Can I show a train ticket out of Thailand instead of a flight as proof of onward travel?

Jun 5, 2023
a year ago
Cindy **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
We have a one way ticket to Thailand and then we are going to travel around SE Asia. Can we have a train ticket out of Thailand to show the airlines or does it have to be a flight.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When traveling to Thailand with a one-way ticket, it is often important to have proof of onward travel. While many users suggest that a train, bus, or ferry ticket can suffice for showing proof of exit from Thailand, it ultimately depends on the airline's requirements. Some travelers have successfully used non-flight tickets, while others recommend having a fully refundable flight ticket or using a ticket service to ensure compliance. There are mixed experiences regarding whether airlines will check these tickets, so travelers should be prepared for different scenarios.
Colin *******
I'm sure others have actual experience rather than hearsay on social media, but I flew into DMK yesterday on a 30 day visa exempt stamp, via AirAisia, on a one way ticket. Never asked at airport in Australia, and no mention at immigration at DMK.
Tim *******
I had a one way ticket and a week booked in a hotel. They didn’t ask for any information on either!
Michael *******
Toby *********
I’ve been asked….
Taz **********
Either buy a fully refundable ticket, can be to Vietnam or anywhere just as long as it’s fully refundable and cancel it after you leave on your flight

Or use a ticket service like onward ticket

They sell flights for about $14

It last about 24 or 48 hours from time of booking

Used to show a flight out of Thailand

Or take your chance when boarding

I have flown at least 30 times in the last 13 years and have been asked every time I didn’t have a return ticket, as I was living in Thailand I was able to get around it.

Last year was able to baffle them when asked, and they accepted my answer 🤣🤣

However I was prepared to go online and buy a ticket if needed

Ppl will say it’s fine or you will not be asked, however be prepared, I’ve seen ppl post they either missed their flight (not allowed to board, or had to purchase an expensive ticket
Richard *********
Bus, train, Donkey carts out of thailand....NOT accepted as POOT

Airlines SOMETIMES ask>>>

worth a onward ticket form onwardflightsdotcom for $7-10
Miriam ***********
The answer clearly depends on your personal level of risk-aversion...
Thomas *********
Check with the Royal Thai Embassy
Lisa ********************
Usually, any onward ticket will do
Graham *******
It's possible some of these countries and airlines will not let you board unless you have an onward flight out of the country you wish to fly to! Immigration might also decline entry! If indeed you arrive at an immigration post it depends a lot on the mood of the immigration official on that day! Rules change daily! Make sure you have an escape plan back to wherever you started like a CC or cash! Its called "beam me up scottie"
Paul *******
@Marianne *******
In theory. In practice, an airline ticket is often requested. Best option is to purchase an onward ticket from one of the services that offer this or a cheap throwaway ticket or a fully refundable ticket for some random date
Graham *******
@Marianne *******
Airline check in staff cannot confirm your train ticket etc. etc. Go for it! No concern to us!
Marianne ********
@Graham ******
You just need a proof of exit, does not need to be onward flight. Just a onward something.
Brandon ************
You need to check with your airline. None of us can answer the question because the airline is the one who might ask you for proof out of Thailand.
Ed ********
@Tea **********
Ive been asked a few times
James **************
@Tea **********
I've been asked 4 times for exit flights at Heathrow. I had the exit flight on all occasions. I don't think a bus ticket would have cut it really but I don't KNOW that for sure ....
Chris ****
@Russell ******
well done! Congrats.
Russell *******
@Tea **********
They asked me , although I have all the correct documentation, they still were going to refuse boarding before I managed to convince the manager they didn't know what was required.

My understanding of the requirements is a ticket out , means of transportation irrelevant. 🙏
Chris ****
@Brandon ***********
ah I get it. I guess I never did that combo (Thailand/Train ticket) of the SEA countries.
Brandon ************
@Tea **********
some will accept a train ticket. Some will only accept a plane ticket. That's why you need to ask the airline.

Also one problem is that you can't actually buy an exit train or bus ticket since there's no train that travels out of Thailand nor bus that travels out of Thailand. They all transfer at the border so sometimes the tickets don't actually look like an exit.
Chris ****
@Brandon ***********
with an onward rail ticket? I thought airlines didn’t mind if you had an exit transpo.
Ari **********
@Brandon ***********
, yeah, I had to do that .
Brandon ************
Tea Fet Boba many airlines ask and many people have been denied boarding or forced to purchase a ticket right there to be able to board.
Chris ****
@Brandon ***********
true but they never ask…
Dirk **************
Can be a bus, ferry or a train ticket.
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