General Reports

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2063180]My apologies if this has already been posted but felt this is useful information for those coming to Thailand. Earlier this week immigration has turned away many people who can not show 20,000 baht in cash when entering Thailand. This must be cash, not what is in your bank account. I believe it can be in any currency but safer to have baht imo. Better safe than sorry carry cash.[/QUOTE]I would think that this would only be nationals of some countries who they think will overstay and work illegally. I doubt anyone coming from the US, Australia, etc. Would even get asked. I never have been. I've never seen anyone turned away for not having sufficient cash, but that's not to say it hasn't happened, I jst haven't noticed / seen it.

[QUOTE=Horatio;2055684]I have my ticket leaving us on August 2 and returning end of October. Do I need any kind of visa when I arrive there? I know I will have to get an extension. Can I get a 60 day extension easily? My biggest worry is not being allowed in the country with a return date that far out. Is that something I should be concerned a out?
Thank you for any advice.[/QUOTE]Check the Consulate for your home country. Easy to read and stay times are listed along with costs for visas. FYI, you can not get a 60 day extension. Only 30 day extensions for 1900 baht.

There was an article on Yahoo news today about the Thai govt trying to crack down on western hippie types begging for money on the street. That is why they are asking to see money when you arrive.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2054795]Money withdrawal discussion. Good topic....
I haven't tried either of these suggestions below yet but definitely will try soon:
1. go inside the bank to a human bank teller to avoid the Thai ATM fee (200-250 baht) completely. The bigger bonus is there is no withdrawal limit.
2. Wire transfer money to yourself. My require a bit of calculating but may be cheaper to use a money exchange and pay their fee than to pay both an ATM fee along with another higher ridiculous fee from your home bank (for those who are not lucky enough to be from the US and have a Charles Schwab account). No Thai banks are on the global ATM system.
Any other suggestions that could save me at least $20 per week would be much appreciated.[/QUOTE]I'm sure you know to bring some cash. Of course it depends on how much you feel comfortable carrying / plus safety issue using the room safes, etc. Everyone has different opinions on this. In regards to going inside the bank, be careful. I did it once as a test and my bank at home charged me a fee. I contacted the USA Bank and explained that I was using my debit card to withdraw money from my account because the ATM didn't work. For this 'one time' they refunded me the fee. Be warned about your bank's fees.

Wire t-fers also cost. Can be up to $30 USD. So I would avoid that option.

Bionic man. If you don't believe me search the internet and on Thai visa. This began last week. Another rule to dissuade people coming in to Thailand to work. Remember 20,000 baht to many of these poorer countries is a lot. So far no reports from suvabharumi but it has happened at dmk and other airports.

[QUOTE=Artisttyp;2063244]western hippie types begging for money on the street. [/QUOTE]Fuck them, they belong in Costa Rica with the rest of them losers!

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2063257]Bionic man. If you don't believe me search the internet and on Thai visa. This began last week. Another rule to dissuade people coming in to Thailand to work. Remember 20,000 baht to many of these poorer countries is a lot. So far no reports from suvabharumi but it has happened at dmk and other airports.[/QUOTE]It may assist your case if you post a link.

[QUOTE=Artisttyp;2063244]There was an article on Yahoo news today about the Thai govt trying to crack down on western hippie types begging for money on the street. That is why they are asking to see money when you arrive.[/QUOTE]IMO the farang beggars are going to beg either way. It is a bohemian lifestyle choice for them even if they have money in their pocket. Sad.

Having sufficient funds to support yourself while in Thailand is an entry requirement. It is infrequently enforced. Mostly at land crossings and less so at airports. I would think a credit card would do the trick if asked.

Thai immigration officials may also ask for your onward / return ticket if entering at an airport. I once had Thai Airlines ask me before letting be board at FRA because I was traveling on one-way tickets.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/some-tourist-visa-holders-asked-to-show-20-000-baht-in-cash-9041162

SL

[QUOTE=Sunlover2;2063266]
Thai immigration officials may also ask for your onward / return ticket if entering at an airport. I once had Thai Airlines ask me before letting be board at FRA because I was traveling on one-way tickets.

SL[/QUOTE]That's been a requirement in most countries for many years. I was working in Malaysia in the mid ninties and prior to getting a work permit I flew back to Aus on a return from KL. When I went to leave Aus again they asked me if I had an onwards ticket. Luckly I had a ticket to Bangkok, I was planning a business trip there, so it wasn't a problem.

It's the airlines who ask because if you are refused entry for not having a return ticket / visa then they have to absord the cost and the hassles. Not every country enforces this but they have the right to.

[QUOTE=Stykler;2063265]It may assist your case if you post a link.[/QUOTE]I mentioned where to look. Thai visa.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2063257]Bionic man. If you don't believe me search the internet and on Thai visa. This began last week. Another rule to dissuade people coming in to Thailand to work. Remember 20,000 baht to many of these poorer countries is a lot. So far no reports from suvabharumi but it has happened at dmk and other airports.[/QUOTE]What's thai visa? Another forum as this one. Get real, please. Word of mouth builds fish from 4 inches to a barracuda.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;2063257]Bionic man. If you don't believe me search the internet and on Thai visa. This began last week. Another rule to dissuade people coming in to Thailand to work. Remember 20,000 baht to many of these poorer countries is a lot. So far no reports from suvabharumi but it has happened at dmk and other airports.[/QUOTE]Well, I am feeling sorry for those coming from a poor country and going to Thailand for a job, but I don't think it is the case of 99.9% of the people here.

