Is the requirement of having 20,000 baht in cash on arrival in Thailand still applicable?

@David ******

Love it! Curious what non-respectable silk pants look like. So, it‘s really 10k baht for people coming in visa exempt.

@Tod ********

Yup, a good reminder that there are plenty of rules to be aware of. Thank you for leading such an informative FB group.

You're probably correct Tod, but I wonder if the number could also be higher than one thinks with most being denied entry, going unreported.

@Ced***

, the thing is, for the most part you are correct :/ of the many thousands of people who enter thailand weekly hardly ANYONE is ever asked for proof of funds.

Those that are seemed to have a long history of living here on back-2-back visa exempt or tourist visa entries.

Of those that were asked only a very few were denied entry

BUT it can sure ruin your vacation if you're asked and can't show it..

@Tod ********

Interesting about the profile being living/working in Thailand. Seems like an odd way to „catch“ those folks, but TIT. I‘ve mostly seen the exchange shops prior to immigration and assumed there must be some ATMs around somewhere, too. Maybe I‘ll stock up on a few more shekels the next time. That will guarantee I won‘t be asked . . .

Good comment. :)

Cedrik, you're off based with that worst case scenario :/ You can't "walk back into the terminal" because you're on the arrival side of the check in counters and there aren't any ATM's on that side.

You also can't show them a bank balance either. You show cash when asked and you get denied entry if you can't show it.

Call it a stupid rule but it's been on the books since 1979, it was just rarely enforced. Now it's enforced more and the profile isn't how you're dressed it's if they think you're living or working here on back-2-back tourist visas or visa exempt entries.. :(

That you haven't been asked doesn't mean you won't be asked in the future.

Good Luck, better be prepared than get caught out ;)

There is no ATM before immigration and they do not let you go go to one and you can't show them a bank balance, it must be cash. A ''stupid rule" can still get you put on a plane back home. Always be prepared. By profile, I mean it is 100% up to the IO as to who they want to admit.

@Michael *******

Ah, I‘m not worried about it. Worst case I walk back into the terminal, hit the ATM and exchange a few of whatever currency I have at the mediocre airport rate and get back in line. Or show them a recent ATM slip with my current balance or log into my bank account. I think it‘s just another stupid rule that‘s rarely enforced. Btw, how do you know there‘s no profile? Do you have a good contact at Immigration?

Let's hope you are never asked then....There is no profile. If they are having a bad day they might ask. It is their right to do so at any time and they don't need a reason.....

My hotels are booked via credit card and I pull out cash as I need it from „safe“ ATMs. I never have 20k in baht on arrival. Ever. I also sometimes don’t have onward travel booked. I know those are the rules, but in lots of trips in I‘ve never been asked. I‘m curious about the profile of people Immigration does ask for the 20k. People who look like begpackers? People who check a low-income amount on the entry form? So, sure I spend more than 20k just on . . . well, nevermind, but I don‘t carry it upon entry.

Can I show them my bitcoin total?

Would a 2baht(weight) of thai gold do ??? ,, 1baht weight = 19,500 baht

no, you can show 20K baht OR the equivalent of it in ANY currency.

you can have any currency becouse they know u get a better rate outside of the airport, just dress nice and u be fine

You need the equivalent of Bt. 20,000

@Tod ********

And I just need the equivalent of $700?

@Pe***

, for proof of funds you can show any countries currency and once you're here if you know which exchange places to trade out money it's not too far off what it really trades for.

Great! Thank you.

Super Rich has great rates for currency exchange and no fees charged.

In Hanoi there was this "gold street" where you'd be able to exchange cash into Vietnamese Dong with no fees... i.e. barely anything cut off the top. If I bring a load of GBP from the UK, is there something similar in Thailand? An exchange service with minimal fees? Banks/changing money in the UK is a rip off...

Hmmmmm

nope, if asked for proof of fund when entering the country it has to be in cash (any currency though)

Personally I'd mess with them and if asked I'd show them 5+ million in Lao Kip :O ;)

฿20,000 baht or the equivalent in another currency ($700 for example)

I would say be prepared just in case. :) last thing you need is to be asked and not have it. :/