Immigration require onward/return ticket

Two friends - respectable mature men - recently, were requested to show a return/onward ticket when they arrived in Thailand. This requirement has been known about but not implimented for decades - some airlines will not fly you without such a ticket.

One friend who has lived in SE Asia for 19 years, mostly, Thailand, had hassle getting in even though he speaks good Thai. He was returning asking for 30 days for tourism, from working in Cambodia.

I wonder if this inconvenient regulation is being applied to everyone, just those asking for 30 day permission or just occasionally? Have other contributors been asked for proof?

I wonder if this inconvenient regulation is being applied to everyone, just those asking for 30 day permission or just occasionally?

This regulation only applies to arrival without visa (just those asking for 30 day visa free entry). This has always been in effect although seldom checked by anyone other than airlines. I wonder if these persons had other 30 day entries in their passport?

I'd wager a bet Lop...they had. The pocket nerve is the airlines big problem. They cop a 20,000 baht fine, accomm costs, and have to remove the illegal free of charge, on the first available departing flight

and happy new year to you Lop.

And a Happy New Year to you doc.