Is it possible for my mom to travel to Thailand for 2 months without a tourist visa and avoid issues at Immigration?

Question

Hi.  My Mom is coming to visit me here in Thailand from South Africa.  She's coming for 2 months without a Tourisit Visa, she'll have the 30 day visa on arrival and then we will go to Immigration and extend for another 30 days so she can be here for the maximum amount of time without a Visa.  
The travel agent in SA won't sell her a ticket for longer than a 30 day period because they say that Immigration are checking tickets on arrival to ensure they within your allocated time.  I've had family travelling in and out of Thailand for the last 3 years and I've never known Immigration to check an airline ticket on arrival, unless things have become very strict lately and they do, anyone advice on whether we can take a chace and book for a 2 month window ?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses a situation where the author's mom is visiting Thailand from South Africa for 2 months without a tourist visa, using a 30-day visa exemption and planning to extend her stay by another 30 days. Concerns arise regarding the travel agent's recommendation about not selling tickets beyond 30 days due to strict immigration checks. Various commenters provide advice, suggesting obtaining a tourist visa in advance to avoid complications, noting that airlines often check for proof of onward travel within 30 days. Some comment on alternatives like booking a throwaway ticket or addressing concerns about the visa extension process.

Nadine ********* · Answer

Its R500 for a tourist visa in SA... just get a visa... then you know you are safe... takes 3 days for approval.

Marguyvin ********** · Answer

If you don't mind spending a little extra, buy a one-way throwaway ticket to Kuala Lumpur. The cheapest i have seen is $30.

Shahin ********** · Answer

Just use skyscanner. I'm surprised people even use travel agents in this day and age.

Julia ************ · Answer

Why doesn’t she get a visa? Half price from the extension and no problems upon check-in.

Mike ******* · Answer

The alternative is to book a cheap international flight. Show the airline.

Nicola ********** · Answer

thanks everyone

Ian *************** · Answer

"She's coming for 2 months"

That right there says "get a tourist visa in advance", which will also smooth over any problems with airline check-in. Thai immigration on arrival is not usually a problem.

Tod ********* · Answer

It is highly unlikely your mom would be targeted by passport control stamping into the country and be requested to show proof of onward travel and even if she was entering on a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp, the immigration officers at passport control know you can apply for a 30 day extension and routinely accept onward travel 60 days out.

Tod ********* · Answer

She won't have a 30 day visa in arrival because there is no such thing, :/ She will however get in on a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp. ;)

I think it's the airline she's comin' on that want's proof of onward travel within 30 days because that's all she's getting stamped in on when she arrives.

I'd say just have her get a single entry tourist visa before she comes here which will cover her for the 60 days (and that she can extend by 30 more days if she wants to as well).

Is it possible for my mom to travel to Thailand for 2 months without a tourist visa and avoid issues at Immigration?

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