How likely is it that immigration will require my mother to show 20,000 baht in cash when entering Thailand for the first time?

Dec 20, 2018
6 years ago
Ambrosia *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My mother will be flying into Thailand via CNX in a few days. This is her first time visiting Thailand and she will be here for 11 days.

If she has proof of hotel booking and exit flight itinerary, how likely is it she'll need 20k baht (or equivalent) in cash at immigration? I know it's better to have it just in case, but she's really anxious about having that much cash on hand while she's traveling.

And, if she does need it and has USD instead of THB, what amount does immigration consider "equivalent"? How exact does it have to be?

Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquired about the likelihood of their mother, a first-time visitor to Thailand, being asked to show 20,000 baht (or equivalent) in cash at immigration. Most responses indicated that it is extremely unlikely she will be asked for proof of funds, especially since she has a hotel booking and an exit flight itinerary. Some comments suggested that having a buffer, such as around $650-$700, would be prudent as immigration may use a differing exchange rate. Overall, the consensus was that newcomers to Thailand generally face minimal scrutiny regarding cash requirements.
Steven *********
Would the virtually extinct travellers cheques be any good, I wonder?
Ed ****
If an officer hasn't worked for at least 15 years he probably wouldn't have ever seen one.
Tod *********
I would say extremely unlikely to be asked for proof of anything IF she doesn't have a history of living here on back-2-back visa exempt or tourist visa entries
Pon ****
Unlikely
Scott ********
How likely is it they’ll ask? 0.001%. If your mom looks destitute I’m sure the chances go up. First visit, 11 days, hotel and exit flight. Want to feel better then bring 620 bucks, close enough. Relax.
Terry ******
Next to no chance she will asked for funds......relax, don't panic..if they don't see any recent Thai visas in her passport they probably wouldn't even bother to ask to see her hotel booking and exit flight details....It's repeat Tourist Visa visitors they are looking out for.
Robert *******
First time to Thailand, leaving in 11 days, small chance to get asked, but you never know. How exact are they, well minimum 20.000 Thb or equivalent currency in CASH, not 19.999 Thb, yes it sounds crazy, but it is not a little under or what ever excuse you can think of.
Ed ****
My mum often stays in my house for 2 weeks at a time...she always forgets to write down my address so just says Hilton Hua-Hin if asked at the airport lol.
Edward ******
$700
Ivan ************
They don't require people to show "a lot more" or just make up an exchange rate. Just the exchange rate they pick will probably not be quite the same as you see if you plug it into Google, they will use the rate you can actually get if you go into a bank, which will be worse. I have seen it suggested they use Bangkok Bank's cash rate. But the rate could change even on the morning, so probably makes sense to have a $50 buffer than to try to cut it too close.
Ivan ************
She probably won't be asked. I'd say 99% she won't be if she's never been here before. And CNX is not reportedly as difficult about this as Bangkok is either.

But if you are concerned about it it would be prudent to have a bit of a buffer as immigration get to choose the exchange rate. You'd probably be fine with $650 or even $640 but exchange rates can shift between now and then, and is $50 one way or the other really that big a deal?
Ambrosia *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That's about $100 more than the current exchange rate. Are they requiring people to show a lot more if it's in foreign currency?
Joshua ******
I been 8 times in 2 years I never get asked
Bob ********
Why dear is she not staying with you. Only 11 days to put up with your mother
Ambrosia *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I don't have the space for her to stay with me, unfortunately so I put her up in a nice little guest house around the block :)
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