Proving I'm leaving Thailand...

RE# mcgardia.

QUOTE- "Again, I spoke to Ethiad and they said this was fine, but I've emailed them anyway just to have it in writing. "

Bangkokboy is right , if the Manager you spoke to was in charge of the UK flights , then what he says goes . But the normal way these things are verified is that the ticket is endorsed or marked in advance so that check in staff know that its been okayed. However mcgardia the best thing to have done when you spoke to the manager would have been to ask if it was possible for you to sign disclaimer/ waiver form - ie , you fly without any onward ticket but you agree to pay the airlines costs if they have to fly you back . its not that common but some airlines will do that. To be honest I think it will be a waste of time messing around trying to get bus or train ticket. Its ridiculous the idea that you would be prevented from flying because you don't have a bus ticket !!!!! . You can just show you have enough money to buy a train or bus ticket if necessary.
The idea of the onward ticket is that it be proof that you intend to leave ( as pointed out Thai immigration doesn't care , but airlines are sometimes worried ) . A bus ticket is hardly proof so showing a bus ticket at the airport would be just a charade and the check in staff would have to be stupid to insist on it . If they are going to let you fly with just a bus ticket they may just as well let you go anyway.
And the Thai immigration laws do say 'confirmed ticket' so the manager you spoke to didn't understand the situation.

These issues have already been covered in a PERMANENT VISA THREAD at the top of the branch. This thread was intended to avoid the need for repetitive questions.
Posters continue to post new topics about it in the hope of getting newer or fresher information , but the situation with onward tickets and airline attitudes doesn't really change much and hasn't really changed in 30 years.

The Royal Thai Embassy in New Zealand has changed the wording and now says "confirmed air, train bus or boat tickets to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date otherwise a tourist visa must be obtained." I believe this is similar to other Embassies.

That's right , but ordinary trains buses or boats don't have confirmed bookings . So it would have to be something like the Orient Express or a cruise ship bookings . Embassies don't always have the same rules or guidelines or advice. Sometimes they just make it up as they go along anyway.

Well the "expert" has spoken, dear God I'm glad I know better..

So the bus cost be 16 euros, and I would have had to get a double entry visa which is 70 euros. I think the normal 60 day is 35?

Worst comes to worst, I'll do the refundable flight thing. After speaking to Ethiad I am more confident, because they were just straight away like yep bus or train grand whatever.

Yes, we have the exact same thing in Ireland. Sure they know that people nowadays- students especially- are doing this route and won't be getting any flights except the one home.

You just keep on doing what you do and let the speculators just keep on speculating! ;)

I know who I'd rather see at check-in!

I'd also rather see Friendly Check In Girl since she wouldn't insist on a flight ticket. And Check In Girl it is true that info from Embassy and Consulates is not always reliable and that many airlines do insist on a flight ticket and there is not much you can do if they insist on it.

QUOTE - "Worst comes to worst, I'll do the refundable flight thing'"

First thing you should do is ask nicely if its possible to sign disclaimer form , why don't you ring them back and ask about that ?

QUOTE - "Sure they know that people nowadays- students especially- are doing this route and won't be getting any flights except the one home. "

Well maybe that's how they think where you are , but more generally check in staff don't think like that . They just go by the immigration laws they see on their screen. Airport staff in the region are often not that strict, but flying from outside Asia quite often they will just go by the formal rules with little understanding or knowledge that there is no danger that you will be checked for ticket when you arrive .

I'd also rather see Friendly Check In Girl since she wouldn't insist on a flight ticket.
I'd make an exception for you Dave, I hate to disappoint and you're so certain that you will be asked.