When does the requirement for 20,000 Baht in cash upon arrival in Thailand apply?

Sep 21, 2022
2 years ago
Daniel *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello when does the obligation to have 20000 baths in cash on arrival apply ? I have entered Thailand on visa exemption, OA visa and O visa and was never asked to show proof I had that much money with me. Thanks !
5,693
views
16
likes
129
all likes
21
replies
3
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The obligation to show 20,000 Baht in cash on arrival in Thailand generally applies to those entering on a visa exemption. It is important to note that while many travelers are not asked to show proof of funds, the rule is in place and can be enforced. Travelers from certain countries entering on a visa on arrival may only need to show 10,000 Baht. While anecdotal experiences suggest that the requirement is not always enforced, it is recommended to carry the cash or evidence of funds to avoid potential denial of entry.
Tod *********
And I see we've beaten this topic to death in short order

People that you've never been asked doesn't mean there isn't a rule.

Good luck, remember failing to plan is planning to fail ๐Ÿ˜‰
Bonnie ***********
I'm arriving with 10 students ( 16 year olds) and 2 teachers from my school in November for 9 days, all booked and paid for. We would have to bring a ridiculous amount of cash with us. I knew that this law was on the books but hoped certified bank statements would work in a pinch. Would it? Also having all the bookings printed our and itenary ....do you think it would help in a pinch
Tod *********
@Bonnie **********
the requirements are clear IF you're asked for proof of funds you show CASH, there's no "will this work in a pinch" clause.

With that being said

The chances of you being asked for proof of funds are highly unlikely,

and

the people who are asked usually have an extensive stay history here and they're being asked as a reason to deny them entry
Bonnie ***********
@Tod ********
thanks so much for the reply. It's one of those things we will just have to take the risk because to carry 260k on me in cash would have me killed before I left south Africa.
Keven ****
@Bonnie **********
Maybe at least you and the two teachers should each have the 20K in cash.
Bonnie ***********
@Keven ***
thanks ... I had planned to.
Mike **************
Last time I had to show cash was 1985
Tod *********
@Mike *************
which again while anecdotally interesting does not negate the fact that there IS a rule on the books about it
Mike **************
@Tod ********
thank you for the clarification.
Peter ******
Dress to impress!" ๐Ÿ˜‰
Keven ****
Technically, visa exemption is 10K. 20K is for proof a funds with bank statements for the SETV.

******************************************************************************************
Tod *********
@Keven ***
that is totally false info. AND NEVER EVER trust an embassy outside the country about anything to do with ENTERING thailand or things inside the country and conversely NEVER EVER trust an immigration office inside the country about anything to do with getting a visa from an embassy outside the country

The proof of funds are exactly what I said

visa exempt/waiver - tourist visa 20K per person, 40K per family

visa on arrival - 10K per person, 20K per family
Keven ****
@Tod ********
I believe you. Just have never seen any official mention of 20K being required for the visa exemption, rather than 10K. I've always carried 20K, just in case. More is better than not enough.
Keven ****
********************************************************************
Norman **********
Filthy? No bags? Other undesirable or otherwise disconcerting issues? Show us the money.
Colin ********
I have, twice. But wasn't asked to show proof ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Ryan ********
Officially it is a condition for visa exempt entry but not a condition for entry when you already have a visa.
Keven ****
@Ryan *******
The difference with the SETV is that you've already proved you have 20K in your bank account with bank statements.
Tod *********
Don't confuse the fact you were never asked ๐Ÿ™‚ with the fact there is a rule about it ๐Ÿ™‚

Many people enter over and over yet aren't asked for it BUT believe me if you're asked for it, you have to show proof of funds in CASH; which is 20K baht per person or 40K baht a family

OR

if you're from one of the 17 countries that buy a 15 day visa on arrival when they land here for 2000baht the amount is 10K per person and 20K per family.

They can also ask for proof of onward travel within the time you'll be stamped in for (but they are flexible with that usually) and proof of lodging (for the number of days you'll be stamped in for, but again they're flexible with it)
Daniel *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thanks for the heads up !
Steve ********
It's a requirement which is seldom enacted. However, if you're the chosen one, you can be denied entry. You won't be asked on a non-immigrant visa. It's the tourists who are targeted
Thai Visa Advice
... members ยท 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice