Is it necessary to have a return ticket when arriving in Thailand with a one-way ticket?

Do you have a visa? Or as a visaless tourist?

I've done it many times as a Canadian coming for a few months. I've never once in all my visits to Thailand been asked for a return ticket.

Necessary? Maybe or maybe not. You need to decide on your risk level. We arrived this week and this is our experience only.

1. Your airline is responsible for your deportation (return flight) if you are not allowed to enter. So they might question you. We had a one way ticket and were questioned by our airline before boarding.

2. Thai immigration expect to see a ticket leaving the country, especially if you are expecting to be allowed in on a visa exemption.

We booked cheap bus travel out of Thailand for this purpose. We advised the airline of this. They were fine.

My partner was asked on arrival by immigration when he was leaving. He said we were leaving by bus. The IO wanted to know who “we” was. Once he pointed to me, it was fine. No proof required to be shown but we had it if required.

We are not the demographic they are looking to stop. But, they are clearly scrutinising people who are entering more than before. I would at least want to have valid proof of a departure route to feel comfortable.

A one way ticket has always been ok . Stamped on the way out .let's say if you travel on via Chang mai area to Laos by mini van & boat .

Depends when you were last in Thailand ?

Having a one-way ticket to Thailand can be a bit tricky. If you're entering Thailand on a visa exemption or tourist visa, it's recommended to have a return or onward ticket. Airlines often check for proof of onward travel before boarding, and Thai immigration may ask for it.

However, if you have a non-immigrant visa, like a long-stay visa, you might not need a return ticket. It's best to check with the Thai embassy or consulate for specific requirements.

To be on the safe side, you could book a refundable or flexible ticket to a neighboring country.

Just get a cheap one at onwardticket.com. It’s $16 for real proof of a ticket. They always ask me for a return flight.

The airline may ask….

Airline may not let you board without a ticket if you don’t have required visa.

That depends on what type of visa you have. Long-term visas do not require proof of onward travel, but it's a requirement for tourist entries.