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Can I extend my visa exemption in Thailand before leaving for the UK on a return flight?

Thailand visa extension visa exempt entry onward travel requirements immigration policy throwaway ticket travel planning expat advice

Nov 1, 2024

4 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I book a return flight to the Uk after 90 days, hoping to get a 30 day extension at immigration, after 60 days and have a throwaway onward ticket to Malaysia before the expiry of the visa exempt. Can anyone foresee any problems ? Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is inquiring about the viability of extending their stay in Thailand using a return flight after 90 days while also planning to secure a 30-day extension at immigration. They mention having a throwaway onward ticket to Malaysia before the expiration of their visa exemption. Comments suggest that, generally, there should be no major issues if the user meets the requirements for entry and extension. The airline is likely to check for an onward ticket, but problems may be unlikely unless there is a restrictive travel history. Ultimately, the discretion of immigration officials remains a factor.

Ralph *******

The only issue I see is the very unlikely event that you don’t get the 30 day extension. It’s at the discretion of the immigration office. But, as I said, it’s very unlikely.

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John *********

I was flying from South Korea to Thailand and anticipating getting the visa exemption on arrival. The airline demanded to see the onward flight. My flight from Thailand to the US was for 4 months in the future. The date was no issue as long as I showed the ticket.

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Christopher ***********

Either the check-in agent didn’t understand (or didn’t care). I was once permitted to board using a one way ticket because the agent didn’t think it was fair that if she had been checking me in for another airline it wouldn’t have been an issue. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop the airline deboarding me at my first transit stop.

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Ralph *******

On my last 3 trips my onward ticket has been checked, including the dates. I guess it just depends on how thoroughly the airline checks.

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Ralph *******

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Bart **************

The only problem I see is that the throwaway ticket costs you money and may be unnecessary.

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Jan ******************

@Bart *************

You have a point that’s important in two perspectives: 1) First people use money for something they don’t need 2) In a bigger environmental context you risk that planes leaves with empty seats only because people need to buy throwaway tickets to fulfil formal requirements.

The ideal would have been if the immigration clearly stated that you could travel on a visa exemption with an exit ticket within 90 days, but you had to take responsibility for getting an extension yourself. I assume much will become clearer regarding this if the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is introduced and visa-free travels must be notified and registered before departure.

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Bart **************

@Jan *****************

agree with your points.

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Roger ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

I lived there for 8 years and I know, nothing is straightforward at immigration in Thailand. The onward ticket costs $14. While I take your point, I’m trying to avoid potential problems. 🙏

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Bart **************

if it's only $14, you are beating onward travel suppliers where you rent the ticket.

And for Jan's (and your) peace of mind: airlines know that not everyone will show up, especially if tickets were sold at such rates. That's why planes are sometimes overbooked. But it would be fair to say that the whole scene with unnecessary onward tickets does make it harder to predict how many people will actually come, which does indeed lead to more empty seats.

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Roger ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bart *************

Yeah the consequences of continually changing Thai immigration requirements. I think it’s possibly about government job retention. I will cancel the ticket after receiving extension without refund. The seat is paid for, the plane is lighter. Win win.

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Jan ******************

I will do the same, this was just a wish now as the visa exemptions are 60 days and several people don’t need to apply for a tourist visa anymore.

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Roger ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jan *****************

I used to dread Yearly non O retirement extension requirements at Immigration. The visa got cancelled one year and I was directed to go on a 2 day trip by bus, to get a new one. To this day, I don’t know why, I got the feeling afterwards, that it was a huge expensive scam. But that’s just how it is, in paradise. 🙏

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Roger ********

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Roger ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bart *************

I would buy the throwaway ticket to fulfill immigration exit requirements after 60 days. I would have a return ticket with the airline, after 90 days ?

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David ********

it is not an immagration requirement. This debate has been ongoing for sometime. It is the airline that is supposedly putting this question to it's passengers. I had it happen to me once in 20 years. I had a one way ticket to bkk and simply said l haven't sorted my itinerary on when l leave and from where l am traveling around Thailand and have a visa it's my responsibility to leave prior to experation or pay a fine. They allowed me to board. I think it is a marketing ploy by the airline to get more money out of you. If you book a return and as what normally happens in Thailand you want to stay longer your ticket may be forfeited thereby the airline cashing in. By a one way ticket and challenge the airline. Ask to see the supervisor if they insist on a return ticket. It's the travelers right to choose a one way. Everyone just bows to them because they come in and out of Thailand it's not the airlines right to question that it is Thai immagration. That's my take on it and l would fight the airline on that matter. If they didn't let you board l would be taking that higher also with the ministry of aviation. We will see how long they continue this farse.

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Bart **************

why not wing it? And if you can't otherwise board then you buy it.

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Roger ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bart *************

I’m 77 and I like to have all potential problems sorted before I get to the airport. 🙏

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Bart **************

even at 77 I am not recommending donating money to airlines as if they were charities. Then get at least a fully refundable ticket and refund it after the event.

And donate the money saved to e.g. Trees for Travel.

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Bart **************

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Alistair **********

No. The requirement is just a ticket leaving within the allowed period of entry. You won't have an issue if you meet the requirements and generally only the airline is likely to ask for proof of onward travel.

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Jan ******************

Not regarding onward ticket and if you don’t have any recently excessive travel history in and out of Thailand, you should be fine and get your 60 days visa exemption and free stamp upon arrival.

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Jan ******************

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