Is it necessary to show 20,000 THB in cash when entering Thailand on a Non-O retirement visa?

Better safe than sorry have cash

They didn't ask me about any 20.000 baht.

I had a non-o visa.

Personally, I've never been asked.

Welcome to Thailand 🇹🇭 ♥️

Why ask the question,

Either way

Just bring it.

£500 for travelling is not a massive amount ,

No they don't ask you. Simple as that.

No you don't need . I never had that money cash 20 years. I have non immigrant O.

“I have a 1st-year Non-Immigrant O (Retirement) visa (Multiple Entry)”

*** NO, you don’t have a Retirement Visa.

There is nothing such as a retirement visa with a multi re-entry permit, since October 2023 when Thai embassies discontinued to issue it

That 90-days Retirement Visa you started with, became invalid when you entered Thailand on it. You got stamped in for a 90-days stay permit.

A visa is something like a permit for ENTERING a country, a stay permit is the permission for STAYING inside the country.

Then you got issued a “1-year extension of the 90-days stay permit based on retirement”

*** For this “one-year extended stay permit” you bought a multi re-entry permit for 3800 Baht.

*** This is my usual short explanation of the difference between a stay permit and a visa

Just arrived Thursday on a non O and absolutely no questions asked

Went through last month in under five minutes, they didn’t ask anything

Hi Kim

I just recently re-entered on my retirement visa.

I was not asked to show proof of funds, however you should carry proof of your medical insurance assuming you have an OA visa.

I have been asked to produce this at immigration on a previous trip.

The thai baht is a visa exempt requirement.

The fact you already have a valid visa stamp, I'm sure you'll be just fine.

I dont reckon you need it but dealing with Thai immigration it wouldn't do any harm carrying a few baht in your pocket.

If I were in your position, I standby the money THB20,000 (about USD650) to avoid all the unnecessary problems. Just standby for show only, not that they want to take away your money. Maybe Asian thinking is different from Westerners.

Instead of sweating it, just bring 20k thai baht with you, save you from looking for cash when you arrive,

It is Thai Law. Read the info on Thai Embassy. Not 100% sûre it appuies to all entries/ visas.

But my question, why does having 20 000 Baht ( in any major currency) bother you to such an extent?? This 20 000 will rapidly be spent in small shops .transport etc. Lots of small business prefer cash.

If you want to extend your non o visa on the grounds of retirement you have 90 day to do so

As long as your visa stamped for multiple entry you are sweet

I’m not sure how things are now, when I came in a year ago, they did not ask for a single thing. Actually, the red customs part was closed so I walked right through the other part.

I have heard that they are cracking down on the ฿20,000 to enter so I would probably just get that from the airport. You’re leaving from to be safe.

Otherwise, it sounds like you’re OK

As you have already met the non o visa requirements your only requirement at entry is ensure (up to 3 days before ) you complete the online TDAC . You will already have mobile access to your bank account if questioned but very unlikely. I also have multi entry and extension of stay, no issues so far. Remember from day of entry your 90. Day Reporting kicks in.

I have retirement visas never been asked

You don't have 20k??? Stay home

Still need the TDAC though but I came back into Thailand yesterday and no problems. Had the visa and re-entry stamp. Didn't ask about finances.

You travel internationally with less than 20k baht cash? If so, not a good idea IMO. 20K baht or equivalent in another major currency is the requirement although your chance of being asked is low. Best to have it just in case.

You have already met Thailand Visa requirements and will go thru immigration like a breeze. I have the same and no problems whatsoever, just a big welcome to Thailand from the lady at immigration. Ya’ll be fine and don’t worry about anything.

Been coming to Thailand for over 25 years now, 3 to 4 times a year, never been asked once to show money.

Why are you worried about the 20,000 baht, you will need it for the taxi, the hotel and you're first few days anyway

I understand it's for tourist only

Yes just your arrival card . I was through in less than 1 minute last time. They won't ask about the 20k because you already have money in the bank. Have your bank book with you just in case.

yes. bring it.

Just carry the equivalent of 20k baht simple just trying to make an issue that you don't need to

Block locked profiles and anonymous sites.

Came the same as you. No questioned asked. Just smile and walk in☺️

If I have understood right 20,000 THB concerns only those who are travelling with normal tourist visa or without visa (or VOA).

It is very rare for immigration to ask you at arrivals, but if they do so long as you have the equivalent of 20,000 baht in whatever currency you bring then you won't have an issue. Plus the fact they will already know you have a Thai bank account with the required funds in it.

That is a tourist requirement only, meaning if you are entering on visa exempt or a tourist visa. By obtaining the non-o you have already met financial requirements.

