Do I Need to Book a Return Flight Before Applying for a 6-Month Multi-Entry Visa to Thailand?

@Paul ******

that's because at this time, Australia isn't on the E visa system. Once they switch over, you will be booking return flights or the system rejects the application if you can't fill the required fields in

@Jeffrey *******

I have a feeling, either somebody who is English or someone who has a good command of English and can write it, put the Hull requirements together and made it simple to understand.

The system is not my concern. I'd very much welcome more standardization in Thai procedures and rules.

No my concern is just the requirement to book air tickets before even applying. I'm quite critical about the thing in general, but if it's necessary to require any tickets, why not after getting the visa? Just attach the whole requirement to entry instead. Now they could say no, for any reason, and you're stuck with your ticket.

Schengen countries for instance specifically advice that a booking is not required, but a ticket reservation suffices. Myanmar has attached this requirement to entry of the country, not the visa application.

@Ron ******

it keeps surprising me that countries require us to buy expensive air tickets before even bothering to decide if you're allowed to come.

So back to the METV.

I accidentally ended up rechecking the requirements a few days ago when someone told me they had changed. It now seems that for the METV just an exit ticket suffices (was in and out before). For non-immigrant visa, it seems no longer required to provide any ticket.

@Tod ********

same in Amsterdam when I applied for Non-B. I asked whether they meant into Thailand only, or in and out. They told me that for non-B you don't need a ticket out. Admittedly, it would be weird requiring an exit ticket if the intention of the visa is to stay long term.