Jump directly to the content
THAI-ME TO PAY

Tourists are asked to show £455 in CASH when visiting Thailand to clamp down on Western ‘begpackers’

Tourists heading to Thailand on holiday are reportedly being asked to prove they have 20,000 baht, as the country sees a rise in the number of 'begpackers'

TOURISTS heading to Thailand on holiday are reportedly being asked to prove they have 20,000 baht (£455) in cash before being allowed entry to the country.

It is thought that the new requirements at border checkpoints around the country could be used to curb a rise in “begpackers” – skint holidaymakers begging for cash on Thai streets – and foreigners who want to work in the country illegally.

Tourists heading to Thailand on holiday are reportedly being asked to prove they have 20,000 baht, as the country sees a rise in the number of 'begpackers'
3
Tourists heading to Thailand on holiday are reportedly being asked to prove they have 20,000 baht, as the country sees a rise in the number of 'begpackers'

The country has seen a huge rise in begpackers, with several videos and pictures emerging online of Westerners busking for money.

According to , there have been several reports of immigration officials asking for proof of cash from travellers carrying a tourist or educational visa.

The online forum revealed that travellers who have previously held Thai tourist visas were of particular interest to officials and that those who didn’t have the cash to hand were refused entry to the country.

One traveller who was turned away allegedly even showed officials proof of an onward flight, hotel bookings and bank statements showing funds.

They said: “I had a few thousand baht, plus printed bank statement and logged into internet banking to show a lot of savings, had hotel vouchers and a flight ticket out.

"Still refused, despite having a valid tourist visa.

“My passport says ‘I didn’t have any money to look after myself.’”

The country has seen a huge rise in begpackers, with several videos and pictures emerging online of westerners busking for money
3
The country has seen a huge rise in begpackers, with several videos and pictures emerging online of westerners busking for money

A Brit with three previous visas for the country was asked to show 20,000 baht in cash when entering the country at Don Mueang airport last Wednesday.

An immigration officer confirmed to ThaiVisa that people entering Thailand on a tourist visa now need to be able to show that they can support their stay in the country.

MOST READ IN TRAVEL

Ryanair scraps new flight route to winter sun city…less than year after launching
GROUNDED

Ryanair scraps new flight route to winter sun city…less than year after launching

English seaside town dubbed ‘Hackney-on-Sea’ is best for foodies say top chefs
EAT IT UP

English seaside town dubbed ‘Hackney-on-Sea’ is best for foodies say top chefs

One of Europe's cheapest cities to get revamped new train station
FULL STEAM AHEAD

One of Europe's cheapest cities to get revamped new train station

Winter sun holiday hotspot named No.1 for Brits has direct flights & no jet lag
HOT STUFF

Winter sun holiday hotspot named No.1 for Brits has direct flights & no jet lag

Several countries around the world require travellers with tourist visas to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country, although not usually in cash.

Ireland, for example, requires evidence of how you intend to finance your trip and support yourself for the duration of your visit, via a detailed bank statement, covering a six month period immediately prior to the visa application.

Bangkok is a right of passage for many young western backpackers
3
A holiday in Bangkok is a right of passage for many young western backpackers, although many arrive in the country with few fundsCredit: Getty Images

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU