What itinerary can my friend follow to avoid immigration hassles while traveling in Thailand and nearby countries?

Question

I have a friend (US passport) who will be arriving to BKK next week. Her plan is to enter visa exempt for 30 days and then transit to Cambodia and Laos and eventually return to Thailand either visa exempt or on a 60 day SETV. She does not currently have proof of onward travel though she will be bringing 20,000b equivalent. Her planned stay in the region is 90 days total.

What is a good itinerary and plan to avoid any hassles with immigration?

What is a good itinerary and plan to avoid any hassles with immigration?

Ask Thailand · Answer

A friend with a US passport plans to enter Thailand using a 30-day visa exemption, travel to Cambodia and Laos, and then return to Thailand, intending to avoid immigration issues. The consensus suggests she can manage the itinerary with minimal hassle by obtaining tickets to neighboring countries. Although concern was raised over proof of onward travel and available funds, many believe that as long as she doesn't appear to be a frequent overstayer, she should pass through immigration without difficulty. Tips include purchasing inexpensive onward bus or flight tickets to satisfy airline requirements and ensuring she meets the financial threshold required by Thai authorities.

Steve ********** · Answer

Thanks everyone. I've advised her to pick up a cheap flight to Vientiane. She can decide if she wants to apply for a 60 day SETV while she's there or come back in 30 days exempt.

Tod ********* · Answer

IF they let her board the plane to come here she'll have no problem with passport control when she stamps in. The main thing they are asking on the RARE occasions they do ask are for proof of 20K baht or the equivalent in cash. I couldn't find any posts on forums where people were asked for proof of onward travel (although it is something they CAN ask for).

I'd also say if her passport isn't littered with back-2-back 30 day visa exempt entries or tourist visas to thailand she'll probably skate right thru. Most all of the people asked for proof of funds (and all of those subsequently denied entry) had extensive histories of living here on back-2-back visa exempt or tourist visa entries.

Terary ********** · Answer

I think the 30 day visa exempt - on arrival will be fine.  I have never been asked for anything when entering Thailand - only when trying to get a visa at consulate.   She may have troubles boarding the plane, as they are funny about those things.  For onward travel I buy a bus ticket online.    She can purchase her Cambodia tickets online.   The US airlines did tell me i would have to have proof of onward travel (although honestly dont remember if they asked to me to show it when I was checking in).

Jim ******* · Answer

Barry Teoh. Nothing to do with immigration at all. It's the airline's boarding requirements.!

Barry ****** · Answer

Most likely scenario  immigration will not ask anything..

Richard ***** · Answer

Just buy your friend a cheap bus ticket to another country. Send the ticket to her and she’ll be covered should the airline ask. Ticket can then be used, sold or thrown out.

Steve ********** · Answer

She's in Bulgaria at the moment and will be flying in via Moscow.

Im probably over thinking everything. I just don't want her to run into issues, especially at Suvarnabhumi.

Paul ********* · Answer

If she’s still in the US she could apply for a double or triple entry tourist visa.

Thomas ******************** · Answer

Couldn't she have problems boarding (in the US)? I seem to recall most airlines want to see onward travel if you don't have a visa.

Steve ******* · Answer

Her plan sounds fine, she shouldnt have any problems entering Thailand then Cambodia/Laos and then returning to Thailand.

What itinerary can my friend follow to avoid immigration hassles while traveling in Thailand and nearby countries?

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