20K at Sadao for ALL visas?

[lkv]

Thought I'd post this here, it was posted a few hours ago on Facebook.

 

Not news for some, we knew about Sadao being problematic.

 

However, they now seem to be requiring 20K proof for nonB holders with WP.

 

It's interesting it's being claimed that bribes don't not work anymore :) I think Sadao came on top as being one of the most corrupted borders in the last few years.

 

Anyways, never used Sadao, never will, but I thought this may interest some.

 

 

[ubonjoe]

5 hours ago, lkv said:

It's interesting it's being claimed that bribes don't not work anymore :) I think Sadao came on top as being one of the most corrupted borders in the last few years.

I guess you missed the new last month when they transferred several officers for soliciting "tea money" from people entering the country.

[anon789561]

strange that they are asking for proof of funds if someone has a work permit. I suppose some get work permits for voluntary work but they can just read the permit to see what it says. i reckon they've been told off down there and are being over the top now by the sounds of it 555

[Briggsy]

14 minutes ago, Happy enough said:

strange that they are asking for proof of funds if someone has a work permit. I suppose some get work permits for voluntary work but they can just read the permit to see what it says. i reckon they've been told off down there and are being over the top now by the sounds of it 555

WP and non-imm B + visa runs every 90 days means they don't have an extension of permission to stay.

 

One of the reasons for the above situation is that they don't meet the minimum salary requirement for an extension of permission to stay. Hence the request for proof of funds has some logical basis.

 

However, flashing 20,000 Baht at a border crossing does not mean you can support yourself and failing to have 20,000 Baht on your person doesn't mean you cannot support yourself. It is a very inaccurate test for 'having means of support'. However, that discussion is for another thread.

[anon789561]

4 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

WP and non-imm B + visa runs every 90 days means they don't have an extension of permission to stay.

 

One of the reasons for the above situation is that they don't meet the minimum salary requirement for an extension of permission to stay. Hence the request for proof of funds has some logical basis.

 

However, flashing 20,000 Baht at a border crossing does not mean you can support yourself and failing to have 20,000 Baht on your person doesn't mean you cannot support yourself. It is a very inaccurate test for 'having means of support'. However, that discussion is for another thread.

yeah, the whole 20k thing is nonsense really. that would last most people a few weeks max. unless they live in a dump, eat soi food and only drink water. pretty sure the authorities want spenders here

[JackThompson]

18 minutes ago, Happy enough said:

strange that they are asking for proof of funds if someone has a work permit. I suppose some get work permits for voluntary work but they can just read the permit to see what it says. i reckon they've been told off down there and are being over the top now by the sounds of it 555

Take away their tea-money, and they are punishing travelers. When you build a lifestyle based on income from bribes, it must be difficult to adjust to subsisting on one's legitimate salary, instead.  Why pay a big-money deposit, required to obtain many govt-jobs, if you can't get the fringe-benefits?   I would guess those "buy a job" funds were often loans - which now cannot be paid-back.  The only thing left to do is fume and hurt random-people unnecessarily.

That said, in the cases cited in that FB post, it would seem they are within the law with their request, as 20K Baht can be requested for anyone arriving for a "Visa-based Entry" - whether a TR, B, Non-O, etc.  Those on "extensions of stay" given them by Immigration should not have to show any money - though carrying it is likely easier than debating the point and making enemies.

 

5 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

However, flashing 20,000 Baht at a border crossing does not mean you can support yourself and failing to have 20,000 Baht on your person doesn't mean you cannot support yourself. It is a very inaccurate test for 'having means of support'. However, that discussion is for another thread.

This is 100% correct.  It's too much to walk around with - especially in seedy border-areas - but not enough to prove you can actually support a 60 or 90 day stay in Thailand.

[JackThompson]

3 minutes ago, Happy enough said:

yeah, the whole 20k thing is nonsense really. that would last most people a few weeks max. unless they live in a dump, eat soi food and only drink water. pretty sure the authorities want spenders here

Big spenders, unless you are coming from China, of course - in which case you get a "Free Visa (~$30)" thrown in, to make your trip financially-possible.

[anon789561]

Just now, JackThompson said:

Big spenders, unless you are coming from China, of course - in which case you get a "Free Visa (~$30)" thrown in, to make your trip financially-possible.

yeah. they haven't quite worked out how to attract the big spenders. there's loads of Chinese buying up designer clothes in the malls though. they just don't seem to eat out locally much. so all the money is taken by the richer people basically. well that's kind of how I see it. but I suppose I can only talk from what I see in the areas I frequent

[PhuketSarah]

Happened to me last month at Pendang Besar, on a Retirement with multi entry. Wanted me to enter the country WITHOUT a stamp, and go to the bank.  I refused and they backed down.