Will immigration ask for proof of funds when arriving in Thailand with insufficient cash?

Mar 20, 2019
6 years ago
Tyson ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Regarding: 40,000 baht on hand when arriving for family

Context: We were in Thailand for about 6 months, did two tourist visas with extensions. We left this month to Indonesia but are planning to come back next month to meet my in laws in Phuket. We will be flying through DM.

Dilemma: It's tough getting cash out here in Bali as the ATM limits are quite low($150 daily limit) compared to what my American Bank limits are allotting me($1000Daily). This is making it difficult for us to have the $1200 USD(40k baht) on hand when we arrive in a couple weeks, even though there's plenty in the bank.

Question: Do you think they'll ask us for proof of funds when we arrive considering our previous travels to Thailand and having a month-long interim in another country? If I can avoid having to try taking out cash every single day while incurring ATM fees, that'd be great.

Disclaimer: I do understand that there's no real way of knowing, as immigration can ask at any time regardless of your previous travel or circumstance. I am aware of the risk involved by not having the funds, but I was looking for some vindication or peace of mind(although I know this page doesn't really give that too much lol) from others who might have had success with similar travel as ours.

Cheers
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about having the required 40,000 baht in cash upon arrival in Thailand, given they are currently in Indonesia and face low ATM withdrawal limits. They seek reassurance on whether immigration will ask for proof of funds despite their previous travels and current situation. Several comments suggest options for obtaining cash, potential requirements for proof of funds, and sharing travel details with in-laws to ease the entry process.
Robert *******
All the options are mentioned. Good luck.
James ********
******************************
James ********
Citibank is in Bali

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Paul *********
Can you not go into a bank or exchange and take a larger amount of cash out with a credit card?
Tyson ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tried it at the banks here, no good. I will be in a more commercialized area of Bali next week, so I might try a different bank in that area.
David ************
Synopsis: I think you’ve answered your own question...
David ************
@Tyson *******
Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Good luck
Tyson ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah, rhetorical but also a heat check since it's been a while since I've been versed on Thai immigration laws/updates
James ********
Do you new tourist visa to enter or as American citizens using exempt on arrival this time? Do you have proof of departure tickets leaving Thailand ?
James ********
@Robert ******
yes...he needs the 40,000 Thai baht CASH to show. They both are flying into Don Mueang...best to be prepared if questioned.
Robert *******
@James *******
Sounds like a nice story, but where is the cash as asked to show?
James ********
@Tyson *******
get a copy of their passport main page. If asked by Thai Immigration you have proof of funds, booking, flights out and that you are meeting up with in-laws in Phuket for holidays together before you all return to USA together.
Tyson ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
yes definitely
James ********
@Tyson *******
and do you have proof of booked tickets departing Thailand?
Tyson ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
This time we are doing a Visa Exempt
Robert *******
You know the answer and you even give the answer. We can not advice on this. It is the decision of the Immigration Officer to whom you hand over your passport. More than 30 million people arrive in Thailand on a yearly basis, not all get asked. But as you say it could happen.
Tyson ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For sure, totally understand. Just wondering if anyone had any similar experiences they'd share, although in the end it doesn't really matter as it's up to the officer.
James ********
You speak of in-laws...are they Thai or ??
James ********
@Tyson *******
then it might be helpful you have with you your in-laws tickets along with yours to show you are all leaving Thailand together. Their names and address of where you will be staying with them in Phuket also helpful.
Tyson ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Tourism. They will be in Thailand for a week before we even get there, then we will meet in Phuket and then all leave together. We all have flights out already.
James ********
@Tyson *******
so the inlaws are now in Thailand...as tourists or retirement?
Tyson ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
No, they are American
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