Thailand holiday? You could be turned away at the airport if you don’t have THIS
THAILAND has reportedly introduced a pricey new entry rule for tourists, in a bid to clampdown on bad behaviour.
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It has some of the best beaches the world has to offer so it’s no surprise Thailand is extremely popular when it comes to holidays.
But tourists are being warned of a costly new rule they might encounter upon entry.
According to online forum ThaiVisa, some travellers have been asked to show proof of cash before entering the country.
Those who didn’t have enough cash on them have even reported being denied entry altogether.
It’s believed the rule is an attempt to clampdown on a recent spike in ‘begpackers’, Western tourists busking on the streets of Thailand for money.
Thailand holidays - if you have a tourist visa you might be asked to show proof of cash
Still refused despite having a valid tourist visa
Travellers on tourist or educational visas have been asked to show proof of at least 20,000 baht (£458) at border entry.
One tourist who claims they were turned away 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 [now] says ‘I didn’t have any money to look after myself’.”
Tourists with previous visas to the country are being especially targeted, according to ThaiVisa.
Thailand holidays - tourists claim they are being asked to show proof of 20,000 baht (£458) on entry
One Briton who had three prior visas was asked to show proof of cash just last Wednesday at Don Mueang Airport.
Another ThaiVisa member said they were being held at Suvarnabhumi Airport because they could only produce 8,000 baht (£183).
A Thailand immigration officer confirmed to ThaiVisa that travellers entering the country on tourist visas now must be able to prove they can support their stay.
The anonymous staff member said it’s at the officer’s discretion to decide how much proof they need.
It’s the latest proposal to crack down on tourists visiting the Asian nation.
Thailand immigration officers are reportedly denying tourists who don't have enough cash
Last month tourism officials in Thailand called for mandatory travel insurance for all visitors.
The push has come in a bid to recover losses incurred from unpaid medical bills.
As tourist numbers surge, there has been a spike in uninsured holidaymakers needing medical treatment.
According to authorities, many of these travellers can’t afford to pay for their treatment and often leave hospital without paying at all.
Express.co.uk has contacted the Tourism Authority of Thailand for comment.