Do I need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand under a 30-day visa exemption?

Question

Hello all,
My wife and I have one way tickets to Bangkok from the UK next week we will be entering Thailand under a 30 day visa exemption, we will be travelling north through Thailand to the Laos border, not sure how long we will take to get there - Around 10 days I guess but it is flexible.
We will be travelling light and haven't booked onward travel, we intend to take the slow boat when we get into Laos from Huay Xai onwards.
There is no option to buy a ticket for the public boat online which would prove onward travel, does this pose a risk for boarding the flight with Thai Airways? If so, any advice on workarounds?
Before posting I have read various posts and will phone the Thai Airways next week to enquire further.

I am looking at onwardflights.com as a backup if that is actually required.
Any advice very much appreciated.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user and their wife are traveling to Thailand from the UK under a 30-day visa exemption and are concerned about needing proof of onward travel when flying with Thai Airways. While many commenters suggest that it's generally not a strict requirement from immigration, it's advised to have an onward ticket handy, as airlines may request it. Options include using onward travel ticket services or booking a refundable ticket or a bus ticket across the border to Laos. One user mentions that immigration did not ask for onward documentation during their visit, emphasizing that presentation and demeanor might influence the situation.

Greg *********** · Answer

Be careful, all "onwardflight" tickets are only valid for 24-48 hours!

Robert **** · Answer

This question gets asked on many groups. It is a requirement to have an onward or return ticket for a 30 day visa exempt stamp. Whether you comply or not is your choice. I choose to follow the law.

กะลาสี ***** · Answer

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Bob ******** · Answer

I entered yesterday immigration didn't ask for onward booking, not being biased, but I suggest if you are reasonably well dressed and polite, they won't even ask. They have been criticised lately for the long queues at immigration, so they are pushing the crowds through

Terary ********** · Answer

It's been a while but in the past onward travel requirements can be met with bus tickets.  The cheapest is Hat Yai to Penang.  I have used bus tickets in the past but not since before Covid. In theory it will still work.

Cliff ********* · Answer

Sometimes the airline staff ask for it, sometimes not.

Sometimes immigration officers ask for it, sometimes not.

Do you need an extra hassle?

Shane ****** · Answer

Think you can purchase a bus ticket to go across the border at Laos. This should be good enough for airline. Try 12go app. Or website.

Bart ************** · Answer

Or get a refundable ticket and refund it once you're in Thailand. That's pretty much the same principle as with an onward ticket, except that you do it yourself.

Brandon ************ · Answer

Onward travel ticket websites are made exactly for this. Just buy one if you are worried and keep it with you when you go to the airport. If the check-in agent asks for proof that you're leaving Thailand show it and you should be good.

Do I need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand under a 30-day visa exemption?

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