What happens if I'm denied entry into Thailand with proof of onward travel to Vietnam?

Oct 4, 2019
5 years ago
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi there,

I have spent a total of 5 months in Thailand on a tourist visa this year. The first time I stayed for 1 month and then applied for an extension. I then went back to the UK and applied for a 2 month tourist visa, of which I applied for another extension. I've now been back in the UK for nearly 3 months and have applied for 1 more month through the Thai Embassy and I'm just waiting for a response. I don't however, have a return ticket to the UK..but I will have proof of onward travel to Vietnam.

If they don't let me into the country then will I be able to choose if I want to go straight to Vietnam from the airport or will they be likely to send me back to the UK?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user seeks advice about their impending return to Thailand after multiple tourist visa extensions, expressing concern about potential denial of entry. They question whether they could travel directly to Vietnam if denied entry, as they lack a return ticket to the UK but have proof of onward travel. Community responses clarify that entry decisions are influenced by the airline's policies and Thai immigration regulations, suggesting purchasing a ticket to another destination or opting for a multiple-entry tourist visa for better chances of acceptance.
Tod *********
100% of the time on denial of entry cases the airline you flew in on controls where you go. The thai immigration officers don't have a dog in this fight.

Some carriers will let you go back to where you came from, some to anywhere they fly, some only to country of passport origin. It's totally up to the carrier you use to come here.

If you're concerned, why not get a tourist visa, fly to a neighboring country and enter thailand by land?
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thanks Daniel
Daniel ***********
@Jake *******
if you are denied entry by land you will not be detained as you would if you entered by air ...so if you get denied at a land crrossing you can then arrange Vietnam...by air your at the will of the airline
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thanks a lot. Really appreciate it
Tod *********
@Jake *******
none, but you're already IN the UK and can snap up a tourist visa before you come over to this side of the world. That means you don't have to fool with a thai consulate in a nearby country and make sure you meet the requirements at that particular consulate to get a tourist visa.
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok so what difference does it make if I get a Thai visa but fly to a neighboring country beforehand?
Tod *********
@Jake *******
NO you would BUY a tourist visa to thailand at the thai consulate in the UK before you wing your way here to S/E Asia.
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So would I apply for a visa to the neighboring country and apply for another Thai visa at the border?
Randy **********
Don't fly into Don Mueang airport as they seem to be hammering people on multiple tourist visas/exemptions
Randy **********
@Jake *******
air Asia and Nok air are the 2 major airlines that fly out of there.
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
In fact..I'm intending to go south, so it wouldn't be a good idea qnyway
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ah ok. I don't think I'll be flying there anyway and especially after your comment haha
Randy **********
@Jake *******
there's only 2 in Bangkok. Don Mueang is the low cost terminal on the north side
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have no idea where that airport is to be honest
Benjamin ******
Nobody can tell you if they will let you in or not. It sounds like you are not a "short term" tourist. If you want the highest chance of getting in, buy an elite visa. Otherwise, get a multiple entry tourist visa. Or, potentially, get a visa that matches your stay.

Another option, IF you haven't crossed by land twice this calendar year, is to fly into Lao and cross over by land.
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thank you for the advice
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I wonder if I should book my plane ticket to Singapore and onward to Thailand then, so that if they send me back..I could book the ticket from there to Vietnam without it costing me a ton of money
Benjamin ******
It'll be up to the airline company if they want to send you back to the UK, or let you go some other place.
Jake ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok so do you think it would be worth taking taking the risk, even if I'm accepted for the visa?
Robert *******
If you are denied entry into Thailand, it is depending on the policy of the air line carrier in combination with Thai Immigration who holds your passport. Most of the time it is back to the point of departure, some times back to home country. It is not where ever you please to go, You get your passport back after arrival from the airline crew.
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