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Answered6 months ago

What are the current cash requirements for entering Thailand?

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Ian *****
asked Apr 30, 2026
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Hi Guys, my sister will visit for a week but can anyone give me the latest on entering Thailand .... she knows about TDAC but whats the latest on 20,000 baht per person cash on arrival ?? ... her travel agent wasn't sure either ?
Answer summary
Travelers entering Thailand are generally required to have 20,000 THB or equivalent in another currency on hand, although this is not always strictly enforced. The requirement has been in place for a long time, but many travelers report never being asked to show proof of funds. It is advisable for visitors to prepare this amount in cash, as certain immigration officials may request it, especially if they have a history of frequent entries. It's also recommended to have proof of accommodation and onward travel to facilitate the entry process.
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Ray ******
Ray ******
THATS A GOOD TRAVEL AGENT ISNT IT DONT KNOW THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER A COUNTRY
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Ray Mond Actually the agent said what most people posted here .... my question was aimed at what is actually happening of late in the real world .... and 80% of the replies have been very helpfull but thanks for taking a moment to reply.
Ray ******
Ray ******
Ian May its always best to look on the thai official website for confirmation of the requirements you may be asked for to produce but not necessarily will be you will get thousands of differant answers on here
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Ray Mond Yeah ... I always check websites and find most depts havn,t .... was just asking what peoples experiences actually are of late because from watching news it appeared a massive crackdown was in effect where like usual nothing has changed.
SupportiveC***********
SupportiveC***********
What Does TDAC MEAN ? Its A Money Making Scheme, So Why Don't They Have A MUTT In Immigration For Tech Ilerate People Born 40 Yrs. Before The Internet Was Invented ! Charge Us 100 Baht & They Fill It Out ! Instead Of "Blind Siding Us In Immigration" With The Lastest B.S. SCAM !
SupportiveC***********
SupportiveC***********
Ian May No Its NOT ! It's Theft of Your Peace Of Mind ! Esp. If Your Internet Illeterate...You Come Off A 20 Hr. Flight & Your Blind Sided With That Crap...Fortunately My Wife Was Able To Do It BUT IT TOOK 50 MINUTES ! We Could Have Been In Our Hotel ! That's Why Tourists Are Leaving The Land of Smiles...This Kind of Crap !
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
SupportiveCapybara4727 I hear you but i think its an attempt to speed up the que's because thats the overal biggest complaint but now that you've done it for this trip and know whats what you can get it done before leaving next trip over a coffee ... I agree the worlds forgotten the non computer literate people of the world .... a better way would to have 2 que's ... those who have completed the TDAC and those that havn,t ... keep everyone happy.
Den **********
Den **********
Jost open your home bank app and show them funds available.
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Den Williams Thanks Den.
Den **********
Den **********
I travel frequently. Never ever been asked for any financial proof on arrival.
Nigel ***********
Nigel ***********
Its not a lot of money so surely she will have that amount £500 less
Matthew *******
Matthew *******
Just changed my pounds into baht to show the immigration officer just in case .
Martin ********
Martin ********
When I go I take cash. Everywhere accepts it and all businesses want it especially the smaller shops and restaurants. In fact, in my experience of you wave a debit card in front of them most small business won't be happy. Many if not most in places like Chiang Rai, Hau Hin ANY street food vendors, massage shops cafes will not take cards..
Richie *******
Richie *******
Just arrived not asked about 20k
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Richie Payne Thx for feedback ... seems its operations normal by all the feedback.
Richie *******
Richie *******
Ian May ive never been asked in 18 years travelling twice a year to Thailand 🇹🇭
Kyle **********
Kyle **********
You may possibly want even more than that realistically even if that wasn't happening
Emerald********
Emerald********
Just walk in
Ron ********
Ron ********
Thousands don’t get ask to show the
*****
THB in cash that’s right. But the law says you should have it on you. Now if you get ask, you have to show it, if you can’t you denied entry.
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Ron Georgi Crazy for a country pushing a cashless society hey ?
Julian *******
Julian *******
Ian May your equating western logic on a completely different culture.
Ron ********
Ron ********
Ian May sorry to say but some of the arrivals are cashless. And even cards from other countries not working all the time. You are right with the cashless payment in Thailand, but that’s instant transfer with your phone what you can’t do as a tourist in most cases because you would need a Thai bank account.
Keith *******
Keith *******
Carry the cash but might not been asked -- I've never. On arrival the money can be exchanged a Superrich on the basement floor. They have the best rates.
Mark **********
Mark **********
Do they require to see a leaving airline ticket?
Terry ***************
Terry ***************
Can you imagine the commotion at immigration is everyone had to prove 20K baht? Get a grip ffs
Michael *******
Michael *******
Terry Bill McGinty exactly 👍🙄
Terry ***************
Terry ***************
More chance of winning the Thai lottery than getting asked for proof of 20K baht spending money.
Paul *********
Paul *********
Strong passports rarely get asked for these..
Trevor *********
Trevor *********
Paul Anthony think your on to it there
Haim *******
Haim *******
20,000 thb equals 700 dollars. Whats the big deal?
Richard ********
Richard ********
99% of the time .You wont be asked to show proof of funds.But they is always that one time you will.
Bengt ****************
Bengt ****************
During my over 200 entrance during decades. Not one Immigration officer have requested how much bath I have with me when I have entered Thailand by air. So what I can understand it is a regulation that is not practiced. I think you all can stay cool and calm and enjoy your stay in the Thai Paradise. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Dennis *********
Dennis *********
20k baht has been a requirement for decades, and not likely to change anytime soon.
Andrew ******
Andrew ******
Why so many people feel the need to say never been asked. They are not going to check the millions that enter Thailand each year. Only some will get more attention and those some need to meet all the requirements or there will

