What amount of cash is required when going through customs in Thailand?

Mar 14, 2024
9 months ago
Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay time for another rookie question. Is there a dollar amount that I am expected to be in possession of when I'm going through customs in Thailand? Are they looking for a financial statement to see if I can travel?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When entering Thailand, there is a formal requirement to show a certain amount of cash, typically 20,000 THB (approximately 570 USD) for tourists under a visa or visa exemption. However, based on numerous experiences shared by travelers, this requirement is rarely enforced at customs, and many have entered without being asked for this proof of funds. The real concern for customs is if you are bringing in an excessive amount of undeclared cash. While legal requirements exist, practical encounters suggest that travelers often go through customs without needing to prove their cash on hand.
Charlie ********
They can ask to see cash but I’ve never been asked. I always carry at least 20,000 in cash as it’s not a lot of money and it’s cheaper to get a big lump changed in Uk than keep paying commission on smaller withdrawals at ATM. Also they can ask to see onward travel and proof of accommodation, again someone with say they have never been asked but in only 3 years of coming to Thailand multiple times a year I’ve been asked to show accommodation once and onward travel a few times. I believe this will vary from airport to airport or even immigration officer to officer.
Rob **********
The law states they can ask to see proof of onward travel, your hotel or accommodation booking and 20,000 baht in cash or the equivalent in foreign currency, bank statements are not accepted. But in reality they are hardly ever asked for, just be aware that they can be.
Terary **********
It's a question of risk. The 'can' ask, although, they usually don't. Do you want to get caught with your pants down? Even their maximums are small sums for "emergency" cash.
Malcolm *******
Never been asked in 20 years and don't actually know anyone that's been asked either .

I would imagine the only people that get asked are from poor countries where immigration might worry they are here to earn money working illegally??
Terary **********
@Malcolm ******
I have been asked while crossing the Malaysian land border. It's really odd but they will only accept THB cash. Nothing else. So if you're crossing that way be prepared to show 20,000 thb (or maybe only 10,000. I don't recall).

I am US passport holder.
Malcolm *******
@Terary *********
I meant at an Airport mate , but I see your point for Border crossings .
Bob *********
Wait till you see the line at customs, after a plane from Philippines, China and South Korea land at the same time at midnight. That's when you realize they don't care much about how much money you bring, as long as you brought a ATM card to spend money!!!
Brandon ************
@Bob ********
customs is after you collect your suitcase and walk out to the reception area. I've never even seen them scan a suitcase let alone there be a line. They're always just on their phones.
Wayne *********
@Brandon ***********
Or asleep if at night
Christopher ********
20,000 baht in cash. If they ask and you don’t have it they can deny entry even with a visa. But I’ve never been asked.
Mar *****
No
Ken ********
@Mar ****
there is but very rare to be asked
Jan ******************
Formally
*****
thb = 570 usd is required for tourist visa and visa exemption. Entered more than 20 times and never been asked.
Brandon ************
The only thing customs cares about with money is if you're bringing more than what's allowed and didn't declare it.

Depending on what visa you are using to enter, there may be a requirement to have a certain amount of cash on hand. This is an immigration requirement not a customs requirement. And it's very rarely asked for unless they want to deny you entry.
Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
I'm in and out in 18 days
Brandon ************
@Steve ******
In and out in 18 days says nothing about what visa you'll be using to enter Thailand.
Steve *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
I'm a USA citizen cuz I know I don't need one if I'm in there under 30 days
Brandon ************
@Steve ******
so you're entering visa exempt.

The law says you can be asked to show 20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency in cash only.

The odds of actually getting asked are very low but if they ask and you cannot show it, they can deny you entry.
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