What are the chances of being asked for an onward ticket and proof of funds when entering Thailand on a visa-exempt entry?

Aug 22, 2019
5 years ago
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I visited thailand 3 times this year . 1st time for a few days via land crossing Hatyai-Malaysia border. 2nd and 3rd time via Flight from Kuala lumpur to DMK, 3rd time from Kuala lumpur to Utapao. When i traveled by plane, 2nd time i put roughly 18 days from my memory, and 28 days for the 3rd time. Both times they never asked me proof of 20k THB or equivalent, and never asked me proof of onward tickets. (Both times i flew in on a one way ticket) I plan on going again in October, but this time i indefinitely want to do 30days. What are the chances for them to ask for onward ticket this time?

Close to mid 20s American citizen

This is based on the 30days Visa exempt visa
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares their experience of entering Thailand multiple times on a visa-exempt basis without being asked for proof of funds or an onward ticket. They seek advice on the probability of being asked for these documents on their next trip, considering their nationality and the frequency of their visits. Comments provide mixed opinions, suggesting that while it is generally uncertain if documents will be requested, it's highly advisable to carry proof of accommodation, onward travel, and sufficient funds to avoid potential issues.
Benjamin ******
Here's my opinion:

1. Get the right visa for your stay.

2. You are only allowed 2 30 day visa exempts by land, which can be extended by 30 days for 1,900 THB.

3. You can get "unlimited" 60 day tourist visas in Laos, Vietnam, or Malaysia. This can be extended by another 30 days.

4. You can get "unlimited" 30 day visa exempt by air (flying in and out).

5. The definition of "unlimited" depends on the immigration officer of the day. "Unlimited" has been a small amount recently, about one or two visas or visa exempts by air - if at that!

So if you're here as a tourist, I think you should plan on not staying here for too much longer, unless you get a job or some money for other visas
Benjamin ******
Kenny Yap I hope so too, but the more times you come here, the more likely immigration would start asking questions.
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
thanks for your advice/opinions... I'm only visiting for tourism. I only hope my next visit goes as smooth as the previous visits in terms of immigration
Reiner *********
First ...where are you from ....because it depends on your nationality . 2. If the office ask for....you have to have ....I have been in and out many times in the last 15 years , never been asked, but saw many before or later asked.......if you come many times in a year at the moment they ask why....to pretend people from cheating ....
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Reiner ********
I'm American citizen
Benjamin ******
If you are asking about visa exempt, I don't think anyone can tell you. Always bring the triple proofs with you (hotel, round trip ticket, 20K THB) and you'll be fine.
James ********
On that I wish you good luck. Get the correct visa for your stay in Thailand. I close commenting.
James ********
Kenny Yap That may be a good idea, but frankly will not guarantee you entry into Thailand. A ticket departing Thailand to neighboring country also will work. BUT its really up to the Immigration Officer which greets you on arrival.
Reiner *********
Kenny Yap yes you get 30 days stamp ....if you want more you need a 60 days tourist visa , but with a 30 days stamp you can stay up to 60 day you can extend it for 30 days here....if you need more time better get a tourist visa in your country or an consulate doe 60 days...witch can be extend again for 30 days....where you co I got from ..to witch airport
Benjamin ******
Kenny Yap You only get 30 days "visa exempt", which can be extended for 1,900 THB for another 30 days.
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Reiner ********
question, do i only get 30 days on arrival maximum or 60 plus 30? Or 30 plus 30...
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Reiner ********
i always fly with AirAsia
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
i am contemplating if i should buy a round trip ticket for my next trip in Oct.
Reiner *********
@Benjamin *****
normally they not ask....if you come by plane...but it could be that the airline bring you in will ask ....and to get the 30 days extension is easy ....
James ********
Kenny Yap yes...very lucky!
Reiner *********
@Benjamin *****
may be start with a 60 day tourist visa , extended with 30 days means 90 days...and try to get an second....or may be a third from an other country ....
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
yeah not going to work for me
Benjamin ******
Kenny Yap I just checked all the embassies in the USA, they all need the 7K USD in the bank account. You won't get a ME Tourist Visa in Malaysia though.
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
new yorks embassy. Although i am staying in kuala lumpur,Malaysia
Benjamin ******
Kenny Yap Which embassy did you check at? Different embassies have different requirements for that visa, in my experience
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
unfortunately i can't meet the requirements for multiple entries tourist Visa
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
I'll look into that
Benjamin ******
Kenny Yap If you want to come here frequently, I suggest getting the proper visa for your stay. You should be able to get a multiple entry tourist visa, which is good for 9 months (if you use it correctly).
Bada ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
luckily I've never been asked for any of those 3 when entering....
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