Buying a one way ticket from USA

[jimmytrees]

While searching for a one way ticket from JFK to Bangkok a couple of the airlines posted notices cautioning that I may not be able to board the plane with a one way ticket. My previous retirement visa will expire before I arrive in Thailand this year. I intend to arrive in Bangkok on a one way ticket, get a 30 day visa at the airport, then I will apply for my retirement visa as I have done in the past. Acquiring a retirement visa in Thailand is easier for me than it is in America.

Are there any different rules from last year under the new government? Can anybody make a recommendation about this ? Has any of you arrived in the last 2 months in this way?

Thanks in advance

Jim

[Jingthing]

In my opinion, this concern is not at all new.

People on a one way ticket to Thailand with no visa should always expect to be challenged on boarding in the U.S. and possibly denied boarding.

Your solutions include:

get a tourist visa

(OR)

buy a ticket to anywhere leaving Thailand within 30 days of arrival in Thailand

Edited August 31, 2014 by Jingthing

[paz]

There are no new rules applicable to your case.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/754481-boarding-to-thailand-without-return-ticket/

[beechguy]

I agree with the others, this is an airline regulation they are trying to enforce, not Thai Immigration. JT's options are the best and most simple.

[paz]

I agree with the others, this is an airline regulation they are trying to enforce, not Thai Immigration. JT's options are the best and most simple.

There are cheaper and simpler options in my posting linked above.

[Maestro]

Get a single-entry non-O visa from an honorary consulate, ie not the non-O/A visa from an official consulate, then in Thailand start again getting one-year retirement extensions from your local immigration office.

If you can't get the non-O visa, get a single-entry tourist visa and in Thailand get it changed to a non-O at your immigration office (fee 2,000 Baht), followed by a one-year retirement extension.

[Jingthing]

Totally agree. The single O (if possible) would be better than the tourist visa for the OP's purpose.

[beechguy]

I agree with the others, this is an airline regulation they are trying to enforce, not Thai Immigration. JT's options are the best and most simple.

There are cheaper and simpler options in my posting linked above.

That's your opinion, go with it. Personally, I would rather just get a visa, and be done with it. If a 1000 Baht is too much, I would stay home.

If I were in the Op's situation, I would do as Maestro suggests, get the "O" and do the extension in Thailand.

[Jingthing]

Yes, but if he does enter with a 30 day stamp, the OP can do a change of status to O in Thailand (and then do the retirement extension). If going for the 30 day stamp, personally I would buy a one way ticket out to Malaysia to increase the chances of no problems on boarding. One way tickets are a red flag ... there is a very good chance there will be questions upon boarding.

That said, my last trip back on a RT return to Thailand ... the agent didn't even look inside my passport! Previously I've been hassled doing that and had to explain what a reentry permit was.

Edited August 31, 2014 by Jingthing

[NeverSure]

As JT said, you can enter visa exempt with an onward ticket to Malaysia as insurance against airline policy.

Once in Thailand you can go to immigration and convert to an O. Now start getting your paperwork together for the extension. Then when not more than 30 days, but not less than 15 days are left, get the retirement extension. Everything you need can be obtained in Thailand, and often easier and cheaper than in your own country.

Edited August 31, 2014 by NeverSure

[paz]

That's your opinion, go with it. Personally, I would rather just get a visa, and be done with it. If a 1000 Baht is too much, I would stay home.

When one takes advantage of a visa exemption, the point is not saving Bt. 1,000 but avoid travelling or mailing a passport unnecessarily.

Edited August 31, 2014 by paz

[Maestro]

That's a fair point. I have seen it mentioned, though, that not all immigration offices do a change from visa-exempt entry to non-O as the preparatory step for a retirement extension, thus requiring a trip to Bangkok. The fear of having the passport getting lost in the mail, even when sent as a registered letter or by special courier, I can understand, particularly if it is in a country where it is not unusual for such items to get lost or unduly delayed.

[bendejo]

As you probably know, Air Asia is the cheap regional carrier. I have traveled with AA lots of times on regional international one-way tickets and have never been asked about a return or onward ticket by them. Get on their email lists for a shot at ridiculously cheap deals. The best deal I ever got was KL-Siem Reap for US$10.

A plane ticket to anywhere else from Bangkok will get you passed check-in in the US. The airlines don't like to hear stuff like "from there I'll be taking the train to Malaysia."

[paz]

As you probably know, Air Asia is the cheap regional carrier. I have traveled with AA lots of times on regional international one-way tickets and have never been asked about a return or onward ticket by them. Get on their email lists for a shot at ridiculously cheap deals. The best deal I ever got was KL-Siem Reap for US$10.

A plane ticket to anywhere else from Bangkok will get you passed check-in in the US. The airlines don't like to hear stuff like "from there I'll be taking the train to Malaysia."

