At the risk of incurring the wrath of keyboard warriors who practise the ethos “ if it has never happened to me it can never happen to anyone” here’s a “myth buster” of sorts. I’m always concerned when I enter Thailand as I come a lot, always without a visa. I usually extend my exempt entry when here to get up to 60 days. A very knowledgeable person once advised that there are really three requirements to entry for a UK citizen ( may apply to other nationalities) , 20,000 baht in cash in your pocket, an outward bound ticket within your initial 30 day stay and proof of accommodation. Now when people post on here that you need these things there is normally a massive bun fight from the believers ( those who agree you need these things) and the non believers ( stupid people who believe that if they have never been asked no-one has).
So far in the last 13 months I have entered Thailand by air 6 times. Three times I’ve been asked at the airport by immigration to show onward travel, once I’ve been asked to show proof of accommodation but never have I been asked to show 20,000 baht. Does that mean I’ve stopped carrying 20,000 baht in my pocket when I enter? No, I always have it with me. Ok let the bun fight commence “ haters always going to hate” but like my momma used to say “ stupid is stupid posts” 😂😂😂😂😂
PS. I’m not a criminal, not flagged by interpol and think as a 57 year old semi retired solicitor and former police officer I appear pretty respectable, I do have an 8 day overstay stamp from a couple of years ago when I tested positive for covid towards the end of my 30 days and therefore felt morally, if not legally, bound to quarantine until negative and so overstayed between initial 30 days and 30 day extension. Perhaps that’s why I get asked but it just shows that if they are looking at you closely it might be wise to always have these three things.
Edit to save my sanity!!!!
For the purpose of clarity and to appease Maxim Thibodeau , everything in my post is factually incorrect. Everything he says is correct as he is without doubt the cleverest person I have never met. His point of view rightly supersedes everyone else. I sincerely apologise for my posts lack of nuance!
P.S. can anyone who knows him explain why he is so so very angry?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the entry requirements for UK citizens (and possibly other nationalities) entering Thailand without a visa. It emphasizes that while not always asked, it is advisable to carry certain documents: 20,000 baht in cash, proof of onward travel, and proof of accommodation. The author shares personal experiences from multiple entries into Thailand where these requirements were inconsistently enforced, sparking a debate on the necessity of having these documents ready. The discussion also includes differing viewpoints on the likelihood of being asked for these items at immigration checkpoints.