In 20 years I have never been asked to show the 20,000 baht required to enter Thailand

I also came with a non-o visa and have a bank account in Thailand. Technically, you should have the value of with you. But I don't understand the basic excitement. Where is the problem. Take the money with you and all worries are done. Because you never know how the IO reacts and nobody here can tell you

Crap

Very unlikely to be asked if coming to retire, but what's the problem having with having 20,000 baht in your wallet.

The financial requirement is a "requirement" for those travelling under visa waiver scheme. All other entries, mainly tourists, may be subject to a random "means of living" check which would be dealt with on a case by case basis.

I am married to a Thai who is British as well and we live in UK. We go and I always go in on visa exemption as I also travel elsewhere and I have never been asked for proof. I rarely have Thai cash or UK cash on me as have Two Thai bank accounts.

Don’t worry you will be ok 👍

If you're traveling you need cash anyway so get some fresh money from the bank and when you get here exchange it

What exactly is your query? I think your post is maybe confusing for others to comment.

You alread showed funds to get the visa. 800,000 trumps 20,000.

I get it, a big step and you want to be sure you have everything in order... but you may just want to carry the $600 in cash until you get your feet under you.

If this is an obstacle, you are in for a big surprise. Thailand is not the cheap dream people say it is.

B20,000,is pocket change, carry it, preferably in Thai Baht, otherwise hard/ convertible currency.

When I enter I can around B250,000 in various currencies.

It sounds like you have it all together. But did you pay extra for the multiple re-entry pass, that is usually not included in the visa. With a Non-O visa and a Thai bank account you don’t have to show proof of cash at Immigration.

Please ignore the useless drivel, arrogance, and people trying to pass judgement. The likelihood of you needing to show the equivalent of 20,000 Baht is VERY low, but because it is NOT impossible I suggest having the cash on hand. Just brush up on your Kung Fu before you land. 😳🤣

I have never been asked in the 22 years I have been entering Thailand, 20 of which I have had a retirement or marriage visa other than this year when I entered on a visa exemption then changed to a non immigrant O based on retirement and then got a one year extension of stay. Sounds like you have an O-A not an O if it is for a year and multi entry. Non Immigrant O visas are good for 90 days, not a year and you would have to buy a re-entry permit at you local Thai Immigration office.

No. They will not ask you to show the cash but if they do, show them the Thai bank book. 800k thb is 40 times more than 20k.

I have being to Thailand more than 30 times i have never been ask if hiw money i have on entery

Nobody with a vis needs to show financials. That was part of the visa process. And I doubt you have a multi entry non-o. They don't exist anymore.

What exactly is your problem, anyway? Why all the fuss over just 20,000 lousy baht?

No

If it's an OA visa make sure to have your health insurance document with you because they will ask to see it.

I just entered Thailand with a Non O 90-day for retirement purposes. No quest about cash in hand. Asked for a copy of TDAC (saved online) and the visa printed in color.

Got documents and went to get a permanent phone and then a bank account. No agent needed. Now transfer 800,000 bhat and season. Patience is needed but if you do everything by the book, so far no issues

You’re lucky! They are getting harder to obtain with many embassies only issuing single entry.

As to the 20k, no. You’ve already proven your financial status.

As part of the Application, you would have had to email Bank Statements, so they know already. Just remember to transfer 800,000thb within the first Three months after arrival. The other thing not to forget to do, is link your Thai Phone Number to your Bank Account, otherwise you could get your account frozen.

Lol you are reading too much into it and reading posts from people who do not have a clue. You have a Non O retirement extension. You do not have to show 20k baht on entry, nor do you need to show a flight out of Thailand. On entry just make sure they stamp you for the end date of the Retirement extension and not give you a 60 day visa exempt stamp.

It's always a case-by-case for any dealing with immigration in Thailand. If you can get seven $100 U.S. bills that'll be a very slim, lightweight carry and an easy way to cover the requirement. Chances are high you won't be asked by the officer to 'show him/her the money', but if asked to credit/debit cards and account balances in banking apps are not going to cut it. And you won't be allowed to go to any ATM, and there are no ATMs inside the area before you clear immigration. Up to you, but seven $100s is insurance. The Thai Visa Center response among the replies here is spot on.

Wenn 20.000 ein Problem sind solltest du gar nicht erst in ein Flugzeug steigen.😂😂

Just have the equivalent amount of cash on hand.

This requirement has existed for decades, and while it may not be checked often, it is still something immigration officers can use if they decide they do not want to let you enter.

A lot of people confidently say, "They never ask," or "You don't need it." That may be true most of the time. But if an officer does ask, you can be sure they will take it seriously. Not having it gives them a valid reason to turn you away.

