Immigration Clarifies Cash Requirement Rule

[Kiko]

Thanks for this clarifiation ,George. Although it is slightly disconcerting to be wandering around with 10,000 bht on my person whilst going,and coming back,from the usual border crossings.

As I know there are mini buses wth their logos "visa run" ,going to borders with up to eight person .This means 80.000 Bht per Minibus, a good target for robbers. It does not have to happen at the border, it can happen on the way form/to border. I feel this is very dangerous.

Come on guys, this is rediculous! You all want to stay here in Thailand but dont want (or have maybe) to walk around with 10,000 baht?? ######, you all talk like this is $10,000. Look, this is ONLY $250 If you wer ein your own countries, would you not have this amount in your pocket, especially if you were going out of the country for some reason. Lets get this in to perspective, we all choose to live here and we all must have money to stay, this is the same all over the world. If we dont have money in our pockets we starve, have no where to live, rely on others for everything or die, this is the plain and simple truth of the matter.

Let me ask you guys this, If a Thai went to your country, they get to the immigration post and, after giving their passport, they are asked how long they are staying in the country and for the reason that they are travelling to the country (this is mainly the question asked when entering the US). If they then ask the Thai, "ok, you are requesting leave to enter the country for a period of 30 days, how much money do you have to support yourself"? Do you think that $250 is sufficient for them to show the immigration officer for this period of time? that is a definite NO!!

Every country you enter you must have money to support yourself, the same way anyone and everyoine has to have money to support themselves in a foreign country. In my opinion, if you guys dont have $250 in your pockets then you should stay in your own countries and not want to stay in any one elses country.

I for one make sure that both I and my (Thai) Wife have at least this amount of money in our pockets at all times, not for immigration reasons, just for common sense. What if you want to buy something? Do you not have to go out of the house with the money in your pockets?

Honestly, you guys want everything given to you on a plate and want to go to other countries and for them to conform to your own wishes and likes/dislikes.

Some of you are just Unbelievable!!!

Falcon

Falcon, you are absolutely right !!!!

[cbatson]

In actual fact no indication of support is requested when applying for a business non immigrant "O" visa. Please be accurate

I don't know about business visas, but the non-immigrant "O" (family) visa most definitely requires evidence of financial status for both application and extension. In the past it was 200,000 baht though I understand it to be 400,000 now.

Unless there's a secret you know that we don't; in which case, please do share.

And please be accurate.

Chuck

[dighambara]

Guys,

Two points:

1. Isn't it a shame that the US and France refused to honor the agreements to give Cambodia (& Laos) back to the Thais? On the other hand, the British never even considered giving those Burmese Provinces, Malaya and Singapore back....!

2. Falcon doesn't have a clue. In the US I rarely carried more than $10, as plastic does almost everything. Here in LOS, I often have only 50 or 100 Baht in my wallet (nothing to steal). ATMs are everywhere, so why bother?

Michael Weldon

Udon Thani

[cbatson]

Well, where in Thailand have you ever seen 'farang' begging for money??

In my personal experience (1) Khao San Road, and (2) my own home. Since you specifically used the word "farang," do you believe the color of one's skin somehow precludes begging?

Westerners running out of money for whatever reason get either (financial) help,

or assistance to fly back to their home country by their respective embassy.

Perhaps, if the Westerner in question is inclined to pursue said assistance.

how can Western foreigners be a burden to Thailand's society??

I would imagine just about every foreigner in Thailand is a burden to society in one way or another. However, for a concrete example, consider any foreigner who commits a crime. The police, courts, and prisons used to process the foreigner are all burdens (financial and otherwise) the Thai society bears. Should the criminal foreigner have imported and/or sold narcotics, or committed murder, then the explicit burdens to society are even more obvious.

The above is true for a foreigner in any country. Why do you think Western, or any, foreigners in Thailand would be exempt?

Chuck

[kenkannif]

In the past it was 200,000 baht though I understand it to be 400,000 now.

Unless there's a secret you know that we don't; in which case, please do share.

And please be accurate.

While I agree with you to an extent it is possible to get a Non-imm O without showing any cash (via a lot of Western Consulates). Also to get a Non-imm B you're generally kind of sponsored of guaranteed!

