Before kick-off all seven of Norwich’s points so far this season had come away from home, and they left the bet365 Stadium having had to work hard to keep that unbeaten record on their travels going.
From the off they were under pressure, and Harry Darling had to be alert to snuff out an early sight of goal for Million Manhoef.
The visitors found it difficult to contain Manhoef early on, though Divin Mubama’s header from the winger’s cross failed to trouble Vladen Kovacevic.
When the Norwich keeper was beaten, he had Jakov Medic to thank, clearing off the line as Bae Jun-Ho’s effort was heading for the net.
The opener came from a rare Norwich foray forward. A smart one-touch move through the midfield sent Jack Stacey away, and the full-back’s clever cross was turned home by Makama – the striker’s second goal in as many games.
Stoke’s response in the second half was instant. A quick break left Manhoef with a shooting opportunity and, after the midfielder’s shot was saved, it fell for Thomas to fire home into the top corner on the spin from eight yards out.
The visitors briefly threatened to regain the advantage when Liam Gibbs’ effort struck the crossbar, but thereafter all the action came when the home side had possession.
Norwich again had players on the line to thank for preserving the draw when captain Kenny McLean kept out Bae’s header.
Kovacevic had to be alert to keep out Tomas Rigo’s long-range effort, and the woodwork came to the visitors’ rescue when Manhoef let fly from the edge of the area.
Norwich’s one chance to snatch a surprise late winner came when top scorer Josh Sargent found himself clean through, only for Viktor Johansson to deny the United States international a seventh goal of the campaign.
Back at the other end, goalscorer Thomas almost turned provider for substitute Lamine Cisse late on, but the flick was just too high to get the home fans out of their seats for a dramatic finale.