Again, in the post linked above there are methods do not cost anything and that are not train tickets - note however the airline regulations says "onward travel", not "air tickets".

[wayned]

I agree with the others, this is an airline regulation they are trying to enforce, not Thai Immigration. JT's options are the best and most simple.

Not true! It is an immigration regulation, but immigration in the past has relied on the Airlines to enforce the rule. Here's a quote:

"They must have a confirmed return ticket to show that they are flying out of Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar, etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.

You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show you will be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you will be most likely to be refused entry."

[Maestro]

As you probably know, Air Asia is the cheap regional carrier. I have traveled with AA lots of times on regional international one-way tickets and have never been asked about a return or onward ticket by them. Get on their email lists for a shot at ridiculously cheap deals. The best deal I ever got was KL-Siem Reap for US$10.

A plane ticket to anywhere else from Bangkok will get you passed check-in in the US. The airlines don't like to hear stuff like "from there I'll be taking the train to Malaysia."

I have some difficulty understanding what you are trying to say. The OP said he will fly from JFK to Bangkok. JFK is the IATA code for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, USA. Therefore, your experience of not being asked for an onward ticket by the regional carrier Air Asia (IATA airline code AK, not AA) does not seem relevant.

[beechguy]

That's your opinion, go with it. Personally, I would rather just get a visa, and be done with it. If a 1000 Baht is too much, I would stay home.

When one takes advantage of a visa exemption, the point is not saving Bt. 1,000 but avoid travelling or mailing a passport unnecessarily.

He is in his home country, with reliable courier and mail services, and almost 100% guarantee that he will get a visa. If he comes to Thailand visa exempt, he will still be out a visa fee, and at least two trips to immigration.

I read your post when you originally posted it, and again. Frankly, for me, following your advice would be a waste of my time.

[paz]

He is in his home country, with reliable courier and mail services, and almost 100% guarantee that he will get a visa. If he comes to Thailand visa exempt, he will still be out a visa fee, and at least two trips to immigration.

I read your post when you originally posted it, and again. Frankly, for me, following your advice would be a waste of my time.

I did not suggested that the OP should come visa exempt. In fact it would be better if he comes with a non-imm 'O".

I simply commented on getting a visa just because being worried about being asked a return ticket, there are ways around that.

Edited August 31, 2014 by paz

[beechguy]

I agree with the others, this is an airline regulation they are trying to enforce, not Thai Immigration. JT's options are the best and most simple.

Not true! It is an immigration regulation, but immigration in the past has relied on the Airlines to enforce the rule. Here's a quote:

"They must have a confirmed return ticket to show that they are flying out of Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar, etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.

You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show you will be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you will be most likely to be refused entry."

I take your point, but the airlines are enforcing an IATA regulation, not enforcing Thai Immigration laws, even though they are similar. As to Thai Immigration, never been asked for a ticket or proof of funds in 12 years.

[wayned]

I've never been asked either, but the last time that I flew into Thailand was on 29 March 1998 and I haven't left since!

[Maestro]

I agree with the others, this is an airline regulation they are trying to enforce, not Thai Immigration. JT's options are the best and most simple.

Not true! It is an immigration regulation, but immigration in the past has relied on the Airlines to enforce the rule. Here's a quote:

"They must have a confirmed return ticket to show that they are flying out of Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar, etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.

You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show you will be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you will be most likely to be refused entry."

I did a Google search with your quotation, for which you cited no source, and found that text on several websites and blogs but neither on the site of the Immigration Bureau nor on the site of any other Thai government agency.

I understand, however, that there is a Thai law, Ministerial Regulation or other official rule, which I have not seen personally, to the effect that an airline can be fined up to 20,000 Baht if it flies a passenger entitled to visa-exempt entry to Thailand without a visa and without a confirmed onward flight out of Thailand in case the passenger is denied entry, and the airline will have to fly the passenger out of Thailand at its own expense.

[paz]

I did a Google search with your quotation, for which you cited no source, and found that text on several websites and blogs but neither on the site of the Immigration Bureau nor on the site of any other Thai government agency.

I understand, however, that there is a Thai law, Ministerial Regulation or other official rule, which I have not seen personally, to the effect that an airline can be fined up to 20,000 Baht if it flies a passenger entitled to visa-exempt entry to Thailand without a visa and without a confirmed onward flight out of Thailand in case the passenger is denied entry, and the airline will have to fly the passenger out of Thailand at its own expense.

There is a section about deportation of visa exempt people in the immigration act. It is quite difficult to understand what it means but seems to cover the case when the person has a case, and the airline is ordered to obey Immigration order with a fine if they don;t.