be no smiles for them.
Richie *******
Richie *******
Andrew Hall never been asked in 18 years
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Richie Payne
Penny ******
Penny ******
The 20k baht or equivalent can be requested… 20k is only $700 a reasonable amount to have in your pocket for international travel … I would tell her to have it with her just in case she is asked
Chuck **********
Chuck **********
Be safe and have the ฿20,000 on hand they’ve been asking people left and right other than that they are trying to change the 60 days it’s only 30 so take that into consideration. Also you can get a 30 day extension after you get here and have a return ticket they’ve been asking for that to.
Eileen ***********
Eileen ***********
never asked about.
Paul ******************
Paul ******************
I must have entered Thailand over 30 times during the past 24 years. By air from UK, Cambodia and China. By land from Laos. Mostly visa exempt but a few times with a tourist visa. I haven't overstayed or stretched back to back entries.

I've never been asked to show proof of funds. I always have adequate funds available but not usually in cash.
Patricia ********
Patricia ********
I go to Thailand about 3 times a year, lately i have seen some passengers questioned and pulled aside for more questioning. So make sure you have accommodation and money worth 20,000baht.
Trevor *********
Trevor *********
Patricia Andrad accommodation for me is a few nights .. even if I stay a couple of months .. just enough to start my trip off .and clear any immigration issues if ever asked
Tony ********
Tony ********
Just returned

Landed 15th, wasn't asked to produce.
Nongnuch ********
Nongnuch ********
Immigration Act, B.E. 2522 (1979),

promulgated by Bhumibol Adulyadej

on 24 February 1979.

Section 14 and section 12

Proof of funds when entering Thailand

Basically, immigration only asks people who got an extensive travel history to Thailand stamped in their passport and who have taken advantage of the visa exemption in quick succession, for a proof of cash.

A border official will start asking if he suspects visa misuse – a misuse of the visa-exempt entry for a long-term stay. It means they will only start asking for the “famous 3 proofs” if they are looking for a reason to deny entry.

If an Immigration officer starts to ask for the cash proof, he might secretly already have decided to deny entry – out of whatever reason. In case you arrive drunk and reek of alcohol, wear shabby and dirty clothes, you are likely a candidate.

The criteria according to which immigration at the border decides on an entry permit are listed in the so-called "Section 12" of the Thai immigration police. This can be found by googling "Section 12 Thailand".

In addition, an immigration officer has individual freedom of decision. The presence of a visa does NOT entitle you to enter Thailand if the officer decides that you are violating an article of "Section 12", or have been “misusing” touristic entries for a long term stay in Thailand.

The fact that many people claim that they have never been asked for proof of funds, does NOT mean that you get a guarantee from these people that you won’t or can’t be asked.

