Answereda year ago
Is it normal for an airline check-in agent to ask for 20,000 Baht for future travel plans in Thailand?
Good evening. I have a question on a weird experience I just had at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. I was informed by the check-in agent, for the flight i was taking out of country, that i would have to pay immigration 20K Thai Baht because of my previous time in the country and my plans to return. The check-in agent also took a picture of me with their personal cell phone while she was talking to me about this.
Is this normal and is this legal (see below for the background on my travel)
Background: I was asked multiple questions about my passport, visa’s and future travel plans to Thailand by the check-in agent for the flight I was taking out of country.
1) I was on a 90D Non-Immigrant O visa
2) Left country with my Thai wife on the 90th day to another country for 4 days via flight.
3) Returned to Thailand and received a 60D Tourist Visa
4) Leaving country on my 60th day to another country for 4 days.
- The ticket agent asked if I was returning to Thailand, which they should have been able to see in the system that I had a round trip ticket. I answered “Yes”.
- I also informed them that I had a return trip to my country already purchased for 60 Days after I return to Thailand from our 4 day holiday.
At this point i was informed i would have to be interviewed by immigration upon my return which is normal (No issues here).
But then informed i would have to pay 20,000 Thai Baht to immigration when i returned because of time i had already spent in Thailand. The check in agent also took my picture with her cell phone (This is where my Spidey senses started sparking and wanted to reach out for any thoughts, similar experiences, or recommendations).
Thank you in advance.@
Is this normal and is this legal (see below for the background on my travel)
Background: I was asked multiple questions about my passport, visa’s and future travel plans to Thailand by the check-in agent for the flight I was taking out of country.
1) I was on a 90D Non-Immigrant O visa
2) Left country with my Thai wife on the 90th day to another country for 4 days via flight.
3) Returned to Thailand and received a 60D Tourist Visa
4) Leaving country on my 60th day to another country for 4 days.
- The ticket agent asked if I was returning to Thailand, which they should have been able to see in the system that I had a round trip ticket. I answered “Yes”.
- I also informed them that I had a return trip to my country already purchased for 60 Days after I return to Thailand from our 4 day holiday.
At this point i was informed i would have to be interviewed by immigration upon my return which is normal (No issues here).
But then informed i would have to pay 20,000 Thai Baht to immigration when i returned because of time i had already spent in Thailand. The check in agent also took my picture with her cell phone (This is where my Spidey senses started sparking and wanted to reach out for any thoughts, similar experiences, or recommendations).
Thank you in advance.@
Answer summary
A traveler shared a concerning experience at Suvarnabhumi Airport where a check-in agent informed them that they would need to show proof of 20,000 Thai baht due to their travel history and upcoming return to Thailand. The traveler had recently switched from a Non-Immigrant O visa to a 60-day Tourist visa, raising questions about the legality and normalcy of such a requirement. Fellow community members provided insights, suggesting the agent was likely emphasizing the need for cash as a precaution against potential immigration questioning upon re-entry, stressing that this was not a direct fee but a recommendation for the traveler's own preparedness.
85 repliesnewest first
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Giorgio ******
are you sure the guy really understand what he was told ? lol !
Vacheron *******
Miscommunication. The 20k is a recommendation to show immigration once you enter again to show your abikity to sustain your "holiday".
Peter ******
Just another person trying to work around the visa rules . Just get the correct visa and stop doing border runs.
Liv ******
@Peter *****
change your name to Karen Webb, and go fcuk yourself, Karen.
Bobby *********
Don't worry about it
Just forgot it and do your thing.
Just forgot it and do your thing.
Greg *********
It's normal
Ann-Louise ********
I have seen an IMO take a photo of someone, at the passport control before, when I asked if they were going to take one of me, he said no.
So I’d thought it was a phone related/issued for work control purposes only!
Not sure , wasn’t going to ask further.
So I’d thought it was a phone related/issued for work control purposes only!
Not sure , wasn’t going to ask further.
Lee *************
Ya gotta show you got money in the bank to get back in
Det *******
Airlines and banks should not be immigration enforcement
Leon ***********
If you are in country more in one year you could be liable for thai taxes
Robin *******
I have read a lot of the comments but what about taking a photo of him, can she do that and for what reason
Biff ******
You need to have
*****
bht on your person when you return.
