It depends. I have lived in Cambodia for 6 years with my Thai partner. Since we both have year-long Cambodian visas we usually never have been asked for return flights when flying to Phnom Penh. However, one time, in 2023, when my partner’s visa was expiring in 18ish days (we were returning to Phnom Penh to renew the Cambodian visa), Thai Airways made use buy my partner a ticket back to Thailand (since my Cambodian visa was good for another 6+ months, I didn’t need another ticket. ) Was surprised that Thai Airways did this, as it has usually been my experience that budget airlines do this.

@Wannikea ********

- Why does your argument change every time I respond? You thought you were right and said it didn’t say what I said it says, now you are saying something else. Have you applied for a DTV yet? If you think your view is correct, why not ask your embassy when applying and see what type of response they give?

@Wannikea ********

for most people who got tourist visas (before visa exempt was 60 days) did so because they wanted to stay longer in Thailand without doing a border run. Leaving for Thailand without receiving it, to then do a border run, kind of seems counterintuitive.

@Wannikea ********

it says you need to be inside the Netherlands the entire time of the visa process and if you leave the Netherlands (not just enter Thailand), you will be rejected

@Wannikea ********

Disregard the highlighted portion. It was highlighted for another purpose. Look at the last line

@Wannikea ********

- So there is nothing that you can reference? Got it. Before DTV, what visa would someone apply for and then head to Thailand without it, planning to just do a border run when approved? It wasnt a thing I can see people doing prior, so that is why some embassies have nothing on their website. They do say it can take a month, so give yourself enough time, not apply one week before flying and if you don’t get it, wait and do a border run.

@Hugo **********

- The end date of your visa doesn't change, as your visa expires in 5 years.

@Wannikea ********

Being common doesn't imply it is allowed. I have not seen any guidance anywhere that says that. In fact, most embassy's websites tell you to give yourself a month to process the visa. However, please share any guidance where the embassy says if your visa is not available in time to head to Thailand on visa exempt and do a border bounce when processed.

@Jan *****************

sounds like a great opportunity

If refused, you go into immigration jail and then on a plane outward