thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the best strategies for obtaining an onward ticket for entry into Thailand?

Visa RulesOnward TicketTravel CostsImmigrationExpatsThailandVisa ExtensionVisa Exemption
Jun 9, 2025
a month ago
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello.

I'm returning to Thailand at the end of this month or early July and staying for between 6 and 8 weeks.

The cost of flights direct with a Flexi ticket has increased to the point where I would like to get a single too Bangkok from Heathrow then when I know my return date I'll book another single back to the UK. which works out much cheaper than a return FLEXI ticket.

My question is does anyone know what is the cheapest way I can leave Thailand with a bus ticket or flight from Bangkok without actually having to use it to show the authorities that my intention is not to stay in Thailand for a long time. I understand the moral implications however I am quite genuine and just want to save some money and satisfying Buddha control that I've intend returning

Thank you
4,971
views
8
likes
126
all likes
60
replies
2
images
33
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is seeking advice on the most cost-effective way to obtain an onward ticket for traveling to Thailand without actually using it to demonstrate their intention of leaving the country. Responses from the community suggest options such as purchasing an onward ticket from various online services, booking fully refundable or changeable tickets, or buying a cheap bus ticket to a neighboring country. Many users share personal experiences confirming that presenting a one-way ticket often does not raise issues at immigration, although some recommend being prepared with credible exit proof to avoid complications.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Ian ********
There are websites that basically lend you a flight for this reason. They give you a real booking number and you pay them a small fee for the service. Have a look on google.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Grant *********
If u are booking flexi no issue
a month ago
Like
Reply
Peter ******
I think the poster is lying, I think he's trying to find a cheap way to stay in Thailand without having a return ticket, something only an illegal longstayer would want. So matey buy a return ticket, follow the rules and return to the UK.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Peter ********
Just as a hint, because I don't know much about normal airfare pricing, since I usually fly on miles: Heathrow is the airport with the most flipping fees in the whole world. Be a little flexible, maybe check out the flights from other European cities, that can easily be reached in a maximum 12 hour train ride for less than $ 100 in comfort, but might you save a lot more in airfare.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andy **********
Some people just chance it, if you get asked for a return ticket, just step away from the check in desk, and book the cheapest ticket to a neighbouring country, many times you won't even be asked, so i think buying a ticket in advance is a waste of money.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Frank *****
the airlines will often ask for proof of travel, because if they don't and you are refused entry, the airline can be liable for the cost. one time China air required me to sign a waiver, out of probably 12 one way trips... easy solution is to use the onward ticket deal, just before your departure. 10-15 bucks gets you a legit reservation, then it is canceled within 2-3 days.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andy *******
I fly Bangkok Birmingham rtn , Usually with Emirates, in my experience it's always cheaper to buy a return ticket BHX BKK BHX than from Thailand
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ******
 Thanks. Not in my case. I need flexibility on dates and don't want to buy a Flexi ticket.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Martin ********
Reply
Shane ********
Onward Ticket. Great service 👍
a month ago
Like
Reply
Kim *********
My friend went with a cheap ferry ticket as her outgoing ticket.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Brenda *******
Currently I was in KL filling out TDAC first time: NO RED ASTERISK BY THE ONWARD TICKET FIELD. Verified by travel agent I use in CM: “not required.“

At some point in the future this may be activated, but now for use with exit flight info; if available. TDAC has a “revise form” option if flight data changes. They do match real tickets info.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Pete ********
I have just booked onward ticket to be on safe side so just do that it doesn’t cost the earth and just cancel when you get there
a month ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ************
You could book a return ticket with Thai Airlines, putting an approximate return date, then change the flight when you know your return date. Not too expensive.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kevin ***********
 flex ticket. Very Expensive
a month ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ************
@Martin *******
 not flex/open ticket. Normal return ticket. Easy to change flights. Done it lots of times. Pretty sure last time was 500 baht
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kevin ***********
 open ticket with Thai airways ? How please . I don't see an option
a month ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ************
@Martin *******
 I previously have booked tickets with Thai Airways which have a departure and return date. I have then cancelled my return flight, and booked another date, sometimes 2 to 3 times. There was a fee of 500 baht each time I did this. Not sure if it is still the same as I haven’t done it for a while. Maybe contact Thai Airways for confirmation. I’m sure it would be cheaper than a flex ticket. Good luck.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ************
Reply
Chris ******
I fly 1 way never been asked but I did buy a bus ticket once via 12go cost about £15 for a bus ticket to Vientiane waste of money but know what you saying
a month ago
Like
Reply
Steve ***********
Never been asked to show return ticket.

