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What are the current requirements for extending a DTV visa in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, or Surat Thani?
DTV visa extensionKoh PhanganKoh SamuiSurat ThaniThailand visa rulesvisa application processimmigration tips
Nov 23, 2025
5 months ago
Thomas ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone!
I know it’s much easier to just do a border bounce, but does anyone know the current requirements for extending the DTV visa in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui or Surat Thani?
I’m traveling with my infant and feeling too lazy to go abroad right now, so I’d love to try the extension route first if possible.
Has anyone successfully done it recently? Any tips or updates would be super appreciated!
I know it’s much easier to just do a border bounce, but does anyone know the current requirements for extending the DTV visa in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui or Surat Thani?
I’m traveling with my infant and feeling too lazy to go abroad right now, so I’d love to try the extension route first if possible.
Has anyone successfully done it recently? Any tips or updates would be super appreciated!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post inquires about the current requirements for extending a DTV visa in the areas of Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, or Surat Thani, especially since the user is traveling with an infant and wishes to avoid a border run. Comments provide mixed experiences, mentioning complications with the extension process in Koh Samui, the need for all submitted documents, and the possibility of skip travel to nearby countries like Vietnam or Malaysia for easier re-entry. Some suggest consulting a visa agent or taking a short flight for a quick border run instead.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
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Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Christopher ***********
An alternative would be to consult a visa agent.
MORE ******
If you don't want complications, you can leave Vietnam or Malaysia for at least 2-3 days and then return by ordering a green corridor, Fast Track, for secure entry. With this option, you won't be asked anything at the border and will receive another 180-day stamp.
Todd *********
@MORE *****
no need at all for FastTrack for anyone holding a DTV.Luit *****************
@Todd ********
Fast Track is not related to a type of visa, it is for saving time, or hiding not complying to rules, no matter which visa or visa exemption.Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@MORE *****
how so?How do you arrange for immigration not to ask any questions, and what does it cost?
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
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Bob **********
Just take a cheap flight
Todd *********
@Bob *********
which are the cheap international flights from Samui Bob? I see return from Singapore for 11,000 baht per person. Is that what you meant?Bob **********
@Todd ********
every flight from Samui is expensive as Bangkok Air owns the airport get off the island and book to MalaysiaTodd *********
@Bob *********
no kidding. So he take a taxi to the ferry, ferry to Donsak, shuttle to the Surat airport, fly to KL, taxi to stay overnite at airport hotel, fly back to Surat , shuttle to Donsak, ferry to Samui, taxi home.... 'just take a cheap flight'.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Sarah *******
My friend just tried to do a DTV extension in samui and had such a hard time. She ended up just getting a return flight to Singapore (out at night, back the next morning) and had no issues at the airport. But spent weeks trying to do the extension in samui to no avail. They just kept moving the goal posts and changing the “rules” asking for more docs etc. she said she’d never try to do it again.
Lisa ***************
as far as I know you need all the documents you submitted when you applied and the immigration will check it again.
Bob **********
@Lisa **************
and still refuseLisa ***************
@Bob *********
yea everyone says dont do itAnonymous ******************
@Lisa **************
why?I do not know anyone who has said that from personal experience. Please elaborate.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 789 Thai immigration hate the DTV so they are not very forthcoming
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
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