Can I ignore my return flight home if I have a 12-month retirement visa in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Visa Rules Immigration Policies Flight Cancellation Long-term Stay in Thailand

Dec 15, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good morning. Is it OK with immigration to just not get my flight home if I obtain my 12 month retirement visa? I booked my return flight to come back to the UK to close my business etc. My family are going to do this for me so I won't need to return back to the UK. I'm not bothered about losing my return flight money. Just want to make sure that I'm not required to leave as booked on my flight even though I have my visa extension. Thankyou.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The immigration authorities in Thailand primarily focus on your visa status rather than your flight plans. If you have obtained a 12-month retirement visa, you are not required to follow through with your booked return flight to the UK. Immigration officials will not question your plans or require you to leave based on your flight itinerary as long as your visa is valid and you are not overstaying your permitted duration.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Mario *********

In all the times (10) I flew in Thailand 🇹🇭 I was never ask for my return ticket, only my passport.

a year ago

Gregor **********

@Andrew *******

you should always buy a single re-entry permit for 1000.- Baht alongside a "one-year Extension of Stay based on retirement" (you do not have anything like a "retirement visa" - this thing does not exist!) because in case you need to exit Thailand within the one-year period out of whatever cause, the re-entry permit will keep your extended stay permit alive

a year ago

Pui *****

Even if you are a normal tourist, immigration doesn't care if you change your flights at all unless you become an overstay.

a year ago

Alan ******

Just don't turn up for flight, no worries, they simply leave without you, happens every single day, though it would be nice to cancel your flight, your Visa is up to date, so no worries at all.

a year ago

Frank **********

Seriously, why would they be worried that you are not going back if you have a 1 year extension. 5555

a year ago

Kal *********

I booked a round trip flight with EVA LAX to BKK last year February, I don't really want to return but I would lose the flight back if I didn't , they offered a refund on my return trip but it was way too little from what was paid ... so I'm going back to do texes ect and coming back asap

a year ago

Richard ******

If you cancel you may get a credit that you can use in the future.

a year ago

Frederick *********

Is it too late to cancel your return flight and maybe get a partial refund.

a year ago

Wayne *********

Immigration worry about your visa conditions not your flight, you have a visa allowing you to stay then immigration dont care

a year ago

Andrew ********

ORIGINAL POSTER