In principle, yes. The 500k baht equivalent is in generic requirements, meaning that it applies to you both. However, some embassies are a little more lenient and do not require the money for dependents. It is worth checking.

And even if the money is required for you both, you could still get around it by using the same 500k twice. That then depends on the seasoning requirement, which also differs per embassy. Some do not require any seasoning, so you could just send the money to your spouse to support his/her application. You can't apply simultaneously anyways if your spouse applies as your dependent; it must then be done sequentially.

@Nongnuch *******

and at the same time, the entire world keeps speaking of "visa extension", understanding that this also applies to exemption, and in these provinces people can't find their way to it anymore. No, I don't think that was a good call.

@Nongnuch *******

you can blame immigrations many things, but not this. Maybe the mistake is to call the visa exemption that, instead of the perhaps more suitable "visa on arrival". The problem is then that that term is already in use. But many more people would understand what is meant if you call it that. Then the term "visa extension" would be slightly more accurate. But even if it's not accurate, I think it's preferred they use this term over some other because everyone would just immediately understand what is meant. Internationally the term is used frequently, whereas if you'd speak of "extension of stay permit", many would think of permanent stayers and the like.

@Brandon ***********

you even said they use this stamp regardless of the reason and without even asking for the cash. And then you say I'm flat out wrong? I think our opinions on this have more in common than differences.

@James ******

you did ask a question. You forgot. How convenient it was deleted 😅

@Brandon ***********

this law is heavily outdated and stupid, and carrying that much cash is neither common nor safe. I think this law requires a little grain of salt. Nobody will ever be refused entry to Thailand for keeping money in the bank.

@James ******

I talk to the one who asked if there are other ways to get visas beside from abroad, and who then stubbornly refuses to even listen to the answer, who somehow reasoned that because somebody else wrote something it cannot qualify as an answer to YOUR question, possibly because it makes you stand corrected on your initial reply.

@Thaimer *****

I've once lost all my cash. Stolen by a fellow traveler. I still regret having withdrawn too much, though it wasn't as much as 20k. I remember realizing that it wasn't really safe but I wanted to save a few pennies on withdrawal costs, like you suggest. If only I had not bothered about the pennies.

But well, you do you. It's of course not wise, and no, others don't do it, and yes, you may also encounter an unlucky moment one day. If not, luck is with the stupid, they say. But I'll be happy for you.

@Thaimer *****

pretty much everyone you know carries that much cash around? Sorry, but no. Just no.

Yes, to keep your cash safe you store it in a bank account. And then withdraw piecemeal. Of course 3000 is too little with the steep withdrawal fee, but you're not gonna carry your entire holiday budget in your pockets, come on.

@James ******

are you playing stupid? Dude you ask someone if there are other ways to obtain a visa except getting one upfront, even though the whole damn topic is about one. It's in the opening post which you replied to. It's not your post, so what? It's still written, it answers your question, but somehow you can't read it. Fine. I'm afraid you may have more defections than just reading issues.