Edited September 28, 2004 by kenkannif

[Baaksida]

...Since you specifically used the word "farang," do you believe the color of one's skin somehow precludes begging?

...I would imagine just about every foreigner in Thailand is a burden to society in one way or another...

Well, the difference between, say Cambodians and 'farang' is, that a begging 'farang' would be escorted to the next police station/immigration office within minutes, while the SE Asian beggars may remain on the street for weeks or months...

As for the costs for society to arrest a foreigner, who is for example overstaying, okay, I agree with that one.

However, if foreigners in Thailand are just a "burden" to society, why are the TAT and Thailand's government so keen to attract 20 million foreigners per year to Thailand? Pure masochism??

[lopburi3]

In the past it was 200,000 baht though I understand it to be 400,000 now.

Unless there's a secret you know that we don't; in which case, please do share.

And please be accurate.

While I agree with you to an extend it is possible to get a Non-imm O without showing any cash (via a lot of Western Consulates). Also to get a Non-imm B you're generally kind of sponsored of guaranteed!

Cash is not a requirement to obtain a non immigrant O visa for family visitation reasons. The 200k and now 400k requirement is for extension of stay from immigration on a yearly basis here in Thailand; not for the visa.

[Orion76]

2. Falcon doesn't have a clue. In the US I rarely carried more than $10, as plastic does almost everything. Here in LOS, I often have only 50 or 100 Baht in my wallet (nothing to steal). ATMs are everywhere, so why bother?

Actually Falcon does have a clue, you don't.

Nothing to steal? So maybe the robber will kill you instead

[kenkannif]

In the past it was 200,000 baht though I understand it to be 400,000 now.

Unless there's a secret you know that we don't; in which case, please do share.

And please be accurate.

While I agree with you to an extend it is possible to get a Non-imm O without showing any cash (via a lot of Western Consulates). Also to get a Non-imm B you're generally kind of sponsored of guaranteed!

Cash is not a requirement to obtain a non immigrant O visa for family visitation reasons. The 200k and now 400k requirement is for extension of stay from immigration on a yearly basis here in Thailand; not for the visa.

Erm you need to show the funds at a lot of Asian Embassies/Consulates if you want a multiple....as far as I know you do in Penang etc.? So as I said it depends WHERE you apply for it.

[lopburi3]

In the past it was 200,000 baht though I understand it to be 400,000 now.

Unless there's a secret you know that we don't; in which case, please do share.

And please be accurate.

While I agree with you to an extend it is possible to get a Non-imm O without showing any cash (via a lot of Western Consulates). Also to get a Non-imm B you're generally kind of sponsored of guaranteed!

Cash is not a requirement to obtain a non immigrant O visa for family visitation reasons. The 200k and now 400k requirement is for extension of stay from immigration on a yearly basis here in Thailand; not for the visa.

Erm you need to show the funds at a lot of Asian Embassies/Consulates if you want a multiple....as far as I know you do in Penang etc.? So as I said it depends WHERE you apply for it.

I was in general agreement with you but not with chatson who you quote. To obtain a non immigrant visa does not require funds. If you want more than the basic visa (such as multi or extensions) you require reasons; which may include money. He stated you needed the money for application for visa which is not true.

[kenkannif]

Fair enough, sorry!

[robsamui]

Come on guys, this is rediculous! You all want to stay here in Thailand but dont want (or have maybe) to walk around with 10,000 baht?? ######, you all talk like this is $10,000. Look, this is ONLY $250 If you wer ein your own countries, would you not have this amount in your pocket, especially if you were going out of the country for some reason. Lets get this in to perspective, we all choose to live here and we all must have money to stay, this is the same all over the world. If we dont have money in our pockets we starve, have no where to live, rely on others for everything or die, this is the plain and simple truth of the matter.

FALCON!

What a blazing combination of total lack of awareness, arrogance and ignorance!

Dear Mr Falcon...let me try to put this into words that you can understand.

Let us asssume that America is full of rich Arab Shieks, and that every month they had to cross the Mexican border on foot, to receive another month's visa.

