What should I do about my onward flight when arriving in Thailand with a 45-day entry exemption?

Sep 27, 2022
2 years ago
Stefan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am Australian and arriving Bangkok from Singapore on 0ct 1, a date I chose so I could get the new 45 day visa extension. Ticket is a one way Singapore airlines flight. Looking to book an onward flight out on day 44 of the extension. but I just called Singapore airlines and so far they are “unaware” of anything other than a 30 day extension. I have been prevented from boarding unless I bought an onward ticket by Singapore airlines before so I guess I’ll just have to take a chance that they will update their requirements by the day I fly, or just pay up for a ticket out of Thailand within 30 days, not 45.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An Australian traveler arriving in Bangkok is uncertain about the recent 45-day visa exemption, as Singapore Airlines remains unaware of these changes and may require an onward ticket. Community members offer solutions, including booking a cheap refundable ticket and printing government announcements as proof. Discussions highlight past experiences with airlines regarding visa checks and the importance of being prepared to avoid being denied boarding.
Tod *********
and we're done (y)
John *********
Quick easy solution I have used before is book a cheap ticket to Phnom Pen, print the booking, cancel the flight.

Even non refundable tickets are refundable if canceled within 24 hours.

Don't take a chance on being denied boarding.

Saw a guy on one of my flights get denied then sit down and do what I said above, boarded, then canceled.
Stefan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Would this be through the AirAsia app? I checked and it “seems” to indicate that I can get a full refund if I cancel within 24 hours. For example if I buy say just before my flight and cancel after boarding. If so sounds like a good way around it
Peter *********
STEFAN This happened to me with Qatar airways Lhr to Bkk via Doha.When Covid came in first the Thai government increased the visa exempt from 30 days to 45 as we were in Quarantine for 15 days in Bangkok.Qatar airways London would not accept the extra 15days and WE were made to pay to change our ticket Still trying unsuccessful to get money back
Edward ********
All airlines go by today's rules as in force today. This was the same all through the frequent covid changes Obvious reason being that governments can backtrack.
Wannikea *********
Suggest you find the most official Thai government webpage announcing the change and print it out to provide some evidence of your claim to the airline if they are still unaware at boarding time.
Wannikea *********
Alan ******
@Wannikea ********
I don't think that it has been Gazetted yet. It has been approved by all the relevant agencies and the Cabinet.
Wannikea *********
@Alan *****
this is true afaik.
Tod *********
the requirement for onward travel when flying in visa exempt is between you and your air carrier.

You are highly unlikely to be asked for it when you land here.

That they don't know about it doesn't surprise me but even if it was 30 days they know you can get a 30 day extension on that so a 44 out onward travel shouldn't be an issue with them

AND

just so you're clear, it's not a "new 45 days visa extension" it's a change from the visa exempt entry time from 30 days to 45 days, the extension you get on the new 45 day entry stamp will still be 30 days at the immigration office
Bernd ***********
@Tod ********
Airlines using their, so called ,TIMATIC SYSTEM for visa checks. I checked there with Australian traveling via SIN to TH for 41 days and it says Visa required!

So it hasn't been updated. ( Maybe because it's still not gazetted )
Bernd ***********
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Stefan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
This is what I’ve decided to do. Just for the peace of mind
Stefan ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. And sorry for the typo. I meant exemption.

Pleasantly surprised to know that they should know that I can extend the exemption.

I did call them again but didn’t get any further clarification
Tod *********
@Stefan ***********
worst case make a booking you can cancel that is 30 days out from your departure date. board the plane and cancel it 🙂
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