Some tourist visa holders being asked to show 20,000 baht in CASH when entering Thailand

[juice777]

It's not as though they are hiding the requirement for 20,000 to obtain a TrV. This came up when I googled "requirements for tourist visa in Thailand" Seems to me all this talk about the modern age etc is just hokum as apparently all the "switched on" people can't use google, LOL.   Documents required:

• Passport or travel document with a validity not less than 6 months.
• Visa application form (filled out)
• One(1) recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant.
• Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
• Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)

Tourist Visa in Thailand | ThaiEmbassy.com

www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/thailand-tourist-visa.php

I must admit it was probably my fault that I didn't know(or maybe I did years ago but just forgot). I dont look at the requirements now days I will hold my hand up to that. But what you just posted dose not say cash anyway. We all know it's a out of date law what is never inforced and they are just using it to knock back people they don't want here . Or people that immigration have taken a dislike to for what ever reason. I got no actually problem with people who are working here without a work permit not being allowed in. But it's the way it's being done and the fact that genuine tourists will be affected by this .

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[petedk]

I remember I went to East Germany about 30 years ago and I remember that I had to have a certain of cash on me. I cannot remember the amount but it was according to the number of days I was spending there.

When I left the country I had to declare down to the last pfennig how much money I was taking out of the country.
Again, sorry I cannot remember exactly but I had to prove where I had spent the money by showing receipts.

Not everyone was checked like that though

[Lamar]

43 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

It's not as though they are hiding the requirement for 20,000 to obtain a TrV.

This came up when I googled "requirements for tourist visa in Thailand"

Seems to me all this talk about the modern age etc is just hokum as apparently all the "switched on" people can't use google, LOL.

 

Documents required:

• Passport or travel document with a validity not less than 6 months.
• Visa application form (filled out)
• One(1) recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant.
• Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
• Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)

 

Tourist Visa in Thailand | ThaiEmbassy.com

www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/thailand-tourist-visa.php

Specifically, it is not mentioned that this sum must be in CASH! In any administrative procedure, extracts from accounts attesting to a regular income do the trick, plus bank cards, which can be read on a terminal; And, at worst, the possibility of withdrawing this sum from an ATM under escort.

 

Since having money in cash is mandatory, why not mention it on the consular site and why this is not specified at the time of obtaining the visa?

[perthperson]

9 minutes ago, Lamar said:

Since having money in cash is mandatory, why not mention it on the consular site

It is important to note you have lifted that from a COMMERCIAL site that is in no way associated with Thailand, her Embassies/Consulates  or the Thai Government. 

 

You missed this which is clearly displayed on that website 

 

"This is NOT the official website of the Thai Embassy." 

 

 

Edited July 18, 2017 by perthperson
typo removed

[CutiePi]

17 minutes ago, perthperson said:

It is important to note you have lifted that from a COMMERCIAL site that is in no way associated with Thailand, her Embassies/Consulates  or the Thai Government. 

 

You missed this which is clearly displayed on that website 

 

"This is NOT the official website of the Thai Embassy." 

 

 

I think the point the poster wanted to show is that the 20k information is readily found through a simple Google search.

[perthperson]

5 minutes ago, CutiePi said:

I think the point the poster wanted to show is that the 20k information is readily found through a simple Google search.

An indiscriminate Google search cannot be relied upon to deliver accurate information. In this case the (unofficial) information relates to applying for a visa and is not about entering Thailand 

Edited July 18, 2017 by perthperson

[AsianAtHeart]

1 hour ago, TechnikaIII said:

The 20,000 Baht may well still be in affect, but it is hopelessly archaic, being written before everyone had cash cards, and Internet banking. I would not carry that amount on me in Thailand unless I was going directly from Bank to pay a bill, or to buy something such as this MacBook ... 30,000+ 

If the authorities can eliminate muggers and pickpockets from the population, then ok.

People didn't have cash cards or internet banking in the year 2000?

