Joseph Michael Pedro III and for the record - now here on Non Imm B (BOI) and work permit. I just want to know whether overstays are actually NOW considered in Penang applications.
if economics are your consideration rent a car - easy two day drive to the border (can be done in one if pushing it). 5-6 days car rental is going to be about 6k give or take vs ~12k for you flights. With kids route 12 through Petchabun is elephant country and theres some nicd places to stop off.
Álvaro R. Royo you should just be able to show them a ticket. As you would understand, the reason they ask is that should a person be denied entry into Thailand the airline is held liable for flying the person back out.
If what you say is true (and it's the first I've heard of it- but I'm not suggesting that it has never happened), I'd change airlines. Of course the problem is far simpler solved - fly into Thailand with a visa. The requirement is only asked if you don't have a visa. Simple :)