I recon, the OP needs to ask a proper question first.

"HAVE DEPARTURE FLIGHT & 10k USD!!!!"

"Deported for . . . . not having a flight out & USD 10K in pocket."

Now DID he or DIDN'T he have the required documents?

@Joe *********

I meant exactly what I said.

Read again Visa Waiver (VE) is 20'000THB

VOA (Visa on Arrival) is 10'000 THB ;-)

I recon fairly simple rule, stay within the rules.

Not everyone get's checked but very simple to work out how likely it is to be checked:

Ellie Takei Yeah??? Who said anything else about where the ATM's are located?

ATM's where you can't withdrawal cash?

Where did you see them?

In order to enter Thailand on a VOA you need to have at least 10'000 THB

In order to enter Thailand on a VE or SETV you need to show 20'000 THB

You are free to import cash up to a value of 10'000 US$ anything above you need to declare.

And you're not allowed to take more money out of Thailand then what you have declared on bringing in to the country.

No big science.

Sorry, wrong too. 10'000 is only for people with VOA - Visa On Arrival.

VE and SETV need 20'000 THB

Actually it's 20'000 THB for people on Tourist Visas.

I love that sign. Same one is hanging in Kota Bahru since nearly 50 years ;-)

Samuel Fila - There are several ATM's in the duty free zone in Phuket, Suvarnabhumi and Dong Mueang so you could get your cash out before you pass immigration.

Surat Thani or Hadyai don't have ATM before Immigration.

In either case, it doesn't matter as you're supposed to have the required amount BEFORE you even coma to an ATM in Thailand.

It's very clear.

In order to ENTER Thailand you need . . . .

Once your Airplane landed on the tarmac, you're in Thailand and not once you passed the ATM machine.

Although your case seams strange if you did have 10KUS$ with you and an onward ticket to show at immigration.