Show Money Needed--confirmed

[kippers]

Just received a phone call from a friend crossing the border at aranypratet, said evreyone is being asked to show at least B10,000 before a visa is stamped.

Wonderful.

[kenkannif]

Is this for the 30 day tourist stamp? What are they doing with people who have a one year non-immigrant visa + re-entry permit? Can anyone confirm if people who are 100% 'legal' are being hassled to show money?

It shouldn't apply to people with a re-entry permit as you're not getting a new Visa per se when you return, but who knows (although I think one Imm official has said it won't apply, but that quite often doesn't mean much!)?

[rainman]

I just crossed at Aranyaprathet a few days ago and no sign of showing evidence of cash. Perhaps they're just targeting backpackers, i was there with a suit. No problems for me.

[shellman]

I just crossed at Aranyaprathet a few days ago and no sign of showing evidence of cash. Perhaps they're just targeting backpackers, i was there with a suit. No problems for me.

well they said they would start on october 1st so what happened a few days back might not be really relevant today, let's wait if there are more reports though

cheers

[rainman]

a friend of mine got back today from the same border ...nobody on the bus mentioned anything about showing cash or other problems. seems like smoke without fire.

[350torana]

Wow, now Aranyaprathet- Poipet is cracking down on walkers. Don't know if it true or not but woudn't worry about carrying the money. After all, how many cashed up Thias cross there to splurge at the casinos? Anyways, happy I got my multiple 'O' visa so don't have to visit that hellhole anytime soon.

[Guest fj2003]

the sleeping dogs are woken up thanks for all off your announcing

but mai pen rai who has not the money shouldn't be here and who has they money will know how to deal

where is the problem aktually

[Dancali]

Another new poster with an unverified story about problems at the border. Gee, haven't seen this one before.

[rainman]

the sleeping dogs are woken up thanks for all off your announcing

but mai pen rai who has not the money shouldn't be here and who has they money will know how to deal

where is the problem aktually

i second that. if you're a backpacker (or looking like one), you'll probably be checked a lot more than if you're well dressed. i've seen guys cross the border with me who looked like they were going to the beach, with a dirty shirt and plastic sandals. if you show up like that, you'll most likely be asked to show funds or more.

[Guest fj2003]

thats what i say and think

i never did a visarun in that style

i even wouldn't go for shopping like that

and i have always nice nice talks with these guys who are doing there job about something else but never about my visa

they like to have some fun also same like me

and i crossing the borders some more often times then only on the 30st dayor 90st day ( i am here on non b )

[george]

Bring USD travellers cheques. The Immigration accept them as valid currency! 300 or 500 USD would be enough.

Any Thai commnercial or government bank will be happy to sell TC's!

Tip: You can use the same cheques next time as well!

[sriracha john]

where is the problem aktually

the problem is aktually with the thai govt. for imposing the dangerous prospect of travelling around with lots of cash in dangerous areas. Particularly when this does nothing to "solve" their perceived problem of undesireable aliens.

it's other failure is the ambigious nature of it's entire visa process. either make 30 days runs totally legal or impose strict, across-the-board limits on them and spell it out in plain, clear language that everyone can follow.

[unbiasbob]

I just crossed at Aranyaprathet a few days ago and no sign of showing evidence of cash. Perhaps they're just targeting backpackers, i was there with a suit. No problems for me.

that would be understandable.

[unbiasbob]

where is the problem aktually

the problem is aktually with the thai govt. for imposing the dangerous prospect of travelling around with lots of cash in dangerous areas. Particularly when this does nothing to "solve" their perceived problem of undesireable aliens.

it's other failure is the ambigious nature of it's entire visa process. either make 30 days runs totally legal or impose strict, across-the-board limits on them and spell it out in plain, clear language that everyone can follow.

Oh really? This is far from a problem. As George said just buy $500 worth of travelers cheques and use them for each border run. You may want to get rid of those dreadlocks as well

[dr_Pat_Pong]

where is the problem aktually

the problem is aktually with the thai govt. for imposing the dangerous prospect of travelling around with lots of cash in dangerous areas. Particularly when this does nothing to "solve" their perceived problem of undesireable aliens.

it's other failure is the ambigious nature of it's entire visa process. either make 30 days runs totally legal or impose strict, across-the-board limits on them and spell it out in plain, clear language that everyone can follow.

Oh really? This is far from a problem. As George said just buy $500 worth of travelers cheques and use them for each border run. You may want to get rid of those dreadlocks as well

You mustn't be too logical Bob. Most walkers would rather whinge.

[shellman]

I invite everybody who whines about Thai Visa regulation to travel to the US with his universityeducated Thai wife. Now that is a pain in the a** - I would not blame the Thais if they decide to revoke the Visa Free entries for all americans (we had similar experiences with british and canadian visas but no such problems with any Schengen Traety member in Europe). What makes these counties so special that they must interview tourists before giving them a visa, my wifes family makes more money per day then the consular officer in a year, so what is that, a power trip?

Thailands Visa regulations are very liberal compared to some more "developed" countries, and for any legitimate expat in thailand the cash rules probably do not even apply.

While I am still interested if these cash rules are for real and are really enforced now, I would not see it as a big trouble compared to the inconvinience for thais to get a US Visa.

cheers

[sriracha john]

where is the problem aktually

the problem is aktually with the thai govt. for imposing the dangerous prospect of travelling around with lots of cash in dangerous areas. Particularly when this does nothing to "solve" their perceived problem of undesireable aliens.

it's other failure is the ambigious nature of it's entire visa process. either make 30 days runs totally legal or impose strict, across-the-board limits on them and spell it out in plain, clear language that everyone can follow.

Oh really? This is far from a problem. As George said just buy $500 worth of travelers cheques and use them for each border run. You may want to get rid of those dreadlocks as well

Just so long as traveler's checks are acceptable, that's fine then...as it seems to variously change on an hourly basis from CASH only to accepting other forms to which crossings are affected to when it will start.

As for dreadlocks, I only WISH I could grow something on top of my bald dome.

As for Rainman's "suit", which to me means a suitcoat and tie...... it seems like that's just a tad overdone, yes? Perhaps something in between a business suit and the Pattaya leisure wear?.... Seek the Middle Path....

[sriracha john]

I invite everybody who whines about Thai Visa regulation to travel to the US with his universityeducated Thai wife. Now that is a pain in the a** - I would not blame the Thais if they decide to revoke the Visa Free entries for all americans (we had similar experiences with british and canadian visas but no such problems with any Schengen Traety member in Europe). What makes these counties so special that they must interview tourists before giving them a visa, my wifes family makes more money per day then the consular officer in a year, so what is that, a power trip?

Thailands Visa regulations are very liberal compared to some more "developed" countries, and for any legitimate expat in thailand the cash rules probably do not even apply.

While I am still interested if these cash rules are for real and are really enforced now, I would not see it as a big trouble compared to the inconvinience for thais to get a US Visa.

cheers

As every situation has a flip side, my ex-wife, foreign born, has not been required to leave the USA even once in 25 years. How many non-Thai husbands with Thai wives can say the same about Thailand?

btw, based on a typical GS annual service pay, it must be EXTREMELY nice to be part of a family that makes 1.9 million baht per day!!! related to Thaksin by chance?

[Ajarn]

I invite everybody who whines about Thai Visa regulation to travel to the US with his universityeducated Thai wife. Now that is a pain in the a** - I would not blame the Thais if they decide to revoke the Visa Free entries for all americans (we had similar experiences with british and canadian visas but no such problems with any Schengen Traety member in Europe). What makes these counties so special that they must interview tourists before giving them a visa, my wifes family makes more money per day then the consular officer in a year, so what is that, a power trip?

Thailands Visa regulations are very liberal compared to some more "developed" countries, and for any legitimate expat in thailand the cash rules probably do not even apply.

While I am still interested if these cash rules are for real and are really enforced now, I would not see it as a big trouble compared to the inconvinience for thais to get a US Visa.

cheers

An American Embassy official told me that the reason for the hassle for Thais getting visas is because, according to their stats, 2/3 of all US visa holders from Thailand violate the conditions of their visa, and many simply don't return. Due to privacy laws (pre 9/11?) it's not difficult to escape notice in America once you're in...

Makes sense to me that Thais would get more attention when applying for their first tourist visa to the States, My experience is that after the first successfull visit, future visas are no problem...