So what's the deal in bringing up this topic in here?

It is also forbidden to have sex with girls below a certain age, do you want to open a debate on this, then?

Or forbidden to bring or detain drug, will you open a thread on it?

[QUOTE=BionicMan;2063402]Well, I am feeling sorry for those coming from a poor country and going to Thailand for a job, but I don't think it is the case of 99.9% of the people here.

So what's the deal in bringing up this topic in here?

It is also forbidden to have sex with girls below a certain age, do you want to open a debate on this, then?

Or forbidden to bring or detain drug, will you open a thread on it?[/QUOTE]It's odd that you seem to feel personally aggrieved by Banana Boi helpfully reporting on this. You can find a report on this in [URL=http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/thailand-tourist-visa-begpackers-crack-down-show-20000-baht-before-entering-country-immigration-a7846906.html]The Independent[/URL] from three days ago as well as [URL=http://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/07/18/some-tourist-visa-holders-being-asked-to-show-bt20000-in-cash-when-entering-thailand.html]The Jakarta Post[/URL] which cites ThaiVisa and notes occurrences at airports and land borders. What's more even the [URL=http://www.thaiembassy.org/telaviv/en/services/685/17388-Entry-to-Thailand.html]Thai Embassy Site[/URL] lists currency requirements upon entry for Tourist Visa holders of 10 K Baht per person or 20 K Baht per family, with the numbers being 5 K /10 K for transit Visas or those without a Visa.

This is good information, and although I don't need a Visa as I will be staying for less than 15 days on my upcoming trip I'll make sure to have at least 10 K Baht equivalent when entering.

[QUOTE=Chresquire;2063585]It's odd that you seem to feel personally aggrieved by Banana Boi helpfully reporting on this. You can find a report on this in [URL=http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/thailand-tourist-visa-begpackers-crack-down-show-20000-baht-before-entering-country-immigration-a7846906.html]The Independent[/URL] from three days ago as well as [URL=http://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/07/18/some-tourist-visa-holders-being-asked-to-show-bt20000-in-cash-when-entering-thailand.html]The Jakarta Post[/URL] which cites ThaiVisa and notes occurrences at airports and land borders. What's more even the [URL=http://www.thaiembassy.org/telaviv/en/services/685/17388-Entry-to-Thailand.html]Thai Embassy Site[/URL] lists currency requirements upon entry for Tourist Visa holders of 10 K Baht per person or 20 K Baht per family, with the numbers being 5 K /10 K for transit Visas or those without a Visa.

This is good information, and although I don't need a Visa as I will be staying for less than 15 days on my upcoming trip I'll make sure to have at least 10 K Baht equivalent when entering.[/QUOTE]I had a international flight out yesterday and asked directly to immigration what's going on and what's sufficient proof. The answer I got was that a bankbook is fine in Phuket at least. How actual it needs to be wasn't really anything mentioned.

[QUOTE=Chresquire;2063585]It's odd that you seem to feel personally aggrieved by Banana Boi helpfully reporting on this. You can find a report on this in [URL=http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/thailand-tourist-visa-begpackers-crack-down-show-20000-baht-before-entering-country-immigration-a7846906.html]The Independent[/URL] from three days ago as well as [URL=http://www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2017/07/18/some-tourist-visa-holders-being-asked-to-show-bt20000-in-cash-when-entering-thailand.html]The Jakarta Post[/URL] which cites ThaiVisa and notes occurrences at airports and land borders. What's more even the [URL=http://www.thaiembassy.org/telaviv/en/services/685/17388-Entry-to-Thailand.html]Thai Embassy Site[/URL] lists currency requirements upon entry for Tourist Visa holders of 10 K Baht per person or 20 K Baht per family, with the numbers being 5 K /10 K for transit Visas or those without a Visa.

This is good information, and although I don't need a Visa as I will be staying for less than 15 days on my upcoming trip I'll make sure to have at least 10 K Baht equivalent when entering.[/QUOTE]What you guys probably are willing not to see is that the point is the "profiling" of this matter.

All this is clearly addressed to specific categories of "tourists", if and when enforced.

Unless. With no disrespect but as a fact. You guys are coming from one of those cited countries.

20000 baht is 500€ or 600 $: don't tell me you enter the country with less of that, being also Thailand a market where credit cards can be mainly used for hotel bulls and expensive venues, and not much more, for a daily tourist and mongering activities.

I have not seen it posted on the NYT or Die Zeit.

I still fail to see the mentioned amount in relation to the length of the stay. Which is the crucial thing.

I will be soon in bkk and, without arrogance, I am pretty sure such a question will not be put to me. And not because I am a handsome man.