On entry to Thailand, say at a major airport, does one have to prove one's solvency in any way, e.g. having enough cash to support oneself during the intended period of stay? I'm sure I read something about a US$500 or equivalent requirement, but can't find any reference.

(Not that it would be a problem, but I'd prefer not to have to carry more than a contingency reserve of cash).

I think it is fair to say that if you arriving at an airport and you don't look like a homeless waif, there won't be any questions about solvency.

Some consulates are asking for proof of 500 dollars to grant visas though.

Shimokitazawa, I have been coming to Thailand for 17 years and I have never been asked to show how much cash I have with me. This year itself I have come in twice at the airport and twice by land borders and in all cases was never asked about how much cash I have to support myself. However, I have been told that on rare occassions when someone "looks like" they are broke or might be a burden to the country they will ask to see at least 10,000 baht or it's equivalent in foreign currency.

I shouldn't think so either...........as most countries, you can not ( or it's against the law) take a wad out with you anyway. England used to be 200 sterling/cash max. I don't know what it is now though.

Excellent, I'll leave the hippy outfit at home and remember to wash the week before I depart then .

Seriously, thanks for the info, one never knows in these fast-changing times. FWIW I travel to Japan regularly, usually with just about enough cash to get me from the airport to the city, and have never had any probs there either.

As everyone has said the odds of you getting asked to show proof of funds are 100/1 but here is the official blurb as per the Minstry Of Foreign Affairs..................

2. TOURIST VISA

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months

- Visa application form completely filled out

- Recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant

- Evidence of travel from Thailand (air ticket paid in full)

- Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)

- Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary

TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION

.

- Foreigners entering Thailand under Tourist Visa Exemption must possess means of living expenses at the amount of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.

VISA ON ARRIVAL

- The applicant must possess means of living expenses at the amount of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand. All Rights Reserved.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Ayudhya Road, Bangkok 10400 Thailand.

As everyone has said the odds of you getting asked to show proof of funds are 100/1 but here is the official blurb as per the Minstry Of Foreign Affairs..................

2. TOURIST VISA

2. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months

- Visa application form completely filled out

- Recent( 4 x 6 cm.) photograph of the applicant

- Evidence of travel from Thailand (air ticket paid in full)

- Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family)

- Consular officers reserve the rights to request additional documents as deemed necessary

TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION

.

- Foreigners entering Thailand under Tourist Visa Exemption must possess means of living expenses at the amount of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.

VISA ON ARRIVAL

- The applicant must possess means of living expenses at the amount of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand. All Rights Reserved.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Ayudhya Road, Bangkok 10400 Thailand.

Yeah.....I'll go along with that. It's about the same amount you're legally allowed to take out of most countries.