we are a norwegian and a swede, aged 30, flying in to bangkok from singapore. from there travelling through to cambodia, vietnam, china to japan.

I understand normally we would not need a visa to enter thailand, as long as we have an onward ticket. But our next flight is not till we reach Tokyo, and we plan on leaving bangkok by bus... is this enough for the airline to let us on the flight to bangkok, or are we forced to book a flight out of bangkok/ get a visa to thailand beforehand?

Thanks!

You will need to obtain a tourist visa before leaving home.

You  will  need  to  obtain a  tourist  visa  before  leaving  home.

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Absolutely correct as usual Flyer

Woops!

Woops!

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Great contribution !

Woops!

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Great contribution !

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Dr. I would say the Woops! is appropriate in context to the OP's question.

I comment anyway.

Singapore is just two flight-hours away, so the airline staff over there know the rules, no air-ticket out of Thailand within 30 days no boarding.

So yes, you do need a visa or a flight ticket out of Thailand, the airline wants to see it and onward travel over land is not forseen in the rules. (BTW, I am talking about the rules, not about staff sometimes forgetting to check)

Otherwise, good luck for your trip. If I read it correctly, you want to go overland

to Cambodia, Vietnam and China. Don't forget to get visa for Vietnam and China in advance. For Cambodia you can apply for the visa at the border point (US$ 20.00)

How do you plan to go on to Japan? Overland a bit difficult. If not by plane remains by ship. If regular ship's service you don't need a visa for Japan.