Visa Exemption Program + Extension

[MTH_CH]

Dear All

I am currently looking into the possibility to travel to Thailand at the end of April. I understand that Thailand currently allows a 45 day stay without a visa (for certain countries) until 21 September 2021:
 

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Note: Thailand has allowed foreigners to enter the kingdom by air under the Visa Exemption Program for 45 days. The foreigners must obtain certificate of entry (COE), provide COVID-19 insurance and undergo mandatory quarantine.

Furthermore, I understand that an extension is possible for another 30 days:

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Travelers who enter Thailand under the tourist visa exemption category are allowed to apply for an additional extension at the Immigration Bureau for a period up to 30 days.

The confusing part for me is that it is a requirement to have a return flight within the 30 / 45 days:

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Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category must provide proof of adequate funding for the duration of stay in Thailand at the port of entry (i.e., traveller’s cheque or cash equivalent to 20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family), proof of onward travel (confirmed air, train, bus or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date. Otherwise a tourist visa must be obtained.

How do you actually handle this in praxis nowadays?

Thanks
MTH

[ubonjoe]

Those are the same requirements for visa exempt entries that have existed for many years.

More than likely it will be the airline that asks for the flight out when you check in for your flight to here. Immigration seldom ask for it. You can use a one way ticket to anywhere to show to if asked. You could search for onward ticket and you will find many websites offering temporary tickets to show for a small fee.

You more than likely will not be asked to prove the 20k when you enter the country.

[Tanoshi]

Book a return flight within the 30 days, then after entering Thailand change the return flight date for a later date. Many airlines are offering free changes to flight dates at the moment.

[DrJack54]

OP, the above 2 posts cover your options.

Pre covid times the obvious option was Ubonjoe suggestion. In those days you could buy throw away ticket to say Saigon for under 1000baht or buy a "rent a ticket" ~300baht. Fast forward to current situation then suggestion from Tanoshi is good option. Depends on how long you intend to stay in Thailand. Throw away obviously gives more flexibility but also consider that return tickets more often cheaper that 2 one way.