Radost **************************
@Biff *****
when you married to a Thai partner and she is traveling with you you don't have to have it or if you have a Thai bank accountNongnuch ********
Warning of
@Jan *****
Internet Troll on duty. Best defense is BLOCK him
Ally ************
Why are check-in desk staff searching through the travel history in someone's passport in the first place.. their job is simply to check the passport 'appears genuine' and the photo likeness is good etc.. and details match the flight ticket.. have never seen anyone go through the stamps in my passport at check-in.. as mentioned elsewhere they are not immigration and your travel history is irrelevant to them.. i would also have questioned her motive in wanting to take a photo of me before allowing her to do so.. this is not a condition of travelling with any airline as far as I'm aware!
Anna *********
Absolutely ridiculous Perhaps a misunderstanding based on differences in language
Nina *****
This sounds suspicious and potentially a scam or maybe misinformation.
Thai immigration does not typically request or collect advance payment at an airport based on future travel plans or previous time in the country, especially not with check-in agent.
If you overstayed a visa, you might be fined upon exit, and if you're flagged for frequent re-entries, immigration may question you or deny re-entry, but they don't pre-charge you for a future visit.
Also, taking your photo with personal mobile phone is unusual and not professional. If they need a proof they can ask for your ID, documents or access to the airline or immigration system.
Regarding your your exited and return and exited and return again by 90days Non O Visa and 60days Tourist Visa, the immigration may question you about repeated use of tourist visas or short re-entries, especially if they think you’re living in Thailand long-term on short-term visas and this could lead to an interview or denied entry but not an advance payment for a fine.
Thai immigration does not typically request or collect advance payment at an airport based on future travel plans or previous time in the country, especially not with check-in agent.
If you overstayed a visa, you might be fined upon exit, and if you're flagged for frequent re-entries, immigration may question you or deny re-entry, but they don't pre-charge you for a future visit.
Also, taking your photo with personal mobile phone is unusual and not professional. If they need a proof they can ask for your ID, documents or access to the airline or immigration system.
Regarding your your exited and return and exited and return again by 90days Non O Visa and 60days Tourist Visa, the immigration may question you about repeated use of tourist visas or short re-entries, especially if they think you’re living in Thailand long-term on short-term visas and this could lead to an interview or denied entry but not an advance payment for a fine.
Christopher *******
As far as cell phone, it may be company issued. Possibly in a personal protection cover. I ran across phone use with air asia to hanoi. The airline is responsible for all diligent screening prior to allowing you on board. In my case, the just wanted to verify my visa to Vietnam. But the phone cameras are probably just used for both convenience and further limitation of liability.
Mitchell *******
The pic is nothing exciting or new. Just confirmation in case...
Ker *****
2 Twats sorry 3 Twats
Dildil *******
Stop talking shit t'hat not true
Bent *************
TiT
No wonder more and tourists stay away from Thailand
No wonder more and tourists stay away from Thailand
Jan ******
Why do you even talk to a check-in agent ? I do not talk to maids...
Doug ********
@Jan *****
that tells me more about you than the maids. Think I would rather talk to the maids tbh
Paul ********
@Jan *****
twat
Barry ***************
Seems like you over stayed something at some time maybe the new wifey made you forget 🤣
Pygo ********
Thailand is becoming a waste of time for visitors, i will take my money to a more welcoming country next time I exit, fuck their stupidity, let them use their nonsense on Indians and other countries more welcoming...
Tony ********
@Pygo *******
they love making a bad economy worse, happens everytime 😵💫
Kevin *******
Just get a non o !
Pygo ********
@Kevin ******
I have a 'Non O', I'll just take my money to Cambodia. Fuck Thailand!Kevin *******
@Pygo *******
you won't be missed byeeeee !
Elly ********
contact your embassy
Darren *******
You shouldn't be paying nothing especially being married to a Thai woman they should know being married you will be in and out the country seeing in laws she's mugging you off but if you start arguing you could have problems coming into to Thailand again as you would have a red mark against you for being a problem tourist you have to do what they say I'm afraid
Bill **********
OPThank you all for the information, feedback, and recommendations.
Yes, I did have one visa exemption entry (thank you for the correction).
