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What are the best strategies for obtaining an onward ticket for entry into Thailand?
Jun 9, 2025
a year ago
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello.
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
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
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.
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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.
Grant *********
If u are booking flexi no issue
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ******
Thanks. Not in my case. I need flexibility on dates and don't want to buy a Flexi ticket.Reply to
Martin ********
Reply
Shane ********
Onward Ticket. Great service 👍
Kim *********
My friend went with a cheap ferry ticket as her outgoing ticket.
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.
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.
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
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.
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin ***********
flex ticket. Very ExpensiveKevin ************
@Martin *******
not flex/open ticket. Normal return ticket. Easy to change flights. Done it lots of times. Pretty sure last time was 500 bahtMartin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin ***********
open ticket with Thai airways ? How please . I don't see an optionKevin ************
@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.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
Steve ***********
Never been asked to show return ticket.
Always have 2 reservations from USA
Always have 2 reservations from USA
Lindsay ***********************
We used onward and it worked wonderfully
Bob *********
Before covid i flew direct on thai £460 now look at the price so how come its still after several yrs so high
Denny *******
@Bob ********
net zero BS taxesMarkie ******
@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.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.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.
Chris *********************
@Gav ********
depends on your airline.Gav *********
@Chris ********************
I've read that it's more immigration. They are the ones who stamp youChris *********************
@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,Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ********************
They are more than happy to sell one way tickets 😄🤣 then question your intentions 🤷♂️🤷♂️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 .
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...
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...
Chris *********************
Do what Brandon said by a throw away ticket.
Iv don't it a few times.
No problems
Iv don't it a few times.
No problems
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Chris ********************
can you give me a heads up as to where I can get this ticket please🙏🏻Lisa *********
@Martin *******
************************
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.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
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.
Andy *******
@Paul *******
I've got a direct flight booked LON BKK with Thai this August???Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ******
and ? Please read the question. Thank-you 👍🏻Paul **********
@Andy ******
your missing the point hereReply to
Paul **********
Reply
Roger **********
@Paul *********
Er, i just checked that. It seems EVA still have direct flights from Heathrow to BKKSam ******
@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.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.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
In my experience your not going to be saving money by booking 2 separate one way tickets for long haul travel
Steve *******
@Denny ******
That's what I was thinking, never seen 2 separate one way tickets cheaper than a returnMartin ********
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 cheaperGraham ******
@Martin *******
that's different to what you said above as a flexi ticket is not a regular returnMartin ********
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 👍🏻Graham ******
@Martin *******
No mention of flexi here just return, that is my point "which works out much cheaper than a return ticket."Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
sure 👍🏻Reply to
Martin ********
Reply
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Denny ******
definitely cheaper even with Thai airwaysDenny *******
@Martin *******
really 🤷♂️Reply to
Denny *******
Reply
Braulio *********
@Denny ******
agreed.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 timeGustavo *********
@Todd ********
I do the same ,, one way only ,Reply to
Gustavo *********
Reply
Amy *********
Purchase a fully refundable ticket and then cancel it or change it once you are in country
Martin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Amy ********
where from please. Can you recommend?Amy *********
@Mar***
- Actually.. just book a one way fare on Vietjet. BKK to HAN (Vietnam) is about 50 euro.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.
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.Reply to
Lisa *********
Reply
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