Section 56 : In the case where there is an exemption from a visa for the alien, under section 12 (1), and

the alien has shown the competent official a ticket or any travel document of the owner of the conveyance

or the person in charge of the conveyance or evidence of any other person, in accordance with the

condition as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations, for the purpose of deporting from the Kingdom of

such alien, the competent official shall have power to order the owner of the conveyance , the person in

charge of the conveyance , or the person issuing a ticket, document or evidence , as the case may be,

not to cancel, return of alter the important vital statement on the said ticket, document or evidence, with or

without any conditions.

The order under Para.1 can be done by attaching to or by stamping in the said ticket, document

or evidence, when the competent official has ordered, if here is cancellation , return or alternation of the

important vital statement in the said ticket, document or evidence , finding it difference from the order

given by the competent official, the competent official shall have power to order the owner of the

conveyance , the person in charge of the conveyance, or the person issuing a ticket , document or

evidence , as the case may be , to conform with the former condition as indicated on the ticket, document

or evidence, for the purpose of deportation.

[Maestro]

Looking through the Immigration Act, it is possible, if not likely, that an onward flight ticket out of Thailand is part of the "list of items" that immigration officers at the point of entry are authorised to inspect for foreigners arriving under the visa exemption scheme.

Section 18 : The competent official shall have power to inspect persons entering into or leaving the

Kingdom ,

In light of this provision , persons entering into or departing from the Kingdom must submit a list

of items as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations , and must be inspected and approval by the

competent official assigned to the Immigration check point.

The fine of 20,000 Baht for airlines is apparently covered by Section 67, for violation of Section 27(3)

Section 67 : Any owner or person in charge of a conveyance who fails to comply with the provision of

Section 27(1) Para.1 or fails to cooperate with the competent official accordance with the provision of

Section 27(3) shall be punished with a fine not exceeding 20,000 Baht.

Section 27: ...

3. Cooperate fully with the competent official in following the provisions of this Act.

The provisions of this Section shall apply to the owner or person in change of the conveyance from or to

the border , and conveying passengers into the kingdom or talking passenger to the border for the

purpose of leaving the Kingdom. This applies to passenger entering into or leaving the Kingdom only.
...

[StefanBBK]

I had several airlines asking me for return tickets in the past. It all comes down to the person at the check in counter. Whenever I flew business class it was very easy.

Otherwise I always had a printed out Itinerary ( not actual ticket) and that was accepted.

Last time I used one of this Orbitz book now and cancel free within 24 hours tickets. Right after check in, I cancelled the ticket and had no charges on my credit card.

The problem for me was that I never knew for sure when I would leave again, nor where I had to fly to. Therefore I had to resort to these tactics.

[beechguy]

I've never been asked either, but the last time that I flew into Thailand was on 29 March 1998 and I haven't left since!

And I admire you for it! Thank you for sharing your recent experiences.

[JohnThailandJohn]

Generally you can buy a round trip ticket from the US for near the same price as a one-way (sometimes cheaper). The return ticket is generally good for a year. So, you can buy a round trip, get to Thailand and tell them you want to change your return date but you will let them know later what date. This will give you a return ticket for just whatever the change fee is should you need it in the next year.

Edited September 1, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[wayned]

I agree with the others, this is an airline regulation they are trying to enforce, not Thai Immigration. JT's options are the best and most simple.

Not true! It is an immigration regulation, but immigration in the past has relied on the Airlines to enforce the rule. Here's a quote:

"They must have a confirmed return ticket to show that they are flying out of Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar, etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.

You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show you will be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you will be most likely to be refused entry."

I did a Google search with your quotation, for which you cited no source, and found that text on several websites and blogs but neither on the site of the Immigration Bureau nor on the site of any other Thai government agency.

I understand, however, that there is a Thai law, Ministerial Regulation or other official rule, which I have not seen personally, to the effect that an airline can be fined up to 20,000 Baht if it flies a passenger entitled to visa-exempt entry to Thailand without a visa and without a confirmed onward flight out of Thailand in case the passenger is denied entry, and the airline will have to fly the passenger out of Thailand at its own expense.

The quote came from this website: http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/changes-visa-exempt.php

For some reason It is now operated by Siam Legal, a sponsor of TV.

[ubonjoe]

That has always been a commercial website. Siam Legal is not a sponsor of the forum.

[wayned]

That has always been a commercial website. Siam Legal is not a sponsor of the forum.

Is there a list of TV sponsors available to all members or is that only available to a select few? If there is how can I access it?

[Julie H]

So if i have a single entry non o (marriage) i should just show a cheap flight out within three months time? Would that be ok? Last time i was very rudely questioned at Sydney airport because my return date was greater than my visa. but this time i will just buy a one way ticket with plans to get extensions here in Thailand