As of 19th February 2010, all tourists entering Thailand are now required to have a minimum of 10,000 Thai Baht in cash on their person when they go through Immigration
All tourists entering Thailand now need to be able to show that they have a minimum amount of money on their person before they are allowed through Immigration.
The amounts vary for different visas:
1. Transit Visa holder: Must hold minimum THB 10,000 per passenger or THB 20,000 per family.
2. Tourist Visa holder: Must hold minimum THB 20,000 per passenger or THB 40,000 per family.
3. Visa on Arrival: Must hold minimum THB 10,000 per passenger or THB 20,000 per family.
4. Non Immigrant Visa holder: Must hold minimum THB 20,000 per passenger or THB 40,000 per family.
Most tourists come to Thailand and get a visa on arrival (technically a visa waiver) so will be required to hold 10,000 Baht. This money can be in an equivalent foriegn currency, but it must be in cash – no credit cards are accepted as proof of funds.
This is actually an existing Thai law which has now started to be enforced again. In reality it is highly unlikely everyone going through Immigration is going to be asked to show that they have the money on them – it is up to the discretion of the Immigration officials and whether they like the look of you.
It’s worth keeping an eye on this discussion topic at ThaiVisa.com as to how this new ruling progresses. In the meantime, to be safe, make sure you have the requisite amount on you before you enter Thailand – you’ll soon need it once you enter the country anyway.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that tourists entering Thailand are occasionally asked to produce their return flight ticket too – so you should ensure you have your departure from Thailand planned too.
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Hi Chris,
Quick question from a first time traveler to Thailand. On arrival, how can I produce a return ticket to immigration if I booked an e-ticket? Do I just bring the e-mail receipt the airline sent me? Thanks!
Hi Tony – yes, just bring a print out of the eticket. It’s unlikely you’ll be asked to show it but better to be safe. Do also retain your boarding pass stub when you leave the plane – Thai immigration officials sometimes ask to see it. Never figured out why exactly.