What are the requirements for re-entering Thailand on a tourist visa, specifically regarding onward tickets?

Question

I thought i would post this and be as brief as possible. i am not new to thailand. i have been traveling here for 16yrs and lived here for 2yrs 2015-2017. probably 10 times over this time frame.

in august 2024 i obtained a 60-day tourist visa via the thai embassy online in the US (a week later they changed the regulation tha this is not needed). i entered thailand and extended my 60day visa for 30days.

exited, on time-on november 1st and spend about 20 days in cambodia via flight. upon arrival, 2 days ago at DMK ariport a very young (25yoa if that) immigration officer read me the riot act, of sort about "i cannot do this" and "i must get a O visa" ect.

i told her i was here for medical care and had both emails and paper copy;'s of such for bangkok hospital. she did not ask to see them, though.

she initially asked for my onward ticket of which i usually "have" one ready. this time i did not thinking nobody asks for that. she DID.

anyways i will sort this out with immigration and/or get the O or other extended visa. moral of the story:

"IF" i had my onward ticket (or rented one, per se) the immigration officer i believe would not of gone into her rant. there was a female supervisor sitting behind her i believe she was new and wanted to make "a" name for herself.

as i am not aware on a tourist visa if you leave there is a specified amount of time you need to stay out before coming back. then again thai immigration. like any nation's immigration can say, do whatever they want.

IF i had an onward ticket i believe i would not have had to listen to her lecture. just FYI.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post shares an experience of returning to Thailand on a tourist visa after a short stay in Cambodia, highlighting issues faced at immigration regarding the lack of an onward ticket. The author reflects on their history with Thai immigration regulations and indicates a potential need for clearer guidelines on returning after a tourist visa, particularly the importance of having an onward ticket to avoid complications.

Steven ******* · Answer

Three weeks ago, I arrived visa-exempt from the US and the Immigration Officer at HKT asked me for my onward ticket. Fortunately, I had one.

First time for me to be asked at an airport.

Vincent *********** · Answer

my "thoughts" on this: IF you are a friend is doing this. especially since i was on round "2" in a relative short time (20 days coming back) have or rent the onward ticket.

i am telling you my "feel" was once i said i did not have an onward ticket her words and tone went in a different direction. i always spend the $10 on a (onward rental) ticket. this time i did not.

John ********** · Answer

Things have changed since the introduction of the 60 day visa exempt entry in July. They are much more strict on entry. Saying that if the young officer had a supervisor in attendance she was probably being assessed so would have to do things by the book.

Kool ******* · Answer

You are aware there is a visa for medical travel into the country? How many times have you visited here since 2017?

Drew ******* · Answer

But did you gain admission to the country?

Frances ******** · Answer

DMK seems hardline. As far as I can read from your post, you left and came back in after a 20 day stay out of country on a routine 60 day visa exemption. What did she see wrong with that? Or was her problem that you couldn’t produce “onward travel”?

Big**** · Answer

Does anyone know if an onward ticket can be within 90 days rather than  60 days since you can extend a tourist visa by 30 days in an immigration office inside Thailand?

What are the requirements for re-entering Thailand on a tourist visa, specifically regarding onward tickets?

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