 

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

It's not as though they are hiding the requirement for 20,000 to obtain a TrV.

This came up when I googled "requirements for tourist visa in Thailand"

Seems to me all this talk about the modern age etc is just hokum as apparently all the "switched on" people can't use google, LOL.

 

Documents required:

• Passport or travel document with a validity not less than 6 months.
• Visa application form (filled out)
• One(1) recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant.
• Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
• Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)

 

Tourist Visa in Thailand | ThaiEmbassy.com

www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/thailand-tourist-visa.php

The problem with your otherwise reasonable response is that any reasonable person could interpret the "proof of financial means" to include a bank statement or other form of documentation.  It does NOT indicate that said funds must be presented in cold hard CASH at the immigrations counter.

[Lamar]

46 minutes ago, perthperson said:

It is important to note you have lifted that from a COMMERCIAL site that is in no way associated with the Thailand, her Embassies/Consulates  or the Thai Government. 

 

You missed this which is clearly displayed on that website 

 

"This is NOT the official website of the Thai Embassy." 

 

 

Ah! OK! Sorry! 

Here is what is written on the site "Royal Thai Embassy" of my country:

 

- Copy of 6-month bank statement with a minimum balance of 600 Euros (Single Entry Tourist Visa) or 6,000 Euros (for the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) 

- If you are unemployed  a proof of income (document from unemployment benefit, pension or copy of your latest bank statement, etc.) 

 

These are actually two of the conditions for obtaining a visa; There is also the booking of the flight and proof of accommodation.

 

It is also stated that:

"Your documents will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand for approval. Visa application must therefore be submitted at least 4 weeksbefore the intended travel date."

Note that it is far simpler and quicker to have a visa in Vientiane: you fill in the form in the morning and you receive your visa the next day! Proof of income is not required.

 

I searched all the site of the Embassy and I found nothing mentioning that one must arrive in Thailand with 20,000 THB in pocket! This has never been mentioned to me either in the consulate in my country nor in the Vientiane consulate.

 

I found this mention regarding the visa waiver in the FAQs:

In the requirements for visa exemption, it is necessary to be able to present on arrival ..."a round-trip air ticket, proved document of confirmed accommodation in Thailand, and adequate finances equivalent to at least 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family. Otherwise, you may be inconvenienced upon entry into the country."

Do "adequate finances equivalent" means "cash" ? (English is not my mother tongue.)

 

Edited July 18, 2017 by Lamar

[perthperson]

1 minute ago, Lamar said:

Do "adequate finances equivalent" means "cash" ?

Yes ......

[Lamar]

3 minutes ago, perthperson said:

Yes ......

OK! Thanks! It means sense for "Visa Exemption", but less sense for the "Tourist Visa" because we had already to prove of finance and income to obtain the visa (at least from a Western country). The fact is that I do not see on the official website mentioning this obligation for the bearer of a visa to have this sum of 20,000 THB in cash on arrival ...

[impulse]

18 minutes ago, Father Fintan Stack said:

The day I am not allowed to enter as a tourist and spend money will be the day I do not return and do not spend any money in Thailand. Their loss. Plenty of other opportunities in neighbouring countries. I simply will not be forced to put or keep money in the bank or fork out extortionate amounts for lengthy VIP visas when I do not stay here for more than a few weeks at a time. 

 

That would be a pretty reasonable response, but it wouldn't save you from a real bad day if you happen to be the one sent to detention waiting for your flight out.  In fact, how does that work?  Especially if you have USD or GBP instead of THB or a credit card?  Seems pretty obvious, but I can see some logistics issues even buying a ticket from detention.

 

Not to mention all the negative energy of hundreds of people in the queue with their sphincters clenched wondering if they're going to get in on this visa...  Imagine flying 20+ hours not knowing.  I'd be making other plans just on the remote possibility they'd ruin my holiday.

