Is a bus ticket acceptable as proof of onward travel when flying out of Thailand?

Dec 15, 2023
a year ago
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi guys, I’m familiar that you need to have a ticket out of Thailand to show the airline you fly with. Is a bus ticket with the correct name on as well or does it need to be a plane ticket ? And is this Ticket ok? It’s to Laos from udon. And do I need to show a flight to udon ?

Because I don’t know yet when I’m going to leave Thailand then. So I won’t have a return ticket to back home. Thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
In order to board a flight from Thailand, airlines often require passengers to present proof of onward travel. The discussion raises the question of whether a bus ticket to a neighboring country (like Laos) suffices as acceptable proof or if it must be an airfare ticket. While opinions vary, it's commonly noted that bus tickets may not always be accepted as they don't technically represent travel leaving the kingdom, whereas airplane tickets are generally recommended for assurance. Many expats suggest renting a flight ticket or booking a refundable ticket to avoid any potential issues at check-in.
Graham ******
Only your airline can answer that. Ask them and get it in writing in case you are challenged.
Cliff *********
It is entirely up to the agent/peon at the airline check in counter if you will be asked for exit ticket. That person may or may not be willing to accept a bus ticket. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t. I have had this experience many times ……

You have NO control over this either.

So, the real question is do you want to risk getting sent home from the airport?

Do you want to a save a few baht and buy a bus ticket or spend a little more and buy/rent an airplane ticket?

Up to you.

BTW you don’t tell us if you are going visa exempt or bought a visa either.
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cliff ********
hi no I just wanted to ask about the bus situation 😂 but in the end I’ll rent a airplane ticket because I wasn’t sure if it’s100% with all these onward rent tickets. Never done it 🙂 but no my boyfriend don’t have a visa, he’ll change into a non o visa for Thai family over there 🙂
Zabrina ******
Saw you in the Thai group and thought I would be sure to add you
MrTom *********************
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Simon ********
Which Airline are you flying with? A recent guest just flew in from Melbourne with Thai Airways and they didn’t require an onward ticket.
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Simon *******
it’s emirates for my boyfriend from Manchester
Simon ********
@Clarissa ****
I don’t know about Emirates but you could tell him, if he is asked, to say that he will depart to Laos by bus over the 4th Friendship bridge at Chieng Kong and take the boat to Luang Prabang. Many people do that. Once arriving in Bangkok immigration never ask for an onward ticket. In fact I once asked the head man at the airport (4 rings) and he told me that an onward ticket was not required.
Luc ************
********************
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luc ***********
hi I just used it but didn’t Recieve any ticket yet. When will I get it tho?
Bent *************
Bus, boat, train okay!
Dennis ************
2 weeks ago i did it without a returnticket no problem
Oliver ******
I flew with Qatar airways from Saudi Arabia and the woman at the desk asked about a flight out the country told her I didn’t have one yet as I wasn’t sure what was happening with work so she checked the computer and it said I didn’t need one
Rob *******
I applied for my 60 day tourist visa uk without showing any onward travel & it was granted, my airline from Manchester never asked to see it neither did thai immagration, been here about 5 weeks now
Nongnuch ********
@Rob ******
completely normal! Tourists who travel to Thailand holding a visa will not be asked for proof of onward travel. Only passengers who do not have a visa, can be asked by the airline for a proof of onward travel leaving Thailand within the 30 days stay permit issued when arriving visa-exempt
Nigel **************
You just need onward travel out of Thailand by bus train taxi plane.
Paul ********
Proper
Carsten ************
If you have a Bus ticket for a destination abroad, i. e. to Phnom Penh or Padang Besar you should be fine. Yours ends in Thailand and will most probably not accepted.
Graham ******
Klee **************
I’ve never been asked for an onward ticket anywhere 
Stéfan ********
@Klee *************
it’s rare but it happens… I was asked twice in 50+ international flights. Better be prepared. I’ve read about people being denied boarding.
Klee **************
@Stéfan *******
onwardticket.com solves that issue in seconds for $10 USD
Andy ********
@Klee *************
Same with my experience. I have only been asked once in the last 10 or so trips here. I didnt have one but just told them i was going to travel to Vietnam and they let me board. That was with Emirates. I actually bought a cheap onward flight this time but again I wasnt even asked about it (Qatar Airlines).
Simão ****************
@Klee *************
me neither, and I'm Brazilian 😅
Grant *******
@Klee *************
I have had to prove it every time. 10 plus times
Klee **************
@Grant ******
I have a Canadian passport, maybe that’s why I’ve never been asked
Grant *******
@Klee *************
budget airlines don't ask. I fly Emirates, Qantas, Air NZ, Singapore Airlines
Grant *******
@Klee *************
I have an Australian passport and New Zealand permanent residence.
David ********
Can book a train from Hat Yai (Thailand) to Padang Besar (Malaysia) for around $4. with 12go
Andrea **********
@David *******
be careful. Uk govt advised against that area. Just check. Info i read but your decision
David ********
@Andrea *********
It's only a throw away out going ticket in case asked
Incognia **********
@David *******
yes this is ok for proof out Thailand
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stelar ******
ok so train ticket will be ok to show for proof?
Stuart ***********
I bought the cheapest flight I could to a neighbouring country, which cost about £20. I have read some people say some airlines never check and others scrutinise in great detail, so I would be cautious. The Malaysia flexi plus looks like a great suggestion.

I also read that bus ticket is not acceptable because it is not leaving the kingdom (only to the border).

Good luck.
Richard *********
I've used:

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Justin ***********
Book Malaysia airlines flexi plus ticket, fully refundable. You lose 2 dollars or so on conversion rates with refund but no headache and can do it on app.
Nicky *******
You always can rent a ticket out of Thailand. Google rent a ticket. Its around 15€
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nicky ******
ok can I pre book it or should I book it a few days before ?
Nicky *******
@Clarissa ****
you can book few days before. The airline need proof that you leave the Kingdom
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nicky ******
ah ok but the bus ticket don’t work?
Incognia **********
@Clarissa ****
all work.U can show it
Brandon ************
@Clarissa ****
that bus ticket isn't a ticket out of Thailand. It's a ticket to another place in Thailand.
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
hahaa yes I wasn’t sure what to type in tbh 😂😂🙈🙈 but would a bus ticket be valid to get out of thailand ? And what name ? Haha
Brandon ************
@Clarissa ****
impossible to say. Some might accept it and some will not
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
ok but an plane ticket is the safest way then right.
Brandon ************
Nicky *******
@Clarissa ****
not sure. Beter be safe. Maybe someone else here can anwser your question.
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nicky ******
thank you 🥰 I’ll wait for the other answers. But any rent a ticket site is good ?
Nicky *******
@Clarissa ****
************************
i used before
Clarissa *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nicky ******
thank you ! If I need the ticket on Sunday the flight is at around 8pm. And the check in probably about 3 hours before. When is the best time to get the ticket ? Maybe today around 5pm ? So it’s valid 48+ hours ?
Nicky *******
@Clarissa ****
there are only a few.
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