Ilia *********
@Simon *******
 i know and use those. But that's inside Thailand. Read what I wrote.
a day ago
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Reply to
Ilia *********
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Robert ******
@Chris ********
 i agree, I usually arrive with 50-80k baht and more in my own currency
a day ago
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Martin ********
@Robert *****
 weekend trip ? 😅
a day ago
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Tania **********
@Robert *****
 Same here ; i have a good amount , to spend as i wish; do not understand those without nothing !
a day ago
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Andrew *******
@Tania *********
 Why carry cash?
a day ago
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Reply to
Andrew *******
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Bobby ********
Obey the rules, you’re good 
a day ago
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Brandon ************
It's only popular because of a headline. The chances of actually being asked are very, very low. You should know if you are at risk because you have been abusing tourist entries trying to stay in Thailand longer than a tourist should.

IF you get asked to show proof of funds, it must be IN CASH ONLY. They will not accept credit cards, debit cards, bank statements, banking apps, or anything that is not cash. The only reason they ask this question is if they already want to deny you entry. So they are not going to bend over backwards to let you meet the requirement when the law specifically says cash only.
a day ago
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Anthony ***********
@Brandon ***********
 is it the same for a Non O Visa holder?
a day ago
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Matt *********
@Brandon ***********
 per the Thai embassy website it’s “cash of or equivalent” (what they mean by “equivalent” they unfortunately don’t define).
******************************************************************
a day ago
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Andrew *******
@Matt ********
 correct and on various MFA documents they note cash or credit cards/bank statements. But of course “or equivalent” could be interpreted narrowly or broadly depending on what the IO is trying to achieve.
a day ago
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Reply to
Andrew *******
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Ollie ******
@Brandon ***********
 it isn't cash only that is a complete lie, they did this recently to someone I know and bank app was fine.
a day ago
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Chuck **********
@Brandon ***********
 immigration is at the UdonThani airport! It’s a international airport!
a day ago
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Greg ***********
@Chuck *********
 there are NO flights from abroad arriving at Udon Airport. Even Ubon Ratchathani is classified as an "International Airport" however not a single flight from abroad lands there
a day ago
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Brandon ************
@Chuck *********
 the officers at the immigration office have nothing to do with the ones at the airport. Whatever they tell you is irrelevant. It's 100% up to the person you are standing in front of. And the law says cash only for tourists, not bank books.
a day ago
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Chuck **********
@Brandon ***********
 I asked at airport and they said ok!
a day ago
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Greg ***********
@Chuck *********
 how would they know because nobody arrives at Udon Airport. NOBODY enters Thailand at the Udon Airport as there are ZERO flights arriving from abroad
a day ago
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Reply to
Greg ***********
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Chuck **********
@Brandon ***********
 I asked udon immigration and they said Thai bank book ok.
a day ago
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Greg ***********
@Chuck *********
 Udon Immigration does not handle a border. HOW would they know? Only the officers at the border booth in Nong Khai can tell you what they prefer. You would be surprised. It is CASH and only cash
a day ago
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Rob **********
@Chuck *********
 no use asking Udon immigration office as they are no stationed at the International airports in Thailand, it is up to the discretion of the official at your arrival destination.
a day ago
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Reply to
Rob **********
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Robert ******
@Brandon ***********
 can the cash be another currency you haven't changed to baht yet though?
a day ago
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Brandon ************
@Robert *****
 It's 20,000 baht or equivalent in any major currency.
a day ago
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Doug *******
@Brandon ***********
 Is USD still “a major currency“? 😂
a day ago
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Rodger *******
@Doug ******
 Just barely. Check out the exchange rate trend versus the baht. 😐
a day ago
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Reply to
Rodger *******
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Lye **********
@Brandon ***********
 it's actually being done randomly by IO. So it is better to be safe than sorry, no?
a day ago
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Brandon ************
@Lye *********
 You should always meet every legal requirement to enter a country, every time. It's fine until it isn't.
a day ago
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Greg *********
@Brandon ***********
 it's a pain in the ass, I suppose do a currency exchange at a stop if you have time before arriving. You will lose money probably
a day ago
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Greg ***********
@Greg ********
 you don't need to exchange before you fly. Just take the equivalent of 20,000 THB with you in Euros or US Dollars
a day ago
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Darren *******
@Greg ********
 unless it's changed it can also be the equivalent in a foreign currency too
a day ago
Reply
Reply to
Darren *******
Reply
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