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Will bringing many belongings and no return flight cause issues with Thai immigration on a Visa Arrival?

Dec 17, 2024
4 months ago
Wil *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello all,

I will be coming back to Thailand on a standard Visa Arrival Visa from America. I then plan to apply for a Non Immigrant OA visa.

My question is this, Since I am starting with a Visa arrival, is going to be a problem that I am bringing a lot of items that are what a person would be bringing to plan on moving. And no return flight. Is this going to be an issue with immigration?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The person is concerned about entering Thailand on a Visa Exempt status from the US, particularly about bringing many items typical for moving and not having a return flight. Responses indicate clarification on terminology—Americans enter as visa exempt for 60 days, not on a visa on arrival. Additionally, it is advised to apply for a Non-O visa before arriving in Thailand to avoid complications. Questions remain about the necessity of a return flight and whether bringing many personal items could raise issues with immigration.
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Frankie *******
N I m an Australian American citizen
Frankie *******
Yes n I just did that 3 months ago
Wayne ********
As it stands right now, if what you’re saying is correct and you don’t have a visa you will be entering on a visa exempt for 60 days coming from the United States 
Frankie *******
Americans r visa exempt n on arrival given 60 days
Asokā **********
It is not Visa on Arrival for an America it is a Visa Exempt ( a waiver visa) for 60 days
Ken ***********
It may not seem to be a big deal. But correct terminology does matter, you would enter as visa exempt. Not visa on arrival. As others have mentioned, it would be best to get a Non O before you arrive, then you can get extended to a full 12 months in Thailand.

As for a return ticket on a visa exempt, your airline could ask as it is a requirement. You could buy a throw away ticket from Thailand to Malaysia, Laos or Cambodia within 60 days, whatever is cheapest. There are also dummy ticket companies where you can purchase a fake ticket for a low charge.
Bobby *******
Americans aren’t eligible for a visa on arrival and you can’t get a Non OA while in Thailand. This is basic stuff get a visa agent
Frank **********
Why not apply for the Non-O in the US, then you don't have to worry about what you bring in?
Graham ******
You cannot get a Non-OAinside Thailand, only a Non-O. Both Non-OA and Non-O can be purchased from your home country before travelling.
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