Do I need a return ticket or is a bus ticket sufficient when entering Thailand on a visa exemption?

The law is vague on that. It's written like the immigrations officer could also accept exit travel arrangement by land. So you could argue that the IO could then also not accept it; up to him. However, you could also argue that putting a clause like this and specifically referring to land travel should be intended to mean that it is generally acceptable.

Law enforcement itself is nil; immigrations will not check whether you have proof of onward travel despite that this is required. Airlines will pre-check it though. So their interpretation of this clause now matters. Some airlines accept bus tickets (I've even been specifically asked once to buy a bus ticket out of Thailand). But others follow the stricter interpretation, perhaps as a precaution.

Airlines are technically of course not allowed to refuse boarding if you are eligible to enter the country per the letter of the law, but since those letters are vague, I wouldn't put my bets on the legal path in this. You could, as has been suggested, indeed ask the airline on their stance in this matter. Asking whether proof of onward travel is needed at all would be redundant (because the only answer they could give is yes) but this question may instead actually be valid. However, I foresee the problem that there is no strict airline policy in this. They don't have any other laws there than Thailand's, after all. So if some backoffice is then asked this question, what should they answer? I may be wrong, maybe they just know, but I think that this particular issue largely comes down to the person checking you in.

My suggestion: buy absolutely nothing at first, because you may very well get away with it. You have a good story. But do some research on cheap options both by land and by air upfront. If asked, ask if the land option is good. Then book accordingly.

Hi Naj book a bus ticket to the nearest place in Cambodia with "

"Bookmebus.com" will cost very little

And is acceptable at customs and airline I've just done it no problem.

Depending on your new company set up you may find you will have to travel to a nearby consulate to get the Non B. Many companies can’t (or won’t) supply the copious amounts of paperwork immigration will require to convert in country.

Tourist visa of 2 months then you can change to NON B , but don’t forget to buy return ticket from onwardticket.com in 16 dollar.

@Naj ************

it is the airline upon check-in to the flight, which MIGHT ask you for an onward travel proof within the 30 days you will get stamped in entering "visa-exempt". You could email the airline and ask, and if positive, print out their reply, as you might need it at the check-in . . . . keep in mind only 100% guaranteed proof is a "real" cheap one-way ticket out of Thailand

No, you don't need a return ticket, but you might need a "leave the country ticket". That can be by plane, train, bus, boat. Mostly the airline will ask for that at check in, hardly the immigration. But if the IO has a bad day... then...

Rarely checked at the immigration but you could risk you air-carrier will ask for it.

Avoid the need of a onwardticket ( not necessary a returnticket )

Make touristvisa

When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.

It is cheaper than visaexcempt + 30 days extension.

No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.

It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.

thaievisa.go.th

Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).

No need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.

Only your airline can answer that

Yeah why would you use exemption at all?

If everything is prepared for the non-b why not get that before you come?