⚠️ Warning
Passport Type: USA
I’m having to leave Thailand because my Non-B visa couldn’t be transferred in time due to a missing document from my employer. While still in Thailand, immigration told me I had to leave the country to do a border run and return on a tourist visa to restart the Non-B visa process.
This will be my first time entering Thailand on a tourist visa exempt on arrival, as I haven’t used one this year. Today, I’m flying from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos (VTE airport) via Lao Airlines. I had everything prepared for the visa on arrival: 2,000 baht in cash and a passport photo, ready before check-in at the airline counter.
However, Lao Airlines refused to issue my already paid-for ticket unless I showed them an additional 10,000 baht in cash. I’ve never heard of this requirement before.
I’m scheduled to return to Thailand on the same airline from VTE. Has anyone experienced this before? Has anyone had problems flying back to Thailand from VTE with Lao Airlines?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is facing an issue with Lao Airlines requiring additional cash to board a flight from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos, as they prepare for a border run to restart their Non-B visa application process. Despite being prepared with a passport photo and 2000 baht for the visa on arrival, the airline insisted on seeing 10,000 baht in cash, which led to confusion as this requirement is more commonly associated with immigration checks rather than airline protocols. Community comments clarify that while Thai immigration requires evidence of funds (20,000 baht) for entry, it is unusual for airlines to enforce this. Recommendations include carrying cash and highlighting the zealousness of some airline staff regarding entry requirements.