@John *********

some airlines allow you to cancel within 24 hours. So purchase an eticket,send in a digital copy as proof of travel, then cancel for a refund. When you get the visa then purchase the ticket you then need.

@Ray *********

I applied online from the US.

I was required to provide proof of airline bookings, both in and out. I am American. Took maybe 5 days.

I only had an issue updating a proof of return ticket file. The online instructions were quite incorrect but I kept trying different things and finally had success. I don’t recall the initial application being a problem though. I hope you get the help you need as it really should be easy.

Receiving a tourist visa should take less than a week. You probably have plenty of time.

When I applied for a 60 day visa, I did not respond to the request to provide proof of a return ticket. My application was rejected until I could provide them with the return ticket or at least proof I would be l would be leaving Thailand . Upon arrival in Thailand, no one ever asked to see any proof of that would be leaving. Take this for what it is worth. 

@Alastair *******************

I did see an article today that the hoped for 60-day VE may be out by July.

The 60 day is if you paid in advance and received a Tourist Vice. A visa exempt entry remains at 30 days.

There are many threads in this topic you can search for here. The consensus today, not from 5 years ago, it that things have changed. More banks are refusing to open accounts and while it should be easy to do on your own in theory, you can save time and hassles by going to a recommended agent.

For my e visa application I did not attach beyond 3 weeks hotel nor a return ticket. I was denied and told to submit them. I did. After I was approved I terminated the new hotel reservations as I have no idea where I will be yet and I was admitted into the country without have to show any legit bookings. But this is my own experience and I assert nothing. But never had to show such exit travel ever shoe proof of funds.