I entered Thailand on a US passport with no visa and my one month is almost up. Because I plan to travel around I came here on a one way ticket. My plan is to go to KL and get a visa to stay longer, hopefully a multiple entry version. Since I don't have a return ticket is this possible? How strict are the embassy about this?

You don't need a return ticket when applying for a visa, and not even a 'going' ticket.

That is exactly the point of getting a visa, it eliminates certain requirements that apply to visa waiver.

Actually at many Consulates you do require a ticket out of Thailand to get the visa issued but most in the immediate area will not require for a first world passport. And it is very unlikely he will obtain a two entry tourist visa in Malaysia - he would be best served trying Vientiane or Savannakhet in Laos if he really wants that.

You are unlikely to get a multiple entry non immigrant O visa anywhere in S.E. Asia.

Now there are exceptions to this rule....especially if your applying for a visa based on marriage to a Thai wife.

Even then, unless you can get that consulate to believe you have a valid reason for a multi entry visa rather than a single entry visa....they will often tell you to enter Thailand with a single entry visa, and then EXTEND that visa at your local immigration in Thailand.

Of course that extension will be given you because you need it for some reason.

Common reasons are:

1. Marrird to a Thai....need visa extended to stay with Thai wife.

2. Will retire in Thailand.... meets requirements for retirement extension to visa,

3. Offered a job in Thailand....will get work permit and needs extension.

And so on.

But otherwise, multi entry visas are getting to be as rare as hen's teeth.

Not saying it can't be done...but it is harder now than it was.

Generally, what they want to give you is that 90 day single entry visa....and "extend it when in Thailand".

I believe he means a two entry tourist visa - and they can be obtained in Laos as I posted.