What should I do about my exit flight from Thailand if my return is after the 60-day visa-free stay?

Question

It's complicated.

Arriving in Thailand next week with my Thai lady.

Our UK return flights are scheduled for 3 months after our arrival.
1. Might I have issues (not being a Thai resident) in that my return flight is more than the 60 days automatic visa free stay period for UK nationals? I've been advised *by friends and acquaintances) everything from "forget about it, there'll be no problems" to "better book a flight out of Thailand before the 60 days, even if you don't use it" and "just book a bus to Vietnam during the 60 day period even if you don't use it".
1. It GETS WORSE in that I will actually leave Thailand by (aroundabouts) the 60 days (as yet unscheduled business appointments to keep in the UK) but will be booking flights from LOS to the UK and back, once the dates I must be back in the UK are confirmed, so that me and my Thai lass can return  back to the UK together, as per the already scheduled flight.
1. When I return to Thailand, having been away as advised, should I go through immigration as a new arrival or do I need to go to the visa extension desk?

I hope that little lot is a little clear than appears, at first reading.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thank you.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is seeking advice regarding the potential issues with their visa-free stay in Thailand which lasts for 60 days, alongside their scheduled return flight which is more than 60 days after their arrival. They are considering options such as booking a separate exit flight or border crossing to renew their stay but are unsure how to navigate the airline requirements and immigration processes. Various commenters provided insights on checking with the airline, the possibility of border runs for visa extensions, and the inconsistent enforcement of exit ticket requirements.

Alan ************* · Answer

So which airlines generally ask for proof of exit and which don’t give a toss?

David ******* · Answer

Immigration are very unlikely to check.

If you have a problem it will be from the airline at check in. There’s no way to be sure how strict they’ll be. Some insist on a flight out of Thailand within the 60 days, others will say nothing.

You could book a cheap flight out beforehand, you could buy an onward ticket service from one of the companies that provide this or you can wait until check in and be prepared to buy a ticket on your phone if they insist.

eg tell them you are going to visit Cambodia or somewhere but not sure exactly one and then book the ticket if they won’t check you in without it.

Peter ******** · Answer

Get a mileage ticket. Change or cancel it later.

Peter ***** · Answer

Went through immigration last night no questions asked about flights

Chris *********** · Answer

Bit late now, but if you intend extending your visa, dont book your flight out until you are in.

Brandon ************ · Answer

1) Check with your airline. They are the ones who may ask you to prove you have a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days or they won't let you board your flight. Some airlines are strict on this and some are not.

3) there is no visa extension desk

3) there is no visa extension desk

Von ****** · Answer

You will get 60 days upon arrival, at around the 30-35 day mark I would do a land border bounce… and you would get another extension… 30 days, or jump a flight and bounce back and get another 60… could be wrong on land BB, it may be  60 days refresh too, someone may be able to confirm that with the recent switching to 60 days on arrival for eligible designated countries.

What should I do about my exit flight from Thailand if my return is after the 60-day visa-free stay?

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