With a Tourist Visa, they want to see 20,000 Baht. That is somewhere between 600-700 Dollars. Used to be 700 but the Baht is down since I was there before COVID.

I think there is. I remember, because 4 years ago people constantly complained it didn't work. Then I stopped hearing about it. So, I assume it works now.

I think someone posted the link above.

@Brandon ***********

It varies but if you want to be sure, better bring $700.

@Ryan ******

Thai Immigration usually only hassles you if you have been to Thailand before, have dreadlocks, wearing shorts and/or a T-Shirt, or if they are just in a pissy mood.

And they ask questions in English but don't understand, or care about, the answers because they usually don't speak English.

Just carry a file-folder of all your paperwork and have $300 IN CASH to show them. And just show them. Don't hand it to them.

If they single you out, any perverted question they can think of.

Oh wait...I am thinking of American Customs.

Conflicting information in Thailand? Nah...never. 🤣

Google is faster than this group.

But in general, it is pretty good and will probably be less-so as time goes on so it is probably not a good idea to wait to do what you want to do.

@Jeh ****

They end up at the Federal Reserve in the USA that exchanges them for new.

But the issue, half way across the planet, is getting them there. Maybe foreign banks have an agreement with a Western Bank or perhaps they use a special courier.

But the issue is also time and expense to exchange them. They cannot just reuse them in Asia right away.

But don't worry, they don't lose $100 for a torn bill. But there is a cost to them via money and/or time.

@Paulo *********

I do but it isn't really required in Cambodia. Thailand required insurance before COVID. The Pandemic just jacked up the Premiums.

Yes, I travel with insurance. It is Global Coverage but isn't a Thai Company (which they prefer).

It is easier now, in Thailand, but not compared to their closest neighbors. If I were staying only a short-time in Thailand, it still isn't worth it for me. And of course using all of your extensions will be used against you, eventually.

@Paulo *********

The Immigration policies before Covid were arbitrary and dismissive of the industry. So returning to that, will still be far behind it's neighbors.

Right now, they may be a little more understanding despite the extra paperwork, insurance, etc. But that is only because they know they are losing their slice of the pie.

Longer-term, their stated goals are to usher in wealthy Tourists (hinting at a preference for Chinese tourist.)

They may only be more accommodating to Western Tourists, right now, because Chinese cannot travel now and Western counries are mostly vaccinated.

TAT has even stated they are courting Indian Tourism over Farangs in the longer term. I find that insulting.

I have not been to Thailand since just before COVID but I remember the insulting statements against Farangs and the way Immigration was making it increasingly more difficult to travel to Thailand.

Their long-term goals are the same. To the delight of their neighbors.