10,000 baht in Thailand is the same as 2 month's wages. The equivalent of this in America is having $10,000 in your pocket, plus change. 8 people per bus is almost $100,000, just for the taking. 20 or 30 buses a day...maybe half a million in cash, no armed guards, just "normal" people. Crossing in and out of Mexico evry day. Day after day.

Are you beginning to understand a bit yet?

Sigh.

Rob

[mickynoboots]

Greetings!!!This is my first time posting anything on Thai visa so Im a bit green and wet behind the ears

I realy like the info posted but as I always seem bogged down with emailing have never gotten around to putting any input of my own.

Anyway to the point what if you have a Thai bank book accompanied by a letter from the bank confirming you have the necessary funds to re-enter.

I got a six month double entry visa in Penang but am not sure if I have to do the next entry before or after ninety days so if anyone can caste some light that would be great.

Adious

[mickynoboots]

Greetings!!!This is my first time posting anything on Thai visa so Im a bit green and wet behind the ears

I realy like the info posted but as I always seem bogged down with emailing have never gotten around to putting any input of my own.

Anyway to the point what if you have a Thai bank book accompanied by a letter from the bank confirming you have the necessary funds to re-enter.

I got a six month double entry visa in Penang but am not sure if I have to do the next entry before or after ninety days so if anyone can caste some light that would be great.

Adious

mickynoboots

[Ben Dover]

When will you guys understand that your complaining and moaning does no good what so ever?

All you do is re enforce the opinion of the Thai's who read this forum and do not want your type living here. (Cheap Charlie complainers)

If you cant afford to live here go home and get a job and come back when you can, obey the laws of the land that you choose to live in wether you like them or not.

As much as you spend you are and will always be a guest in this country so get with the program and enjoy Thailand.

Its always the cheap charlies who harp on about how much they spend and how much Thailand needs them, who are you trying to kid?

Any one who has been on a tourist visa and is living here has had it good in the past, instead of being grateful that they have been allowed to stay they complain when the authorities decide to impose the law, typical glass half empty people.

[bkkexplorer]

10,000 baht in Thailand is the same as 2 month's wages. The equivalent of this in America is having $10,000 in your pocket, plus change. 8 people per bus is almost $100,000, just for the taking. 20 or 30 buses a day...maybe half a million in cash, no armed guards, just "normal" people. Crossing in and out of Mexico evry day. Day after day.

Point made, this should put things in perspective.

[sriracha john]

2.    Falcon doesn't have a clue.  In the US I rarely carried more than $10, as plastic does almost everything.  Here in LOS, I often have only 50 or 100 Baht in my wallet (nothing to steal).  ATMs are everywhere, so why bother?

Actually Falcon does have a clue, you don't.

Nothing to steal? So maybe the robber will kill you instead

But wouldn't a robber crazy enough just to kill you for nothing, in turn kill you just the same for money?? How many people are murdered for not having money versus those that do have it on them? Sorry, but your logic just doesn't pan out. And have to agree that Falcon or Silk or whatever nick of the week they go by is, indeed, clueless.

[robsamui]

I would imagine just about every foreigner in Thailand is a burden to society in one way or another. However, for a concrete example, consider any foreigner who commits a crime. The police, courts, and prisons used to process the foreigner are all burdens (financial and otherwise) the Thai society bears. Should the criminal foreigner have imported and/or sold narcotics, or committed murder, then the explicit burdens to society are even more obvious.

CHUCK.....hang on a minute. Another example of someone writing without thinking while they are doing this....

Firstly, you fail to differentiate between farangs and other "foreigners". "Other foreigners" are 99% aliens from poorer neighbouring countries, such as Burma, Cambodia and Laos, most of them illegal immigrants with no money. Instant "burden", yes

Secondly, you fail to differentialte between Thai criminals and farang criminals.

Thirdly, you have wrapped up several totally different concepts under one sweeping statement. Plus you are mis-informed and making assumptions on how this country works. Let me enlighten you...

Firstly, just to GET into Thailand, a farang "unburdens" the Thai government considerably. The vast majority of farangs pay for a tourist visa. They pay the equivalent of one month's salary to do this. This is usually a 90 day visa. (or it might be a double entry). The clever Thais have a system, however. Upon seeing the visa for 90 days, they reduce it to 60 days with a rubber stamp. For you to get the other 30 days, you must pay again...1,900 baht, the equivalent of 2 weeks wages, for a Thai.