Always have 2 reservations from USA
a month ago
Like
Reply
Lindsay ***********************
We used onward and it worked wonderfully
a month ago
Like
Reply
Bob *********
Before covid i flew direct on thai £460 now look at the price so how come its still after several yrs so high
a month ago
Like
Reply
Denny *******
@Bob ********
 net zero BS taxes
a month ago
Like
Reply
Markie ******
@Bob ********
 just said the magic word covid. You have a war in Ukraine oil prices gone up. This is reality everywhere has gone up in price.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********************
@Bob ********
 air lines lost a lot of revenue during covid, prices went up to try and recoup their losses And never went down plus higher airport taxes, higher fuel prices. I'm pleased I don't come back to often.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chris *********************
Reply
Gav *********
I was fine with a one way with Eva Air. Immigration didn't ask Any questions amd I had 2 big cases and a carry on. But I've read that they can question it.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********************
@Gav ********
 depends on your airline.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Gav *********
@Chris ********************
 I've read that it's more immigration. They are the ones who stamp you
a month ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********************
@Gav ********
 no mate more the airline. It's down to them to fly you out if some reason you get denied entry ,so they cover there own backs,if imagration do stop you and ask which is very rare it falls back to airline,
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ********************
 They are more than happy to sell one way tickets 😄🤣 then question your intentions 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Martin ********
Reply
Andy *****
Twice traveled on a one way ticket Heathrow to BKK . Never thought anything about it being a problem. Not questioned about it so happy days. Thai airways. Booked a single flight back to LHR from Thailand when time suited .
a month ago
Like
Reply
Doug ********
Train ticket Udon Thani to Vientiane. 3 dollars.

Qatar airways accepted it when I checked in at Heathrow.

They asked for proof of leaving Thailand within 60 days as my return ticket was 6 months. Immigration accepted in Bangkok. They asked asbo had spent so long in Thailand in the last 18 months using visa exemptions and extensions.

Still here since March 3...
a month ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********************
Do what Brandon said by a throw away ticket.

Iv don't it a few times.

No problems
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ********************
 can you give me a heads up as to where I can get this ticket please🙏🏻
a month ago
Like
Reply
Lisa *********
@Martin *******
************************
a month ago
Like
Reply
Chris *********************
@Martin *******
 Google onward flight or ticket. Last time I got one it was £14 when you arrive in Thailand put it in the bin. It's legit you will only need it if airline asks,and it's always there if imagration ask.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Chris *********************
Reply
Robert *****
I once bought a $12 bus ticket to Cambodia but I never had to show it. Well worth it however
a month ago
Like
Reply
Paul **********
Waiver enterance needs an exit route. I agree prices are silly money. Either do an onward ticket or do one on the cheappies China flights to BKK. EVA and Thai have a closed monopoly on the direct LON to BKK route now BA code share to Qatar.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Andy *******
@Paul *******
 I've got a direct flight booked LON BKK with Thai this August???
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy ******
 and ? Please read the question. Thank-you 👍🏻
a month ago
Like
Reply
Paul **********
@Andy ******
 your missing the point here
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul **********
Reply
Roger **********
@Paul *********
 Er, i just checked that. It seems EVA still have direct flights from Heathrow to BKK
a month ago
Like
Reply
Sam ******
@Roger *********
 I flew in February to Bangkok with Eva air from Heathrow with a one way ticket because I didn't know how long I was going to be away for 60 days or possibly 90, I was asked when I handed my passport in and I said i didn't know how long I was staying for and went through okay but I know some people have had issues.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Paul **********
@Roger *********
 yes only Eva and Thai. No competition on that route now. Only bonus is EVA allow check in 2 x23kg whereas Thai 1 x 23kg.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul **********
Reply
Denny *******
Seems a very bizarre way of doing it

