Tourist, 23, denied entry into Thailand at Bangkok airport as she didn't have enough money

A 23-year-old European tourist was reportedly denied entry into Thailand after immigration officers found that she didn't have enough money on hand.

In a video posted on TikTok, the woman, who goes by Kaya, shared her experience being detained at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok. 

The incident reportedly took place on Dec. 2, 2025.

After disembarking at the airport, Kaya and her mother were taken aside by immigration and informed that they didn't have sufficient funds.

As part of Thailand's existing entry rules, tourists entering Thailand must show proof of finances of at least 20,000 baht (S$814.95) per person, if asked.

Immigration officers are able to enforce this rule at their discretion, reported The Thaiger.

Detained for 13 hours

Kaya said she is a frequent traveller to Thailand, but has never been asked about her funds before. 

She was not aware of the minimum funds rule, she said.

In the comments section, she clarified that she did have the minimum funds, and had merely filled out the immigration forms "incorrectly" due to being in a rush.

She was detained approximately 13 hours before being deported to Vietnam, her last point of departure.

While her past experiences in Thailand have been "very positive", Kaya expressed frustration at being denied entry over a "technicality".

"We could have fixed it in minutes by going to an ATM," she said.

@kaotickaya I was denied entry to Thailand over a technicality 😳 pt1 ⚠️A warning to all travellers planning on entering Thailand through DMK, this airport is notoriously strict on technicalities. Avoid it at all costs unless you want to spend the night in an immigration holding room. I was there for 13 hours and the stories I heard from other people in the holding room were insane, most of them were given ridiculous reasons for being denied entry. I will explain the full reason and details on how to avoid this situation in pt2. #creatorsearchinsights #thailand #immigration #traveltiktok #backpacking ♬ original sound - Kaya | Third Culture Kid 🌍

"Technicalities"

Kaya said she was posting the video as a warning to other travellers planning to enter DMK.

She called the airport "notoriously strict on technicalities", and advised other tourists to avoid the airport as a point of entry.

In a second video, Kaya said that she was told by multiple immigration officers to try re-entering Thailand via a different airport.

She later managed to enter Thailand on Dec. 4 after going through Suvarnabhumi Airport "with zero issues".

The woman stressed that all her stays in Southeast Asia are legal and she did not overstay any of her visas.

@kaotickaya I was denied entry to Thailand this week and here is the simple explanation. This wasn’t about overstaying or breaking rules — our stays have always been legal. I’m sharing this because people travelling soon should know that immigration decisions can sometimes be unclear and strict, even when you think you’ve done everything right. Requirements to guarantee your best chance at entering Thailand again: - 20k baht in cash - Digital arrival card - Accommodation booked in Thailand - Proof of onward travel To avoid the same mistake I made, these requirements are always subject to change and all travellers should check them on the official government website before booking your trip. https://www.thaigov.go.th/en ❤️🇹🇭 #creatorsearchinsights #thailand #immigration #explorer #foryoupagе ♬ original sound - Kaya | Third Culture Kid 🌍

Thailand’s official entry rules state that foreign tourists must provide evidence of sufficient financial means when entering the country.

According to the Thai Embassy, applicants for a tourist visa and travellers entering Thailand under the visa exemption rule must show proof of finances of at least 20,000 baht (S$814.95) per person upon request.  

Other required documents include proof of onward travel, such as a paid airline ticket, and accommodation details.

If deemed necessary, consular officers may request additional documentation. 

Top photo from KaoticKaya/TikTok.