It simply is not possible for a farang to live like a Thai, on 5,000 baht a month, 5 or 6 to one room, sleeping on the floor, preparing food and cooking it on the floor, and washing in cold water from a bucket. Thus, the obliging farang will input a HUGE amount of money in comparative terms, into the Thai economy while he is in Thailand. Even the cheap-charlie travellers with the one-month entry stamp will spend about 300 baht a day...10,000 baht a month just in living costs only. (About the income of a senior office manager or a bank manager)

I'm still looking for exactly where the burden is....oh yes, the criminals.

First of all lets look at the difference between a Thai petty criminal and a farang petty criminal, and examine "burdens"

Take, for example, some one caught with a small ammount of marijuana...or someone shoplifting.

The Thai will probably go to jail. No court system (like you are used to) The police will lock them up. Simple. Perhaps fine them if they have money. If not, Jail. The following day, for a term decided by the police. Bye bye. Done. All that police time and effort (maybe 2 hours?)...a burden.

The farang? The little boys in brown are rubbing their hands in glee. A whopping big fine. Tens of thousands of baht. Straight to the police. No courts. Cash to the police. If it's a bit more serious, then we're looking at probably 100,000 baht minimum to the local police, to stop everything then and there.

The "burden" comes when the poor farang does not have this sort of money. In which case he is slapped in jail until someone comes to his rescue and THEN the Thai economy gains its "disburdenment" (A couple of thousand baht in police man-hours invested to get a quater of a million baht in fines back...what a burden!)

Getting the picture?

Finally, talking about "burdens", how may farangs lie and cheat and steal money from Thais? I don't know. from what I have seen and heard in 7 years of living in Thailand, very very very few. How many times do Thai people cheat farangs? Lie to them and try to con them? Steal money from them? Dozens. Every day. Thousands and thousands every month. All this money might not go to the government, but it goes directly into the Thai economy. Some "burden"!

So nex time Chuckie, remember...do not write before engaging brain. Better still...wait till you have some idea of what you are talking about!

Rob

[Orion76]

Its always the cheap charlies who harp on about how much they spend and how much Thailand needs them, who are you trying to kid?

EXACTLY!

[Khutan]

I will make sure I have 10,000 Bhat in my pocket.

What do they look like, do all the banks have them ? Sometimes when I am paying a factory in cash, a 10,000 baht note would be handy....

[johnsjourney]

Greetings!!!This is my first time posting anything on Thai visa so Im a bit green and wet behind the ears 

I realy like the info posted but as I always seem bogged down with emailing have never gotten around to putting any input of my own.

Anyway to the point what if you have a Thai bank book accompanied by a letter from the bank confirming you have the necessary funds to re-enter.

I got a six month double entry visa in Penang but am not sure if I have to do the next entry before or after ninety days so if anyone can caste some light that would be great.

Adious 

mickynoboots

Hi mickynoboots,

They seem to be indicating it is cash that is required, and I think it's tricky to get a bank account now with just a tourist visa, the banks usually want to see one of the 1 year visas in my experience. I'm on the same double tourist visa, and will extend it shortly before the 60 days is up to make it into a 90, and then a border visit (or more substantial journey) at the 90 days before moving onto the second entry of the visa.

I'm sure it is an evolving situation over the next few months or year!

johnsjourney

[dman]

I enjoy this site and always log in for a few minutes and end up reading for a few hours. It is really entertainment with some good advise sprinkled in, like low sound to noise ratio. I was a 4 year 30 day runner in Chiang Rai until I finally got the proper Non-O marriage visa. With all the warnings about this and that, not once did I ever have a problem or bad encounter with immigration in Mai Sai, Suan Plu, or Hong kong. The secret, very very simple. When going on a visa run or dealing with Immigration in any way ****No shorts, No sandals, No Backpack get a haircut, shave, bathe, and dress in a pair of proper long pants and wear a nice shirt, some people call it smart casual. I know it is a hassle, but it gets you what you want with a minimum ammount of problems, like this cash thing. Immigration offices have a lot of latitude in how they deal with people. Thais are hung up on appearance, the single most important thing is the first impression, and that happens in a Thais brain before any words are spoken. Trust me it works, its a proven method. IMHO. Good Luck to all and keep up the entertainment.

Dman in Chiang Rai

[lopburi3]

Greetings!!!This is my first time posting anything on Thai visa so Im a bit green and wet behind the ears

I realy like the info posted but as I always seem bogged down with emailing have never gotten around to putting any input of my own.

Anyway to the point what if you have a Thai bank book accompanied by a letter from the bank confirming you have the necessary funds to re-enter.

I got a six month double entry visa in Penang but am not sure if I have to do the next entry before or after ninety days so if anyone can caste some light that would be great.

Adious

mickynoboots

The current word is cash or travelers checks only.

If you have a two entry visa it must be tourist type? That entry is valid for 60 days (the stamp you got at border). You must exit on or before that date or extend your stay at an immigration office with payment of 1,900 baht/photo/tm.7 form. If you extend you have to leave on the new date or before (90 days from entry). You can then repeat the process. You might be asked to show required money so it should be with you just in case. If you are uncomfortable with cash, travelers checks can be purchased at your bank before you travel.

[masterchief]

I UNDERSTAND THE NEED BUT IS THIS RULING FOR ALL VISA'S? THE WIFE AND I ARE ON A RETIREMENT (O) VISA IF WE WANT TO GO JUST FOR THE DAY IS THE REQUIREMENT THE SAME AS FAR AS CASH OR TRAVELER CHECKS THANK YA RETIRED MASTERCHIEF USN (ARAN)

[chezandy]

Hi guy's,

i dont understand your worries!

just do a yearly visa or better a permanent resident.

if you don't have problems in your home country in the paste and just a little more money than you need's for your reentries, you will get the permanent visa easely. just go to office #301 at suan plu and you get all information how to do it.

[Felt 35]

CHUCK.....hang on a minute. Another example of someone writing without thinking while they are doing this....

Firstly, you fail to differentiate between farangs and other "foreigners". "Other foreigners" are 99% aliens from poorer neighbouring countries, such as Burma, Cambodia and Laos, most of them illegal immigrants with no money. Instant "burden", yes

Secondly, you fail to differentialte between Thai criminals and farang criminals.

Thirdly, you have wrapped up several totally different concepts under one sweeping statement. Plus you are mis-informed and making assumptions on how this country works. Let me enlighten you...

Firstly, just to GET into Thailand, a farang "unburdens" the Thai government considerably. The vast majority of farangs pay for a tourist visa. They pay the equivalent of one month's salary to do this. This is usually a 90 day visa. (or it might be a double entry). The clever Thais have a system, however. Upon seeing the visa for 90 days, they reduce it to 60 days with a rubber stamp. For you to get the other 30 days, you must pay again...1,900 baht, the equivalent of 2 weeks wages, for a Thai.

It simply is not possible for a farang to live like a Thai, on 5,000 baht a month, 5 or 6 to one room, sleeping on the floor, preparing food and cooking it on the floor, and washing in cold water from a bucket. Thus, the obliging farang will input a HUGE amount of money in comparative terms, into the Thai economy while he is in Thailand. Even the cheap-charlie travellers with the one-month entry stamp will spend about 300 baht a day...10,000 baht a month just in living costs only. (About the income of a senior office manager or a bank manager)

I'm still looking for exactly where the burden is....oh yes, the criminals.

First of all lets look at the difference between a Thai petty criminal and a farang petty criminal, and examine "burdens"

Take, for example, some one caught with a small ammount of marijuana...or someone shoplifting.

The Thai will probably go to jail. No court system (like you are used to) The police will lock them up. Simple. Perhaps fine them if they have money. If not, Jail. The following day, for a term decided by the police. Bye bye. Done. All that police time and effort (maybe 2 hours?)...a burden.

The farang? The little boys in brown are rubbing their hands in glee. A whopping big fine. Tens of thousands of baht. Straight to the police. No courts. Cash to the police. If it's a bit more serious, then we're looking at probably 100,000 baht minimum to the local police, to stop everything then and there.