 

 

[balo]

9 hours ago, free123 said:

20000 bhat = one night in bangkok with some high class beautys and the champagne

Not for  me, it's my monthly budget . 

 

[jspill]

9 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

It's not as though they are hiding the requirement for 20,000 to obtain a TrV.

This came up when I googled "requirements for tourist visa in Thailand"

Seems to me all this talk about the modern age etc is just hokum as apparently all the "switched on" people can't use google, LOL.

 

Documents required:

• Passport or travel document with a validity not less than 6 months.
• Visa application form (filled out)
• One(1) recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant.
• Round-trip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full)
• Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)

 

Tourist Visa in Thailand | ThaiEmbassy.com

www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/thailand-tourist-visa.php

That's the requirement to get the visa at the consulate, that's why it's listed next to the filled in application form and photo. 

 

If they don't ask for that cash when you apply (usually they don't), and then they give you the visa, one should rightly assume ok I'm fine now, I won't be pulled aside at the airport and not allowed to go to an ATM machine 10 metres away.... 

 

I don't know why this is so hard to understand. How can you possibly defend the willy nilly granting of visas at consulates, then that airport treatment. If it was your child on a gap year you'd be livid, first the consulate just takes their money for the visa, doesn't ask to see money or give any warning that it might be asked for at the airport, so the tourist doesn't withdraw it, then they're thrown into a detention cell potentially for up to 24 hours, paying for the privilege, plus the cost of a last minute flight, and now have a denied entry stamp that screws up their travel plans. 

 

This is happening to tourists who've only been in the Kingdom a year, and has happened to people who did have the 20k too. Nothing on Google about that as thaivisa omitted that fact from their article, so it's also missing from the article about this in the Nation and the Independent.

 

To know the whole story one has to spend hours on thaivisa but if anyone is reading this, it might not matter whether you have the 20k or not. Best strategy right now is to use the Vientiane land border if you have approximately a year or more of consecutive Thailand visa history in your passport.

Edited July 18, 2017 by jspill

[juice777]

Yes ......

No It dose not it says documentation of accommodation. And to me it reads documentation of finances as well it clearly dose not say cash. Dose the AND mean documentation of finances as well? To me it dose especially as it dose not say only cash. And also we can't show cash when applying for the visa. And the poster said it was hidden away on there Web site. And it says 10000 per person not 20000 so the whole thing is BS anyway.

 

"proved document of confirmed accommodation in Thailand, and adequate finances equivalent to at least 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000"

 

 

 

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[juice777]

That's the requirement to get the visa at the consulate, that's why it's listed next to the filled in application form and photo. 
 
If they don't ask for that cash when you apply (usually they don't), and then they give you the visa, one should rightly assume ok I'm fine now, I won't be pulled aside at the airport and not allowed to go to an ATM machine 10 metres away.... 
 
I don't know why this is so hard to understand. How can you possibly defend the willy nilly granting of visas at consulates, then that airport treatment. If it was your child on a gap year you'd be livid, first the consulate just takes their money for the visa, doesn't ask to see money or give any warning that it might be asked for at the airport, so the tourist doesn't withdraw it, then they're thrown into a detention cell potentially for up to 24 hours, paying for the privilege, plus the cost of a last minute flight, and now have a denied entry stamp that screws up their travel plans. 
 
This is happening to tourists who've only been in the Kingdom a year, and has happened to people who did have the 20k too. Nothing on Google about that as thaivisa omitted that fact from their article, so it's also missing from the article about this in the Nation and the Independent.
 
To know the whole story one has to spend hours on thaivisa but if anyone is reading this, it might not matter whether you have the 20k or not. Best strategy right now is to use the Vientiane land border if you have approximately a year or more of consecutive Thailand visa history in your passport.

Not just your passport even if you have a new one as at the border they can check all entries.

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[juice777]

That's the requirement to get the visa at the consulate, that's why it's listed next to the filled in application form and photo. 
 
