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

Question

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.

Ask Thailand · Answer

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 ********* · Answer

Would the virtually extinct travellers cheques be any good, I wonder?

Tod ********* · Answer

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 **** · Answer

Unlikely

Scott ******** · Answer

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 ****** · Answer

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 ******* · Answer

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 **** · Answer

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 ****** · Answer

$700

Joshua ****** · Answer

I been 8 times in 2 years I never get asked

Bob ******** · Answer

Why dear is she not staying with you.    Only 11 days to put up with your mother

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

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