Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kentucker4]

When I start travelling in four months, is it true that I won't be able to enter Bangkok on a one way flight ticket? I just want to go and not know where I will go next. Will immigration not let me through on a one way ticket?

[moosehead]

that's a very good question actually -

I was at the border returning to Thailand from Cambodia and there was a woman in front of me who Immi didn't want to let into Thailand because she didn't have a return ticket (or an exit ticket I suppose). She was a westerner, btw, not Cambodian.

He was pretty adamant about it and pointed to a sign that said one was necessary. But considering how many people go THRU Thailand as opposed to a Rnd-trip -

just be prepared to prove you have funds available, be cool, dress reasonably well (don't look like a druggie) and it will probably be ok. I've landed in several countries on 1-ways - including CHina - never had a problem. Always like you, I wasn't sure how or when I was leaving and needed to keep my options open. But again, I always carried traveler's checks with my pp, and kept a bank card ready just in case.

good luck hope you don't see any big hairy apes

[Drew345]

The simplest solution for you would be to go to the Thai Embassy first and get a visa. Then you can enter Thailand on a one-way ticket. The visa will be good for 60 days and costs 40,000 won. Embassy is down by Itaewon.

If you don't want to get a visa, because really you get 30 days for free with no visa, you'll have to take a chance.
Actually if you are flying in, as far as I know, the Thai immigration never checks for a return ticket. They only do this at the land borders to stop people crossing over and back to "extend" their Thai visit. I have never heard of a return ticket being checked at the Bangkok Suwanabumi Airport. But I guess it could happen if there were some other things fishy about you or your passport (overstays, etc.)
The problem will be for getting on the plane at Incheon, or wherever your board. The airline will not let you on the plane, because if immigration did turn you away for some reason, the airline would have to pay to ply you back. So it is actually the check-in agent at the boarding airport who is going to be your main problem. There may be some way around this, but it gets too specific for general recommendations here.
Long story short, if you really want to go in on one way, get a visa from the Embassy.
For more information look at the website www.thaivisa.com.
Drew

[articulate_ink]

I think the issue is having an onward ticket. In June, I'm entering Thailand on a one-way ticket but I have an outbound ticket to show, so it won't be an issue. I think as long as you've got funds enough to cover your expenses and your departure, you should be OK if you arrive by air. But you might get a couple of questions at check-in when you leave Korea.

FWIW, the visa section at the Thai Embassy in Seoul seems only to be open from 9 to 12. No afternoons. How lame is that? I need to pick up a 60-day visa before I leave, I live in Hwaseong, and I am not a morning person. *groan*

[MrMr]

I had a problem at check-in coming back to Korea from Bangkok on a one way ticket. I believe it was with Thai Air and they had me sign a waver saying I would be responsible for the cost if I was forced to return by immigration. I had enough credit cards to convince them I could manage the fee.
In another instance I was crossing into Costa Rica from Panama at a remote checkpoint by bus. Immigration refused me entry and would not relent. I thought I was screwed but they told me I could walk into Costa Rica as far as the nearest Kiosh(3 Minutes) and purchase a ticket back to Panama. I walked in, bought a $2 ticket to the nearest hamlet in panama, walked back to immigration, presented my ticket to the same immigration officer who then smilingly stamped my passport and i was permitted to board my bus and continue on my way.

[it's full of stars]

How long does it take to get the 2 month visa for Thailand? Is it a same day or next day thing?

[Drew345]

They say it takes 3 working days to get the Thai visa in Seoul. About 3 years ago I had them be VERY strict about this with me, and resulted in my failure to get a visa on that trip.

I just went Wednesday to give my passport, and they told me I could pick it up on Thursday(next day). I couldn't go on Thursday, but I did pick up my visa on Friday. So it seems now that it MAY be possible to get a next day visa. A call to the embassy should be able to confirm that. Probably depends on how busy they are.
Drew

[mrsquirrel]

The airline will stop you boarding if you do not have a visa or an onward ticket.

[Drew345]

Really , Really hate to be picky. But I think the requirement is onward ticket, not exactly return ticket. Just had to say that since OP mentions wanting to go on further travel in the area.

[happeningthang]

I arrived in Bangkok from Seoul earlier this month without a visa. They issued a 30 day visa waiver with no questions asked.

I'm about to do a visa run to Malaysia to get the 60 day tourist visa. I'll let you know how that goes.

[R-Seoul]

[mrsquirrel]

[spliff]

Shouldn't be an issue if your are white.

[anyangoldboy]

But if you look like Spliff it should be an issue