If they don't ask for that cash when you apply (usually they don't), and then they give you the visa, one should rightly assume ok I'm fine now, I won't be pulled aside at the airport and not allowed to go to an ATM machine 10 metres away.... 
 
I don't know why this is so hard to understand. How can you possibly defend the willy nilly granting of visas at consulates, then that airport treatment. If it was your child on a gap year you'd be livid, first the consulate just takes their money for the visa, doesn't ask to see money or give any warning that it might be asked for at the airport, so the tourist doesn't withdraw it, then they're thrown into a detention cell potentially for up to 24 hours, paying for the privilege, plus the cost of a last minute flight, and now have a denied entry stamp that screws up their travel plans. 
 
This is happening to tourists who've only been in the Kingdom a year, and has happened to people who did have the 20k too. Nothing on Google about that as thaivisa omitted that fact from their article, so it's also missing from the article about this in the Nation and the Independent.
 
To know the whole story one has to spend hours on thaivisa but if anyone is reading this, it might not matter whether you have the 20k or not. Best strategy right now is to use the Vientiane land border if you have approximately a year or more of consecutive Thailand visa history in your passport.

Not just your passport even if you have a new one as at the border they can check all entries.

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[roadrunner32]

I always brought cash on my thai trips and I never used the ATM for withdrawals purpose . And I will keep that way in my future trips. But if someones likes to feed  banks and waste money, ok go ahead

[hawker9000]

21 hours ago, Zikomat said:

It is all about the tendency. Not just a couple of cases. The rules become stricter and stricter every day. Many people are worried about their future in this country. Even those who did not have a single problem until now. They know that their turn may be coming quite soon.

Some get it.  Some drowning in denial never will; not until the wolf comes knocking at their own door anyway...   'Something to do with Darwin I guess.

 

 

[elgenon]

On 7/17/2017 at 0:41 PM, action said:

Having 20k cash in your pocket is clear, irrefutable evidence that you are not working illegally.  Nice job Immigration!  

So you are suggesting they should be more thorough? What additional measures should they take?

[JAG]

Some get it.  Some drowning in denial never will; not until the wolf comes knocking at their own door anyway...   'Something to do with Darwin I guess.

 

 

The OP headline states "some tourists". Those with several back to back tourist visas, or visa exempt stamps in their passports. In other words people who have been living here on visas and entry permits designed for tourists and short term holidaymakers.

 

If you have an apartment or house, and family let alone a job you are hardly a tourist are you?

 

It is well over a year since they limited back to back via exemption entries. It was entirely obvious they were going to pay attention to similar abuse of tourist visas.

 

The requirements for the various non immigrant visa options are not particularly onerous if at times tedious.

 

Perhaps those in denial are those who thought they could continue to beat what are a very clear (if arguably archaic) set of rules.

 

[Bill Miller]

On 7/17/2017 at 0:42 PM, CRUNCHER said:

As I understand it there is no ATM air-side of immigration.  If you pass immigration to get to an ATM you have in fact entered the Kingdom and the only way to remove you is deportation - at least it is not as simple as being refused entry.

 

Another problem in respect of producing a bank book is that it is only accurate as at the date is was last updated. Even showing a credit card only shows you have a credit card; it does not show whether you are over limit etc.

 

Demanding to see cash is the simple way out for immigration. Having said that I am sure there is room for some leeway in handling this situation.

It is not just at airports, apparently. Padang Besar was mentioned as one of the "problem" spots.
Perhaps one could find an ATM before the inspection point?
I noticed there was at least one ATM conspicuously located just before the Laos exit at Savannakhet.
Why not have ATMs usefully located in the airport? The "undesireables"  likely won't have the funds available there, either.

[billd766]

21 hours ago, JAG said:

Where do you live?
:):)

 

37 km past Nakhon Nowhere in Sakhon Somewhere just to the right of the sign that says

 

"Beware of the Dragon"

 

Somewere in the white area on the map marked as" unexplored territory full of hostile natives".

