Travellers Must Bring At Least THB5,000 In Cash Before They Can Enter Thailand
It's not a new law.
By Tang Ruxyn — 09 Jan 2018, 12:54 PM
Malaysians travelling to Thailand must carry enough cash set by the authorities if they do not want to be refused entry
Based on the information found on the Thai Embassy website, it is learned that the Thai authorities impose a minimum cash limit on all foreign visitors (except minors under 12 years old) travelling by sea, land, or air linkages:
1. Holders of a transit visa or those who enter Thailand without a visa are required to possess not less than the equivalent amount of 5,000 Baht per person or 10,000 Baht per family.
2. Holders of a Tourist Visa - not less than the equivalent amount of 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family.
3. Holders of a Non-immigrant Visa - not less than the equivalent amount of 10,000 Baht per person or 20,000 Baht per family.
As stated above, travellers do not need to have actual Baht, but the equivalent of any other currency will work. At the time of writing, THB10,000 is translated to about RM1,200 based on the current exchange rate.
This ruling is not new as it has been enforced for the last decade, although it is noted that a Thai border official confirmed the matter recently
A report by The Sun published yesterday, 8 January, cited the official who said that travellers need to carry a minimum of THB10,000 to THB20,000 when entering Thailand.
It was reported that the official, who requested for anonymity, was responding to complaints by Malaysians who said that they were denied entry because they did not have sufficient cash on them.
Last year, there were media reports on the Thai authorities conducting regular checks to ensure that foreign visitors have enough cash on them before they are allowed into the country
According to these reports, the increased scrutiny was said to be an effort to keep out people who may be entering Thailand to work illegally.
It was also speculated that tourists are being asked to prove they have enough money to curb certain backpackers (now dubbed as 'begpackers') from begging around in Thailand to fund their travel expenses.
These reports came about as there were claims that some tourists were refused entry and some were held in an immigration detention centre after they failed to produce enough cash when stopped by immigration officials.