I have no overstays and no extensions. I leave the country on the morning of or morning before my passport stamp expires. I am only required to be out of country for 24-hours (I believe this is still correct as of the last time I read the Thai Immigration regulation), but have a mini vacation with my wife for 4 days before my return.
Copy on having 20K Thai Baht in cash when i return to Thailand.
I was polite and didn’t argue with the check-in representative. I even asked her to repeat what she had said to ensure i understood.
All of my flights and travel plans are paid for and I have printouts of all of my travel, my health insurance, and bank statements (in case I am asked about my financial disposition).
Copy on the “proper visa”. I am newly retired and planned on upgrading to a marriage or retirement visa after entering Thailand on my 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa. However, I found out after entering the country that the U.S. embassy does not provide verification of pay letters. I do not have 400K or 800K Thai Baht to put into the bank. Not sure about that one yet, still weighing options.
So, with that being said, when i return to the U.S. I will apply again for a proper visa.
Yes, I did have one visa exemption entry (thank you for the correction).
I have no overstays and no extensions. I leave the country on the morning of or morning before my passport stamp expires. I am only required to be out of country for 24-hours (I believe this is still correct as of the last time I read the Thai Immigration regulation), but have a mini vacation with my wife for 4 days before my return.
Copy on having 20K Thai Baht in cash when i return to Thailand.
I was polite and didn’t argue with the check-in representative. I even asked her to repeat what she had said to ensure i understood.
All of my flights and travel plans are paid for and I have printouts of all of my travel, my health insurance, and bank statements (in case I am asked about my financial disposition).
Copy on the “proper visa”. I am newly retired and planned on upgrading to a marriage or retirement visa after entering Thailand on my 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa. However, I found out after entering the country that the U.S. embassy does not provide verification of pay letters. I do not have 400K or 800K Thai Baht to put into the bank. Not sure about that one yet, still weighing options.
So, with that being said, when i return to the U.S. I will apply again for a proper visa.
Spencer *******
@Bill *********
sad to say you will need the 800,000 or 400,000 deposited from an overseas account for the first 1 year extension you can only switch to monthly deposits at the year 2 stage. As much as this goes against my personal opinions you really are going to need an agent to get you over not having the capital sum required.
Joe *****
Luckily as an Amerixan I am never bothered by Thai immigration. They are far more focused on the unruly Canadians.
Dave **********
@Joe ****
American/Mexican mix okay.
Kevin ********
@Joe ****
get over yourself! Stop thinking you are entitled and stop dissing on the Canadians. Also stop saying you are American. Canada, México and the US are all part of North America. You are just another maga Nazi .
Sam *********
@Joe ****
Same thing for the semi-official "Canook Week" in Myrtle Beach, since '75 that I know of.Sam *********
Pardon sir, but I think I'll permanently borrow your spelling "...xan" 👍
Tony ********
@Joe ****
I heard Americans are more taxing
Alma ***************
While here in Canada I make sure to check on posts
. Lots about issues with dtvs coming back from overseas being questioned and pulled over. I was kind of nervous because my hubby was returning back after 2.months here..luckily, he said it was smooth for him, no questions asked!
. Lots about issues with dtvs coming back from overseas being questioned and pulled over. I was kind of nervous because my hubby was returning back after 2.months here..luckily, he said it was smooth for him, no questions asked!
Adam ********
Actually I’d say the check in agent is correct to ask. I also think they meant make sure you have 20k baht or equivalent in cash. Remember if immigration refuse you entry and decide to use the 20k rule it’s the airline that’s subject to returning you to the country you came from. So in essence if they (airline) want to check everything is in order they are within there rights to do so.
As others have said youve overly used the visa exempt and as such need to look at a non o etc.
As others have said youve overly used the visa exempt and as such need to look at a non o etc.
Nongnuch ********
@Adam *******
you are right. The airline check-in clerk was absolutely within her rights to warn @Bill *********
It is the airline which has to make sure the traveller is fulfilling entry requirements, because if the traveller gets refused entry, the airline will get fined with 10,000 U.S. Dollar and the airline is required to transport the traveller back to the origin at their own costs. The clerk noticed the other entry stamps in his passport, and was just making clear, that Bill Jennings had a cash lump sum of 20,000 THB on him, just in case he gets pulled aside and questioned on his second visa-exempt entry.
