Can I enter Thailand on a visa exemption and apply for Non-O status during my stay?

Hi, you can try onwardtickets.com and I would encourage anyone interested in this to read FAQ's as there are 2 different onward ticket options

You wont be able to board your flight without a return or onward travel within the validity of your visa/visa exemption.

Thailand has been for many years designated POOT (Pròof of outbound ticket) on the IATA databases. Now the are heavily enforcing lots of airlines have been hit financially last two years and they dont want the extra costs of returning some one

Just get the Non Imm O before you leave. Job done. Much easier than applying in Thailand

I plan applying for a 30 day extension, on line or local immigration office. I have 30 exempt now with return flight, but will change that( no fees due to Covid) when extension approved. Already got insurance to cover what’s needed.

Just book a flight that you can cancel and get a full refund after you're in Thailand.

I flew from England, visa exempt, I was denied boarding my flight until I booked a return flight within my 45 day exemption window. I did have a return flight booked on my 60 (I was planning to get a visa in Thailand to extend my stay).

Assuming you joined this group for help and experienced answers. You've received the correct answer multiple times now.

You can argue with us all day, but thinking you win an argument here isn't going to change reality.

Official policy on a short term visa is you must be able to show onward travel within the time of your initial Visa. For Visa exempt you are stamped in for 30 days so you must be able to show onward travel within 30 days or you can be refused entry to Thailand, but most likely you will just be refused boarding by your airline who has a vested interest in you not being refused entry to Thailand.

This has 100% happened to many people. Most of the time they end up buying an expensive ticket at the counter because they're panicked and in a hurry and don't have the time to research an alternative when their flight is in 2 hours and there's a long line at check-in.

Do people get in without having this? Of course they do, but do you want to risk it when it can be prevented ahead of time? I guess that's up to you.

Has anybody been refused boarding in USA because the airline checked the validity of the booking number? I bought an onward ticket... But for the COE qualification... So now it's expired. Experiences?

Where did you read it?

My guess is, this is your first time to Thailand, because return ticket or onward is nothing new

Your plan should be fine, but you will need to show an exit from Thailand within 30 days or your airline will not let you board your flight. Your visa (or lack thereof) means you must leave Thailand within 30 days, so you have to show you will abide by those rules.

You can search google for "onward travel ticket" and rent a ticket for about $10 which will serve as proof if your planned exit and get you past the checks.

It’s really up to your airline whether they’d let you. Some will some won’t. Book a changeable ticket and change it once you’re here. Or Google “onward flight ticket “ and buy one for around $10.