So, here's a brief rundown:

I'm in Malaysia about to apply for my first SE Tourist visa, I only have 2 other Visa Exemptions in my passport (6 months apart) and 1 extension.

I have heard recently that some (very few) travellers have been asked to show 20k baht on arrival?

So here are my questions:

1. Is there anywhere in Malaysia that I can get THB with my (Australian) debit card? 

2. If not, will I have to get some Ringgit out of an ATM and exchange it to THB?

3. How often does this 20k waving actually happen?

 

 

Moved to here.

1. I don't think so.

2. You can show the equivalent of 20k baht in any exchangeable currency. The would accept ringgit.

3. Not often but best to be prepared in case they do.

You can show dollars sterling  any major currency to the value of 20,000. 

If they ask!!!!

Some Embassy's will not accept cash as proof, they will only accept a bank statement, I have no idea if Malaysia is one of them, maybe better for you to check before you apply

6 minutes ago, darrendsd said:

Some Embassy's will not accept cash as proof, they will only accept a bank statement, I have no idea if Malaysia is one of them, maybe better for you to check before you apply

I think he asking about entering the country not for the visa application.

Just now, ubonjoe said:

I think he asking about entering the country not for the visa application.

Yes reading the OP again you are probably correct Joe 

3 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Moved to here.

1. I don't think so.

2. You can show the equivalent of 20k baht in any exchangeable currency. The would accept ringgit.

3. Not often but best to be prepared in case they do.

Ah! So I can just get out 20k worth of Ringgit (around 2700RM) and show them that?

2 minutes ago, crookedtooth said:

Ah! So I can just get out 20k worth of Ringgit (around 2700RM) and show them that?

Yes, that will be fine at the border. Note, though, that if a consulate asks for financial proof, cash is not OK. You need proof of money in a bank account for that eventuality, as they want a copy they can place in their records. Thus, to be completely safe, you need both cash and a recent bank statement or equivalent.

12 minutes ago, BritTim said:

Yes, that will be fine at the border. Note, though, that if a consulate asks for financial proof, cash is not OK. You need proof of money in a bank account for that eventuality, as they want a copy they can place in their records. Thus, to be completely safe, you need both cash and a recent bank statement or equivalent.

Is this regarding when I head back into Bangkok, through Immigration? Or is when I apply for my visa? 

So the overview of it all is: I have to have technically 40k to show them, 20k in my pocket and 20k in my bank?

The consulate is application for the visa. That is where you (may) need proof of money in your bank account which, by the way, is not necessarily 20,000 baht. I have heard reports that they want to see US$ 1,000 at some consulates.

 

Immigration is entering at a land crossing or an airport. That is where you (may) need proof in cash or travelers checks of 20,000 baht in Thai baht or the equivalent in a major convertible currency.

 

Yes, depending on where you apply for the visa (and your visa history) and where you enter Thailand (and your history of entries into Thailand) it is possible that you could need one or both.