@John *******

I get asked all the time. I figure because, since I am travelling SE Asia, and using Thailand as a base, I am usually booking one way tickets. And it isn't just Thailand that asks. Many SE Asian countries ask now. This year, I have been asked at check in for flights to Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

@Nick ***********

no REAL need to go to the police station. As long as it is done at some point. But if it is a short stay, he could probably get away without doing one.

@Martin ****

your hotel or homeowner is supposed to do it.

@Peter ******

might be because you had a return trip on the same airline? If Thailand sends you back, you already have a paid flight.

@Steve *******

there are plenty of people who do just that, in order to start the visa process while they are here for 3 months etc. (Hell, I have been in SE Asia for a year. I couldn't do it from home if I was doing it). The first step is to have $$$ in an account. So you need an account.

This is why people do agents. It is getting harder to open that account on your own.

You opened up a can of worms. 😅

@Steve *******

it used to be easier to open an account on a tourist visa or visa exempt. That is the issue. It is getting harder now to go that route. And each branch has their own rules. Now you almost have to either do it before arrival, or use an agent.

If the money is no issue, Elite visa is the least hassle and least stress by far. But, as you see, it isn't cheap.

BTW, Wheelchair is the way to get through an airport for sure!

Virtually impossible to do if you are not strapped to a bed.

I broke my leg here in Thailand in December. I did use a walker to hop on one leg to get an normal 30 day extension. The immigration officer mentioned to me that if I was still not able to walk in 30 days, and if you are in any way mobile, it is easier for you to fly out/drive out for a few days than try and get a medical extension. They interview doctors, come to appointments with you. She laid it all out.

So, after my 30 day extension, my gf took me to the airport, and I was wheeled everywhere by airline staff.