What Are the Requirements for Leaving Thailand on a Visa Exempt Entry?

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Patrick Dale Eidson i deleted your post.

But your question now is 
hanks Robert, but my concern would be the requirement for a confirmed ticket to leave Thailand at the end of 30 days. The 20,000 Baht in pocket is not a problem. If my intent is to apply for the Non-Imm O off the Visa Exempt Entry then I wouldn't want to buy an exit ticket that I would never use.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion revolves around the requirements for exiting Thailand when entering on a Visa Exempt Entry. Key points include the necessity of having a confirmed onward ticket and sufficient funds upon arrival. While it's rare for border officials to request proof of funds or travel, airlines often require verification for return tickets. Some participants suggest buying a flexible or cheap ticket to fulfill these requirements, especially for those planning to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa after entering.

Robert ******* · Answer

he is inside Thailand on a Non Immigrant O-A Visa. His plan is when the Visa runs out, to make a border run for a new 30 day Visa Exempt Entry and then convert to a Non Immigrant O visa, no flights.

Thanks for all your contributions and sorry that I cut a part of the original question by re posting,

Tod ********* · Answer

You're far more likely to have an issue checking in with your airline winging your way TO thailand without a valid visa for thailand in your passport than you are getting asked for proof of onward travel once you hit the ground here.

Tod ********* · Answer

[mention redacted], just so you're clear about it, The fact you might apply for an  in country Non-O visa while you're here on a 30 day visa exempt entry is NOT reason enough for the immigration officers to waive proof of funds, proof of onward travel or proof of lodging. So have the proof of funds with you, AND be prepared if you're asked to show proof of onward travel (they'll let you book a ticket right while you stand at passport control IF you need to show proof of onward travel).

David ******** · Answer

I was asked for the first time two weeks ago in Vietnam. Never over stayed or even extended.  Been to LOS maybe 50+ times never any issues. Not sure If this was an over zealous girl or they’re getting strict. Or because I’d been in Thailand for a day before Vietnam.

Stuart ********* · Answer

As Robert said very rarely would you be asked to show onward ticket out of Thailand unless you have a “history” that flags up on the immigration system. However (and I’m not sure this applies in your situation because I didn’t see the original post) the issue is with the airlines. If you are coming in on a visa exempt they will want to see that you are leaving within the time frame allowed. The argument that you’re going to extend or change visa category etc is irrelevant to them. They’re covering their asses so they don’t have to pay for you to return home at their expense. Doesn’t have to be an air ticket home or even an air ticket. Just a ticket out of Thailand. A $10 ticket from Hat Yai to Penang will do. As long as the ticket is for outside of Thailand and not a border town within Thailand.

Bobby ******** · Answer

You can buy a flexible ticket and get a full refund.

Robert ******* · Answer

believe it or not, it is very rear that people at land borders are asked for the 20.000 thb or equivalent currency in cash and the proof of accommodation and proof of onward travel,

It is rear that people get asked on the airport to show these 3 proofs,

If it happens we noticed out of reports that these people do have a long history of living inside Thailand using the Visa exempt Entry or the Tourist visa, both for people visiting short time.

You live inside Thailand using the Non Immigrant O-A (long stay) visa, a total different ball game

What Are the Requirements for Leaving Thailand on a Visa Exempt Entry?

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