Thailand Visa question No. 243/23: To Thailand without a visa

Questioner: Cornelis

Ronny Latya, if I travel to Thailand with a so-called 'one-way ticket' do I need a visa? I intend to stay in Thailand for more than a month. I ask this because I plan to take our Thai children (Thai nationality and Thai passports) to the Netherlands.

I cannot say in advance when I will travel to the Netherlands with the children, because I have to arrange everything at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok (for a visa for the children) and also have to buy a ticket for myself and the children in Bangkok. And if I travel to Thailand for a stay of more than one month in Thailand without a visa, what are the consequences upon arrival/entry at the airport?

Can I still arrange a visa upon arrival to be allowed to travel further?

I'd love to hear your response. Thanks in advance.

Reaction RonnyLatYa

1. If you leave without a visa (Visa exemption), you will most likely be asked to provide proof that you are leaving Thailand within 30 days. Usually people will want to see a return or onward flight ticket. You can always cancel or use a cheap onward flight ticket to Laos, for example.

2. However, upon entering Thailand, immigration will very exceptionally ask for this and no problems are actually expected there. The ones who are difficult about this are always the airlines at check-in.

3. You cannot apply for a visa upon arrival in Thailand.

4. But why don't you just apply for a Non-immigrant O visa before you leave? Can be based on Thai Marriage of Thai child. Then you immediately have 90 days upon arrival and plenty of time to arrange something in Thailand without having to worry about accommodation. And you can do that with a one-way ticket and you won't get any questions.

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