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I invite everybody who whines about Thai Visa regulation to travel to the US with his universityeducated Thai wife. Now that is a pain in the a** - I would not blame the Thais if they decide to revoke the Visa Free entries for all americans (we had similar experiences with british and canadian visas but no such problems with any Schengen Traety member in Europe). What makes these counties so special that they must interview tourists before giving them a visa, my wifes family makes more money per day then the consular officer in a year, so what is that, a power trip?

Thailands Visa regulations are very liberal compared to some more "developed" countries, and for any legitimate expat in thailand the cash rules probably do not even apply.

While I am still interested if these cash rules are for real and are really enforced now, I would not see it as a big trouble compared to the inconvinience for thais to get a US Visa.

cheers

An American Embassy official told me that the reason for the hassle for Thais getting visas is because, according to their stats, 2/3 of all US visa holders from Thailand violate the conditions of their visa, and many simply don't return. Due to privacy laws (pre 9/11?) it's not difficult to escape notice in America once you're in...

Makes sense to me that Thais would get more attention when applying for their first tourist visa to the States, My experience is that after the first successfull visit, future visas are no problem...

What about the foreigners abusing the Thai visa rules ?

[PeaceBlondie]

Pardon me for saying this thread lacks some substance, but the title of this thread ends "confirmed". Besides normal discussion, have the reports contradicted themselves about Poipet and said nothing certain about Mae Sai, where the initial warning signs were posted in September?

Apparently there's no info as to whether people crossing at Mae Sai are being asked to show cash, nor how they're dressed when they cross, nor what visa or stamp they're asking for.

I'd like to buy a ticket for the bus, 24 hours from now, and make the trip on Friday, to Mae Sai. I've got a plan that includes being well dressed, showing current bank book and ATM slip, and 20K in my wallet to cleverly show to the officer without also revealing it to every thief in the neighborhood.

So, what's the report from Mae Sai?

[Ajarn]

I invite everybody who whines about Thai Visa regulation to travel to the US with his universityeducated Thai wife. Now that is a pain in the a** - I would not blame the Thais if they decide to revoke the Visa Free entries for all americans (we had similar experiences with british and canadian visas but no such problems with any Schengen Traety member in Europe). What makes these counties so special that they must interview tourists before giving them a visa, my wifes family makes more money per day then the consular officer in a year, so what is that, a power trip?

Thailands Visa regulations are very liberal compared to some more "developed" countries, and for any legitimate expat in thailand the cash rules probably do not even apply.

While I am still interested if these cash rules are for real and are really enforced now, I would not see it as a big trouble compared to the inconvinience for thais to get a US Visa.

cheers

An American Embassy official told me that the reason for the hassle for Thais getting visas is because, according to their stats, 2/3 of all US visa holders from Thailand violate the conditions of their visa, and many simply don't return. Due to privacy laws (pre 9/11?) it's not difficult to escape notice in America once you're in...

Makes sense to me that Thais would get more attention when applying for their first tourist visa to the States, My experience is that after the first successfull visit, future visas are no problem...

What about the foreigners abusing the Thai visa rules ?

Okay, fair enough. What are the stats to back your implied hypothesis?

[Ajarn]

Pardon me for saying this thread lacks some substance, but the title of this thread ends "confirmed". Besides normal discussion, have the reports contradicted themselves about Poipet and said nothing certain about Mae Sai, where the initial warning signs were posted in September?

Apparently there's no info as to whether people crossing at Mae Sai are being asked to show cash, nor how they're dressed when they cross, nor what visa or stamp they're asking for.

I'd like to buy a ticket for the bus, 24 hours from now, and make the trip on Friday, to Mae Sai. I've got a plan that includes being well dressed, showing current bank book and ATM slip, and 20K in my wallet to cleverly show to the officer without also revealing it to every thief in the neighborhood.

So, what's the report from Mae Sai?

Whatever the report, it seems you've covered your ass nicely

[astral]

I just crossed at Aranyaprathet a few days ago and no sign of showing evidence of cash. Perhaps they're just targeting backpackers, i was there with a suit. No problems for me.

Does anyone in Thailand wear a suit, except in an air-conditioned office?

Let alone on a visa run?

I would think it makes you look a traget for the thieves!!

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Pardon me for saying this thread lacks some substance, but the title of this thread ends "confirmed".  Besides normal discussion, have the reports contradicted themselves about Poipet and said nothing certain about Mae Sai, where the initial warning signs were posted in September?