And honestly, it could be for something as petty as you looking at them the wrong way, them not liking your attitude, them being in a bad mood, jealousy, or any other emotional reason. At the end of the day, if you are walking around without the required amount, that officer is fully within their right to deny you entry.

It is such an easy requirement to meet. Most travelers can carry 20,000 baht in cash, or the equivalent amount in another major currency.

So the question is, why even risk it?

I brought in $1000 nzd as my cash but was not asked about it on arrival ... changed it to Thai baht when I found a good exchange rate ..

I would ensure that you have the 20,000 baht in your Thai bank account, and be prepared to show immigration via the banking app.

Thats what I will be doing when I return in October.

Having the Visa helps assure you are granted entry. It doesn't not guarantee it. Most likely you are fine with the visa only but it would be wise for you to travel with 20,000 baht (or equivalent), print out of the your accommodation or the first few days, and a print out of your onward travel. If you have no onward travel arrangement you can buy a cheap one-way bus ticket from Hat Yai to Penang.

I wouldn't be overly concerned if you have a Visa already.

No

The 20k THB requirement is for tourists only, so it doesn’t apply in your case. And I personally don’t know anybody on a tourist visa who’s ever been asked for that.

Dont listen to most of the negative comments on here

if you have a retirement visa I would say you have already met the requirements to enter Thailand , you will be fine , dont worry about all the doom sayers

Thanks to everyone who actually answered the question with facts.

To the self-appointed financial advisors worrying about whether I have $600 or not—relax. I asked a technical question about Thai immigration laws, not for an audit of my bank account. Next time, if you don't have actual information to share, just keep scrolling😘

Highly unlikely that you would be asked if you have a retirement visa

Why ask if u don't have $900 in your pocket 🤔 don't ask question

Have the equivalently of cash just in case. If You are American it is about $650.

Nobody is asked. Unless they are looking for a reason to deny entry. And no retiree on a visa gets asked. No worries in spite of the drama you read here

The most recent version of the Thailand Interior Ministry Notice/Announcement about Physical Cash in Hand Requirements for travelers making Entry into Thailand, dated 8 May 2000 and published in Thailand's Royal Gazette on 9 June 2000, is nothing new with THB ฿20,000.- Thai Baht per person physical cash in hand

The physical Banknotes do NOT need to be in Thai Baht, but any major international currency that is easily convertible to Thai Baht or otherwise

At current foreign exchange rates, ฿20,000.- Thai Baht is over USD $600 Dollars nowadays

A single EUR 500 € Euro banknote ( 2 Euro banknotes = 550 € Euros ) or a single CHF 1000 Swiss Francs banknote is definitely sufficient

ประกาศกระทรวงมหาดไทย เรื่อง กำหนดจำนวนเงินให้คนต่างด้าวต้องมีติดตัวในขณะเดินทางเข้ามาในราชอาณาจักร

9 มิ.ย. 2543 เล่ม 117 ตอนพิเศษ 53 ง หน้า 4

> 43.pdf

I have the DTV visa and was not asked

I am doing the same as you next week. I am intending to carry cash with me just in case. But in 20+ entries to Thailand, I have never been asked to show it.

For a long term Visa holder / Non-O

No

Arrived last Tuesday

Just fill in TDAC or THIM App

If you already have a 1 year extension on your 90 day non o visa, then you have already showed them you can support yourself. Apparently you can also connect to free wifi at the airport and just show them your bank app on your phone from your home country.

You do know that THB 20 000 is roughly EUR 540.00 or USD 610.00 ?

You should have that much money available in any case.

Btw. you don't need to have it converted yet - just have the equivalent in your home currency.

I think it is quite unlikely that you will be asked about it - but technically you are required to show it.

Very low chance of being asked

You don't have the equivalent money you can bring? ( Due to the usual suspects taking issue with my question. I'll clarify: you may have had all your cash here and not got the 20k cash accessible before arriving so was asking if that might have been an issue for you )

Make sure to Double Check and Verify Again after each Re–Entry that your Latest Entry Stamp is Correct:

1.) Has the same stay Validity End Date as your current Re–Entry Permit

2.) Entry Stamp Type is: « Non–RE »

Yes, every non-citizen or non-resident entering Thailand needs to show 20k THB or equivalent in exchangeable currency, cash, upon entry. No matter the visa status.

The 20k cash requirement is for tourism entries so it is very unlikely you will be asked on a long term visa/extension

Technically you do, everyone has to show they can support themselves on entry, but it would be highly unlikely you would be asked.

Yes, you are still technically required to show 20,000 Thai Baht (or the equivalent in another major currency).