What should I know about checking in for flights to Thailand without a visa or onward ticket?

Thai Visa Exempt Entry Onward Flight Requirement Tourist Visa Immigration Advice Family in Thailand Visa Rules and Regulations

May 15, 2019

6 years ago

Robert ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’ve been commuting between HK (where I work)and Bangkok on a weekly basis for close to six years using a tourist on arrival visa without any major issues. I have a Thai wife and family in Bangkok where previously I had a work visa for 10 years.

However i Just returned to Suvarnabhumi from a business trip to Phnom Penh last night and Cambodia Airways in Phnom Penh initially refused to allow me to check in as I did not have a visa or onward flight out of Bangkok.

They were aware I did not need a visa but they said they had had a UK passenger returned from Suvarnabhumi earlier that week and were not allowing similar passengers to fly unless they either had an onward flight booking or US$500 in cash

After some discussion they allowed me to check in after withdrawing US$500 from the ATM.

Arrived in Suvarnabhumi and sailed straight through immigration without any questions!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user shares their experiences commuting between Hong Kong and Bangkok on a tourist visa, discussing a recent incident where they faced issues at check-in without an onward flight or visa. Despite initially being denied boarding by the airline, they were allowed to check in after showing cash reserves. Upon arrival in Bangkok, they faced no immigration issues. Comments from the community highlighted the importance of having an onward flight booking for visa-exempt entries and suggested considering long-term visa options given the user's marriage to a Thai national.

Tod *********

Doesn't have much to do with "thai VISA advice".

6 years ago

Lloyd ********

You were lucky, an onward flight is a requirement to check in if you are going to enter with a visa exempt entry.

6 years ago

James ********

FYI...$500 is not the 20,000 Thai baht which Thai Immigration may ask to see upon your arrival into Bangkok. You may wish to rethink your weekly arrivals into Thailand from your work outside Thailand. Possibly Tod Daniels could suggest a good visa for you as you say you are married to Thai and have family in Thailand.

6 years ago

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James ********

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Do Thai immigration officers always require proof of onward travel for visa exempt entries?

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