Apparently there's no info as to whether people crossing at Mae Sai are being asked to show cash, nor how they're dressed when they cross, nor what visa or stamp they're asking for.

I'd like to buy a ticket for the bus, 24 hours from now, and make the trip on Friday, to Mae Sai.  I've got a plan that includes being well dressed, showing current bank book and ATM slip, and 20K in my wallet to cleverly show to the officer without also revealing it to every thief in the neighborhood. 

So, what's the report from Mae Sai?

Perhaps we can appoint you to pre vet every posting to ensure the positive certainty of each and everyone of those postings.

[PeaceBlondie]

Pardon me for saying this thread lacks some substance, but the title of this thread ends "confirmed".  Besides normal discussion, have the reports contradicted themselves about Poipet and said nothing certain about Mae Sai, where the initial warning signs were posted in September?.........[portion omitted].....So, what's the report from Mae Sai?

Perhaps we can appoint you to pre vet every posting to ensure the positive certainty of each and everyone of those postings.

Sorry, doctor, I was trying not to be overly critical. I'm a newcomer to this forum, and to Thailand. It was frustrating, though, to read through quite a few posts and not see any confirmation, except a slightly disputed crossing at Poipet.

But a mere 16 months in this beautiful Kingdom has made it obvious that nothing about immigration, visas, work permits, teacher's licenses, school schedules, etc., has much "positive certainty."

I apologize if I've let the scaremongers get to me.

[shellman]

As every situation has a flip side, my ex-wife, foreign born, has not been required to leave the USA even once in 25 years. How many non-Thai husbands with Thai wives can say the same about Thailand?

btw, based on a typical GS annual service pay, it must be EXTREMELY nice to be part of a family that makes 1.9 million baht per day!!! related to Thaksin by chance?

As a matter of fact, they make an anual 500 Million or so with a few factories in Samut Prakan and a few Hotels. And it is not my family but my wifes. Many Thais are rich, don't forget that. The vast majority is poor but there are exceptions to this rule. And the point is - they sure are better off then this low level paper pushers and yet their daughter get's treated like a potential prostitute who want's to run away to the US - Not everyone want's to live there, I would not want to live in the US even if somebody paid me for it. Too dangerous for my taste.

How many farangs exploit the kindness of Thailand...there are quite a few I'd say. Yet Thailand does not punish all others by tighten the rules. Maybe it should.

cheers

[unbiasbob]

As every situation has a flip side, my ex-wife, foreign born, has not been required to leave the USA even once in 25 years. How many non-Thai husbands with Thai wives can say the same about Thailand?

btw, based on a typical GS annual service pay, it must be EXTREMELY nice to be part of a family that makes 1.9 million baht per day!!!  related to Thaksin by chance? 

As a matter of fact, they make an anual 500 Million or so with a few factories in Samut Prakan and a few Hotels. And it is not my family but my wifes. Many Thais are rich, don't forget that. The vast majority is poor but there are exceptions to this rule. And the point is - they sure are better off then this low level paper pushers and yet their daughter get's treated like a potential prostitute who want's to run away to the US - Not everyone want's to live there, I would not want to live in the US even if somebody paid me for it. Too dangerous for my taste.

How many farangs exploit the kindness of Thailand...there are quite a few I'd say. Yet Thailand does not punish all others by tighten the rules. Maybe it should.

cheers

Well dude, excuuuuuuse the dangerous US for not giving you and your situation special treatment cause you got a lot o dough. Get your wife citizenship in any of the visa exempt countries with all that cash. Money can buy you happiness. oh wait, you hate the US. money can then buy you sadness.

PS: Osama and company got cash. thank god they don't get special treatment

[sriracha john]

  it must be EXTREMELY nice to be part of a family that makes 1.9 million baht per day!!!  related to Thaksin by chance? 

And it is not my family but my wifes.

It's sad and I'm sorry to hear that you don't feel that you are a part of your wife's family. I think that most good husbands would feel that they are.

[sriracha john]

Well dude, excuuuuuuse the dangerous US for not giving you and your situation special treatment cause you got a lot o dough.

I'm marking this date down in my calendar. On 10-2-04, I agree with unbiasbob.