And we should not miss the little detail: he was going to fly back to Thailand on the same airline.
The check-in clerk must obviously have seen his return ticket, when he checked for the flight, to be flown back to Thailand 4 days later with the same airline. His intention clearly was a border run and a visa-exempt entry. The check-in clerk was absolutely doing her duty to ensure that for his next entry into Thailand, he got all three proofs ready at hand, just in case he gets pulled aside
The 20,000 THB in cash is a standing rule & requirement, and it gets asked if Immigration officers suspect overuse of touristic entries for a longstay . .
@Bill *********
has all reasons to thank the clerk for her warning words
Aaron *******
@Adam *******
Best Answer. Getting snippy with airport personnel serves no purpose. Yes, they aren't immigration officers, but they can call the immigration officers. Just smile and say thanks and move on.Giorgio ******
@Aaron ******
the guy is just one of those who don't understand s*** to .... " visa" rules and start crying .pathetik !!!
Andre ***********
Buy a proper visa, no problems after.
Tony ********
@Andre **********
in an ideal world (country) maybe...Ker *****
Typo desk Girl
Ker *****
Twat tawoo
Nongnuch ********
@Bill *********
There was a sure misunderstanding between you and the check-in clerk***you won’t have to pay 20,000 THB to Immigration on your return
*** your other misunderstanding is that you assume you were issued a 60 days tourist visa on your second entry. NO, you entered WITHOUT a visa, which is a “visa-exempt entry” and you received a 60-days stay permit stamp
***you now want to do a “border run” and attempt a second visa-exempt entry very close to the end of your recent visa-exempt stay permit
*** in the eyes of some officers of the border Immigration, you are not behaving like a “real tourist”. You are using a 90-days visa plus TWO 60-days visa-exempt entries for a longer stay inside Thailand
*** what the check-in clerk was trying to tell you is, when you return with this flight and enter visa-exempt, you might get pulled aside and asked about your real travel plans and your intentions
In this case you are prepared for the questioning, if you have the three famous proofs:
*** a flight ticket out of Thailand within the 60 days you will get stamped in (which you already have - very good!)
*** a proof of a booked accommodation for a few nights after returning
*** proof of cash. You will have to SHOW a minimum of 20,000 THB or its equivalent in another currency. Credit cards are NOT accepted as a proof of cash, beware!
You DON’T have to pay anything to Immigration. You just need to show with 20,000 THB in cash, that you can finance your next stay
Giorgio ******
@Nongnuch *******
exactly the guy doesn't understand what he is told . so he makes a fuss that gets him in trouble . mixing 60 days visa with 60 days exemption is the proof of his ......same with the 20 000 baths ....
Sasha ***********
@Nongnuch *******
and taking a photo on her personal phone… Is that a Govt policy and procedure?Nongnuch ********
@Sasha **********
taking a selfie together with the happy satisfied customer, that's Thai style 😄Ker *****
Me to Started Similar but I put desk in her place , Are you immigration, she replied oh you overstay, at that point I Stated I will call Tourist police. She replied my mistake sir have a good flight. , trying to make a Name for herself.
Martin *****
What country u from
Mark ******
She probably wanted to warn you that Immigration may ask to see equivalent of 20,000 baht next time you enter...
Paul ********
If you get a
*****
day visa and leave when your supposed to. How long do you have to stay out the country before you come back? Thanks
John **********
@Paul *******
up to the immigration officer you will stand in front of when you return
Lauren *********
@Paul *******
I’m wondering the samething I’m thinking about getting a multi entry visa to prevent issues
Steven ***************
Sounds like a miscommunication and you were advised to have 20k baht or equivalent when re entering thailand. They aren't immigration and have no place giving you anything more than advice. If you did have an overstay fee, you would have had to pay it before leaving thailand. Them taking a photo is a bit strange, probably covering their arse if you get denied entry.
Matthew *********
@Steven **************
now airline employees and bangkok want to desperately to be agents fo immigration. This country is going to shit with tje abuse of power
Eric **********
@Matthew ********
still better than that 💩 hole America and their abuse of power. Never going back
Christopher ******
@Steven **************
another person mentioned ha ing their pic taken on a personal phone a while back.