Proof of cash is one of three instruments that immigration uses as a reason to refuse entry.

They ask people for the THREE famous proofs, which you ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE ON YOU, as this is what the law says!

***20,000 THB in cash (accepted as well in another currency, but NOT accepted in form of a credit card or bank statements),

*** proof of booked accommodation for the next few nights

*** proof of onward travel out of Thailand within the 60 days that you get stamped with when entering without a visa.

"Real" tourists are generally not asked for the three proofs!

If you are actually asked for cash, it is better to have the approximately 650 Euros/$700 USD with you. Because inside the area before Immigration counters of the BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport, there are no ATMs where you could withdraw cash.

Unconfirmed reports are that there is an ATM in the space where citizens of some countries buy the “visa-on-arrival”. However, once denied entry, the traveller is not allowed to turn back and use that ATM in the VOA-zone. They get escorted to a sealed off area and from there will fly back to the origin or back home
Dave *******
Dave *******
It depends on your visa if the Immigration officer may ask. Requirements are now more closely followed especially with tourist visa or visa exempt.

It is 20,000 baht per person or equivalent in your currency. And no you can't show balance on your phone.
Jhon *******
Jhon *******
20 years and never been asked.Wouldnt like to arrive without a line of credit
Giorgio ******
Giorgio ******
does she intends to come without money ????
Luc ************
Luc ************
If the travel agent doesn't know, get another one. 🙄
Shin ******
Shin ******
I literally entered back into Thailand yesterday, never asked to prove any funds, but you never know, I stay ready though. Its usually a smooth process, however it does depend on where you enter. Main thing just be prepared, if they do ask to show proof of any funds, be cool, smile and comply, just don't be rude that will end poorly!🤷🏾‍♀️
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Shin Demp Thanks Shin for update .... like you say " you never know" i been coming here nearly 40 years lived 20 n never asked
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
the 20k baht OR equivalent in your home currency has been a requirement for a very long time, but rarely asked for. It is easy to withdraw this in uk before boarding then it is available if asked. Then exchange it to thai baht as needed. The travel agent obviously is not well informed so I am surprised they didn't know. FYI I ate at 2 places that did not take cards, but I never use a card to pay. Prefer cash anyway.
Fizul *********
Fizul *********
Lynnette Munoz Hmm, I use cc at places like 7-Eleven, Lotus, Big C, Burger King, etc but never in the market. You must know when and where to use.
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Fizul Bacchus More n more Q Code available in markets etc and only the smallest old lady side street shops may only take cash ....
****
has gone mostly True Wallet for me ..... we typically only keep a bit of cash for tips etc.
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Lynnette Munoz Just unusual these days in this cashless world.
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
Ian May the place I had lunch, can't remember the name. I wouldn't have used my card anyway. I get better exchange rate when I exchange my money. Plus no fees.
Ian *****
Ian *****
OP
Lynnette Munoz What company wanted cash only in CF ?
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
Ian May I was in central festival having lunch, and it was cash only. I wouldn't have paid by card anyway. I just exchange my money as I need it instead.
Phil *******
Phil *******
The latest?

It's exactly the same as it's always been. It's required, but you're unlucky if they actually ask about it. But why take the risk?
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Has she been to Thailand before or in the last 12 months ?

It’s all about

“ if you get asked “ & being prepared

20,000 cash thing is not a new rule

- As long as she can show accommodation booking

- exit / onward travel
Eileen ***********
Eileen ***********
Ant W Tailor i will be asking for a 3 rd entrance in 6 months. visiting other countries. one extension. will u have a problem.
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Eileen Stelladog
@John *********
Is the duration of the trips small ( 1 week ? )
Eileen ***********
Eileen ***********
Ant W Tailor 3 months this time. came to bring my rescue dog back to usa. last time 2 months ago 5 days. oct. to return 5 months.
Ron ********
Ron ********
Yes
*****
thb. About 1000aud depending on immigration office on the day
Trevor *********
Trevor *********
Ron Burges 850 aud now . Sweet . I be there in 13 days
Ron ********
Ron ********
Trevor Rickard enjoy
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
Ron Burges bring in home currency. Take home if don't spend it. But can't imagine spending less than A$1000 during a holiday.

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