I have been asked twice to show my departure prior to the 30 day visa exempt runs out. The gate didn’t care that I planned to get an extension. I had to buy a “throw away” ticket at the gate to be allowed to board 🤦♀️. Both times they were Asian airlines as connecting flights
the flip side of that is my ex - felon, armed robbery, took a woman hostage at gunpoint, calif pen for 5 yrs. has a retirement visa 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️. Can’t get into Canada nor get a global entry passport - but Thailand was welcoming lol