In my experience your not going to be saving money by booking 2 separate one way tickets for long haul travel
a month ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
@Denny ******
 That's what I was thinking, never seen 2 separate one way tickets cheaper than a return
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 I don't know the date I'm returning so I have to get a Flexi ticket. V expensive. So two singles is much cheaper
a month ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Martin *******
 that's different to what you said above as a flexi ticket is not a regular return
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 A Flexi ticket is a return ticket just allows you to choose a return date during your trip. I didn't mention a regular return 🤷‍♂️ not sure what your point is, everyone else has been very helpful but hey, thanks for your input 👍🏻
a month ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Martin *******
 No mention of flexi here just return, that is my point "which works out much cheaper than a return ticket."
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 sure 👍🏻
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Martin ********
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Denny ******
 definitely cheaper even with Thai airways
a month ago
Like
Reply
Denny *******
@Martin *******
 really 🤷‍♂️
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Denny *******
Reply
Braulio *********
@Denny ******
 agreed.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Denny ******
 i havent booked a return ticket to anywhere in the last 12 years. Always one way. Always last minute. Most people just get too nervous closer to the time
a month ago
Like
Reply
Gustavo *********
@Todd ********
 I do the same ,, one way only ,
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gustavo *********
Reply
Amy *********
Purchase a fully refundable ticket and then cancel it or change it once you are in country
a month ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Amy ********
 where from please. Can you recommend?
a month ago
Like
Reply
Amy *********
@Mar***
 - Actually.. just book a one way fare on Vietjet. BKK to HAN (Vietnam) is about 50 euro.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Amy *********
Reply
Brandon ************
Search google for "onward ticket" and you'll find many services that will sell you a temporary ticket to use for this purpose.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Lisa *********
@Brandon ***********
 yes, I’ve heard the onward travel ticket is like 10 USD and I have not yet heard of anyone having difficulty with it.
a month ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Lisa *********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Can I enter Thailand on a one-way flight ticket and book a return flight later?
35 comments
3 months ago
What website can I use to book an onward travel ticket from Thailand?
14 comments
8 months ago
Do I need a return ticket to enter Thailand if I'm unsure of my stay duration?
33 comments
8 months ago
Do I need an onward ticket when traveling to Thailand on a one-way ticket?
65 comments
9 months ago
What are some suggestions for affordable onward flights from Thailand in October 2024?
33 comments
10 months ago
What are some reliable websites to buy cheap onward travel tickets from Thailand?
23 comments
a year ago
Is it safe to use a dummy ticket for proof of onward travel when entering Thailand on a 30-day visa?
11 comments
a year ago
Do I need an outbound plane ticket to apply for a tourist visa to Thailand?
23 comments
a year ago
Do I need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand under a 30-day visa exemption?
11 comments
a year ago
Can I use a cheap onward flight as proof of exit from Thailand on a Non-O visa?
18 comments
a year ago
What is the best way to obtain an onward flight ticket quickly for my travel to Thailand?
70 comments
a year ago
Is a bus ticket sufficient proof of onward travel when entering Thailand on a visa-exempt entry?
11 comments
a year ago
What are some suggestions for obtaining a cheap onward travel ticket for a Thai tourist visa application?
56 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for booking a cheap onward flight from Thailand and ensuring a potential refund?
3 comments
2 years ago
How can I book a cheap onward travel ticket from Thailand to comply with immigration rules?
6 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements regarding onward travel tickets when entering Thailand?
50 comments
3 years ago
What are the cheapest options to provide proof of onward travel while extending a Thai visa?
9 comments
3 years ago
Do I need an onward ticket when entering Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa with plans for a 1-year visa?
39 comments
3 years ago
What is the cheapest refundable onward bus ticket option for entering Thailand?
33 comments
3 years ago
What type of onward ticket do I need to show when entering Thailand on a Tourist Visa?
9 comments
3 years ago
What should we do about onward flight requirements when traveling to Thailand without a fixed itinerary?
20 comments
3 years ago
Do you need a return ticket to enter Thailand or can you show onward travel instead?
32 comments
3 years ago
What are the best options for booking flights to Thailand if using a Visa Upon Arrival and needing to demonstrate onward travel?
13 comments
4 years ago
What Can I Use as Proof of Exit for My Thailand Visa Application?
3 comments
6 years ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.