Phirom *********
Maybe the agent just wants proof of the 20,000 baht. I don’t know could be a miscommunication. If you come back, I’d suggest getting the Non-O visa again when you leave the country. Using the 60-day exemption too often might cause problems next time.
Matthew *********
@Phirom ********
you need proof of *****
to exit. He wasn't entering thailand
Michael ********
What airline was the agent with? I would have taken a photo of them and told them to mind their own business.
You are high risk for sure but they are not immigration. As long as your visa for whatever country you’re going to is valid and ticket etc valid.
You are high risk for sure but they are not immigration. As long as your visa for whatever country you’re going to is valid and ticket etc valid.
Nongnuch ********
@Michael *******
You are wrong, the airline clerk was absolutely within her rights to check. It is the airline which has to make sure the traveller is fulfilling entry requirements, because if the traveller gets refused entry, the airline will get fined with 10,000 U.S. Dollar and the airline is required to transport the traveller back to the origin at their own costs. The clerk saw the multiple entry stamps in his passport, and was just making clear, that Bill Jennings had a cash lump sum of 20,000 THB on him, just in case he gets pulled aside and questioned on his second visa-exempt entry. The 20,000 THB in cash is a standing requirement and gets asked if Immigration officers supect overuse of touristic entries for a longstayMichael ********
@Nongnuch *******
he was leaving Thailand, not entering. It is their job as you say to make sure they have all the valid documents to enter the country they are taking him. Nothing to do with Thailand. If they are flying him back in to Thailand, yes you’re 100% correctNongnuch ********
@Michael *******
she noticed that he would soon re-enter Thailand on a flight with the same airline, without a valid visa. So she rightfully warned him that he could get pulled aside and asked for the 3 proofs. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. However I reckon there were misunderstandings, maybe due to her lack of proper English. We visa-advice people call it "Lost-in-Translation"Nongnuch ********
@Michael *******
you probably have missed the detail, that he was going to fly back to Thailand on the same airline. The check-in clerk must have seen his return ticket, as he checked in for a both-ways flight with the same airline, to be flown back to Thailand 4 days later. His intention was a border run and a visa-exempt entry. The check-in clerk was absolutely doing her duty to ensure he had all three proofs for his next entry into Thailand, in case he gets pulled aside. He owes the clerk some thanks for her warning. I presume, she probably could not make herself 100% understood, because she was no native English speaker
Wannikea *********
Sounds completely bogus, did you ever have a long overstay previously? Are all your entry exit stamps correct? I think your name got confused with someone else. This is a bizzare scenario.
John **********
Sounds like you might have been on overstay at some point but I've never heard of exit immigration caring about that before
Viola ********
@John *********
maybe changing visa type could cause this overstay thing.
Graham ******
@John *********
on return not exit :)
Brandon ************
I would tell the checkin agent to mind their own business. They're not immigration and they clearly have no idea what they're talking about.
You're at a high risk of being pulled out of line and being interrogated based on your time in Thailand. You didn't receive any tourist visa, you're received visa exempt, and a lot of people are getting interrogated that spend too much time in Thailand using visa exempt.
You would be best advised to have proof of your ticket out of Thailand as well as proof of 20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency (IN CASH ONLY) when returning. This last item is the only thing I can conceive the agent was referring to. You might be asked to show proof of money, not pay money to immigration. The only people that have to pay 20,000 baht to immigration are people leaving Thailand with a 40+ day overstay of their visa.
You're at a high risk of being pulled out of line and being interrogated based on your time in Thailand. You didn't receive any tourist visa, you're received visa exempt, and a lot of people are getting interrogated that spend too much time in Thailand using visa exempt.
You would be best advised to have proof of your ticket out of Thailand as well as proof of 20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency (IN CASH ONLY) when returning. This last item is the only thing I can conceive the agent was referring to. You might be asked to show proof of money, not pay money to immigration. The only people that have to pay 20,000 baht to immigration are people leaving Thailand with a 40+ day overstay of their visa.
Jan ******
@Brandon ***********
Thank you for saying it 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Dave **********
@Brandon ***********
totally agree. Sounds like 20k cash when you enterActivity
57 joined57
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