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Can I buy one way tickets to Thailand for my stay of different durations?

Visa RulesTravel TicketsThailand ImmigrationVisa ExemptionRetirement VisaOnward TravelAirline Policies
Sep 6, 2024
3 months ago
John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
coming to Thailand with my 21 year old son next month. he will stay 2-4 months. I will stay 6 months. Can we buy one way tickets and decide later when we will return? Thanks for advice!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster asks if they can purchase one-way tickets to Thailand for themselves and their son, considering they will stay for different lengths of time. Responses clarify that airline policies may require proof of onward travel within 60 days to board, particularly for the son, who plans to stay for up to 4 months. It's suggested that obtaining an onward ticket (which can be purchased cheaply) is prudent to avoid issues at check-in, despite varying experiences shared by commenters. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding visa rules and immigration concerns, particularly around the type of visa and planned length of stay.
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Henrik *****
2 one way tickets are more expensive than return, especialy when the go-home ticket will be bought very close to the travel date.
3 months ago
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Ralph *******
What visa type are you both getting?
3 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
We will both fly the

re with no visa. My son will fly home after 4 months. I'll be getting a retirement visa
3 months ago
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Ralph *******
@John *********
 Are you getting travel insurance? If you are then check the small print. Especially with regard to a return ticket.
3 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ralph ******
 I wasn't planning on it. maybe I should just buy round tickets for 60 days, and just pay to change it once we get there. I'm bringing my son and I don't want a hassle. Would that be the safest?
3 months ago
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Ralph *******
@John *********
 I’ve done the same before. Although the cancellation cost must be considered.
3 months ago
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Ralph *******
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Ralph *******
@John *********
 ok. So he can stay 60 days then get a 30 day extension. He then has to leave if he’s not getting a visa.
3 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ralph ******
 can't we make a border run?
3 months ago
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Ralph *******
@John *********
 Yes, of course you can.
3 months ago
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John **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ralph ******
 so, how should I book his flight? A round trip for 3 months? Or will the immigration care if I book it for 4 months? Given that I plan a border run. Or, book a 60 day, but then change the flight after we get there?
3 months ago
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Henrik *****
Thailand grant you permission to stay 60 days for free, but you show intend to stay 120 - 180 days, what would you think about a guest doing that, visiting you home.
3 months ago
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Ralph *******
@John *********
 Immigration rarely check it but they have the right to and to refuse you entry.

Increasingly, though, is that airlines check it when you check in. Had my tickets checked on two occasions.

A round trip for 3 months isn’t valid because you only get 60 days visa exemption. You can take the chance, of course, and will probably get away with it.
3 months ago
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Joseph ****
@Ralph ******
 Best answer.

OP: I entered Thailand twice this past summer. Both times from Japan. The first time I flew on Zip Air and they were anal, checking my ongoing ticket and even my hotel reservation.😑 The most recent time I flew in on JAL. I took a chance not yet having an ongoing ticket, but got away with it. Don't know if my anecdotes help or not.

Maybe have this site loaded on your phone when you check in and if you get any grief, step aside and quickly book something through here. Then return to the counter with a Cheshire cat grin.

*****************************************
3 months ago
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Ralph *******
@Joseph ***
 On my last trip I didn’t have a return as I was planning to get a 30 day extension. However, I got an onward ticket just in case. Just as well I did because the airline wanted proof of my exit from Thailand. It costs about $24 here but it’s worth it for the flexibility it gave me. I like open ended trips but they do cause other difficulties, such as insurance.
3 months ago
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Ralph *******
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Chris *********************
Google onward travel, get a disposable ticket,

For the sake of about 13 euro. Better be safe than sorry.
3 months ago
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Bart **************
That depends on the visa you'd be using.
3 months ago
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Brandon ************
If you are planning to come without a visa, then you need to check with your airline. They might require you to have a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days before they will let you board your flight.
3 months ago
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Martyn ***********
@Brandon ***********
 not necessarily a flight ticket to be clear...
3 months ago
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Rene ********
@Martyn **********
 confidence is good but too much is dangerous, lol
3 months ago
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Martyn ***********
@Rene *******
 eh? I'm not wrong.. A bus ticket will suffice.
3 months ago
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Nigel **************
@Martyn **********
 onward travel of some form
3 months ago
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Rene ********
@Martyn **********
 good luck

..start with visa choice
3 months ago
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Graham ******
@Martyn **********
 it might with some airlines but not all, why risk it to save about $10?
3 months ago
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Bart **************
@Graham *****
 because the money is sank in a hole of nothingness. A pointless requirement like this should not make you lose any of your hard worked for money. A bus ticket for less than $10 then really is the max spend.

And if they still require the flight, then get something fully refundable next. Not a real ticket. Would be crazy.
3 months ago
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Bart **************
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