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.@
TLDR : 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.