The "burden" comes when the poor farang does not have this sort of money. In which case he is slapped in jail until someone comes to his rescue and THEN the Thai economy gains its "disburdenment" (A couple of thousand baht in police man-hours invested to get a quater of a million baht in fines back...what a burden!)

Getting the picture?

Finally, talking about "burdens", how may farangs lie and cheat and steal money from Thais? I don't know. from what I have seen and heard in 7 years of living in Thailand, very very very few. How many times do Thai people cheat farangs? Lie to them and try to con them? Steal money from them? Dozens. Every day. Thousands and thousands every month. All this money might not go to the government, but it goes directly into the Thai economy. Some "burden"!

So nex time Chuckie, remember...do not write before engaging brain. Better still...wait till you have some idea of what you are talking about!

Rob

Multiple BRAVO

[johnsjourney]

Hi guy's,

i dont understand your worries!

just do a yearly visa or better a permanent resident.

if you don't have problems in your home country in the paste and just a little more money than you need's for your reentries, you will get the permanent visa easely. just go to office #301 at suan plu and you get all information how to do it.

for the under 50s? I think it's the age limit that causes so many people to go multi-tourist visa. If so, then thanks so much, I'll find the place you mentioned.

[arthsch]

10.000 baht are about 200 euro.

[PeaceBlondie]

When will you guys understand that your complaining and moaning does no good what so ever?

All you do is re enforce the opinion of the Thai's who read this forum and do not want your type living here. (Cheap Charlie complainers)

If you cant afford to live here go home and get a job and come back when you can, obey the laws of the land that you choose to live in wether you like them or not.

As much as you spend you are and will always be a guest in this country so get with the program and enjoy Thailand.

Its always the cheap charlies who harp on about how much they spend and how much Thailand needs them, who are you trying to kid?

Any one who has been on a tourist visa and is living here has had it good in the past, instead of being grateful that they have been allowed to stay they complain when the authorities decide to impose the law, typical glass half empty people.

Ben, you've got a point, but that's not the point some of us are making. Sure, I can walk around some dangerous border crossing with 180,000 baht or more if I care to, and I always withdraw 12,000 baht at a time from the ATM, near home or near work. I paid cash for a roomful of furniture this month, but I was with friends.

But apparently, even on a multiple entry one year B visa, even with a heck of a lot of baht in a Thai bank that I can prove, etc. - it looks as if I still have to walk around Mae Sai with way too much cash on my person (or walk around with folks who do).

And as you said - we're just complaining; it probably won't do us any good. It's not as if they're going to stop enforcing the rules just because we're complaining.

Yes, we're just guests here, even those of us who can afford to live here. It would help if we got a little more cooperation from the immigration authroties. Maybe we will, but October doesn't look good.

[Falcon]

2. Falcon doesn't have a clue. In the US I rarely carried more than $10, as plastic does almost everything. Here in LOS, I often have only 50 or 100 Baht in my wallet (nothing to steal). ATMs are everywhere, so why bother?

Michael Weldon

Udon Thani

Michael,

Most Thais and a lot of other nationalities dont have access to obtaining credit cards to use and have to rely on the more reliable stuff that the people in US have forgotten about long ago and arre now terrified of (CASH money) so this is not an option for the tourist going to the US for a month or so. Therefore, it is simply a matter of how much (physical) cash you have in your pocket whether the immigration officer allows you in or not and, lets be honest here, the US border officials are about as friendly as they are here in Bangkok airport!

You sound like you are like a lot of the Americans, you rely on credit (thus the credit cards) and dont have a whole lot in your pocket cash wise. You only carry 50 or 100 baht with you in LOS? ######, what happens if you need money in a hurry or the ATM's are down for "unscheduled" maintenance or, as happens regularly, the machine decides to keep your card for no apparent reason? Also, correct me if I am wrong but dont ATM's dispense that paper stuff (CASH) and then you have the problem of getting to the place that you need the old standby stuff (CASH) like the beer bar (none of them that I know accept credit cards), local restaurant (who dont even know what a credit card is), etc. with the dreaded paper money in your pocket.

Hmmm, worth thinking about, eh!!

Falcon