[JAG]

I'll pop round next time the bills are due.
Dragons don't scare me, I live next door to the Mother in Law!

[billd766]

21 hours ago, rkidlad said:

I'm sure they can muster up 20k to have on them for the day.

 

If immigration are serious about cracking down, send the message onto the embassies and consulates to stop issuing visas to people with too many. It gives people the impression that entering will be no problem. It will save a lot of time and hassle having to go through this ridiculous charade of having to show 20k like that really proves anything. 20k is not a lot of money, but it's too much money for most people to be simply carrying on their person. 

 

Again, genuine tourists get caught up in all this nonsense and for what? 'Cos people in their paid positions aren't doing their jobs properly. 

 

The problem is that Immigration comes under the Police Department but embassies and consulates come under the MFA which is a different department.

 

IMHO most genuine tourists don't get caught up in this problem, as they are not usually coming in from a neighbouring country and either get a 30 day on arrival or they have a touist visa issued in their home country. In addition their passport is not stuffed with 30 day visas.

[billd766]

13 minutes ago, JAG said:

I'll pop round next time the bills are due.
Dragons don't scare me, I live next door to the Mother in Law!

 

The MIL dragon popped her scales nearly 2 years ago  and  went off to frolick in the autumn mist in a land called Honali.

 

SWMBO her daughter inherited the mantle of power and is the one to beware of now.

 

One of her worst spells and potions is called pla ra and keeps all us Johnny foreigners in state of terror in case she brings it near.

 

Her version of papaya pok pok is almost as dangerous.

 

Off topic.

Edited July 19, 2017 by billd766

[jspill]

1 hour ago, Bill Miller said:

It is not just at airports, apparently. Padang Besar was mentioned as one of the "problem" spots.
Perhaps one could find an ATM before the inspection point?
I noticed there was at least one ATM conspicuously located just before the Laos exit at Savannakhet.
Why not have ATMs usefully located in the airport? The "undesireables"  likely won't have the funds available there, either.

It pretty much is just airports. The Padang Besar incident was July 14, 2014. Someone accidentally linked it again thinking it was July 2017, then news media mistakenly inserted it into their articles, the Independent did:

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/thailand-tourist-visa-begpackers-crack-down-show-20000-baht-before-entering-country-immigration-a7846906.html

 

"It has been reported that immigration officials at Padang Besar were pulling tourist visa holders aside on Friday 14 July, taking anyone who could not show they had 20,000 baht in cash away for questioning."

 

 Nice journalism

 

Edited July 19, 2017 by jspill

[chuang]

If coming to thailand and if you have the cash ( only 20K ) why not bring it along instead of making excuses that you have tons of money in your bank account or ATM....blah blah balh....Mind you thailand is not the only country that "show me the money"... 

[Bill Miller]

57 minutes ago, jspill said:

It pretty much is just airports. The Padang Besar incident was July 14, 2014. Someone accidentally linked it again thinking it was July 2017, then news media mistakenly inserted it into their articles, the Independent did:

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/thailand-tourist-visa-begpackers-crack-down-show-20000-baht-before-entering-country-immigration-a7846906.html

 

"It has been reported that immigration officials at Padang Besar were pulling tourist visa holders aside on Friday 14 July, taking anyone who could not show they had 20,000 baht in cash away for questioning."

 

 Nice journalism

 

Ah, so desu.
Thanks for the updated info.

 

[alocacoc]

20kb is a lot of money. How can someone spent 20kb in his holiday?

[perthperson]

Just now, alocacoc said:

20kb is a lot of money. How can someone spent 20kb in his holiday?

 

Are you the original cheap charlie ?  

 

20K Bht is less than £500 -- or  approx £35/day if staying for 2 weeks. 

 

You are either on a windup or you enjoy fan rooms in cheap guest houses and noodle soup!