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What are the current requirements for extending a DTV visa in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, or Surat Thani?

DTV visa extension Koh Phangan Koh Samui Surat Thani Thailand visa rules visa application process immigration tips

Nov 23, 2025

5 hours ago

Thomas ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi 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!

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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.

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Christopher ***********

An alternative would be to consult a visa agent.

3 hours ago

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.

3 hours ago

Todd *********

@MORE *****

no need at all for FastTrack for anyone holding a DTV.

3 hours ago

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.

an hour ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Anonymous ******************

@MORE *****

how so?

How do you arrange for immigration not to ask any questions, and what does it cost?

3 hours ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Bob **********

Just take a cheap flight

4 hours ago

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?

2 hours ago

Bob **********

@Todd ********

every flight from Samui is expensive as Bangkok Air owns the airport get off the island and book to Malaysia

2 hours ago

Todd *********

@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'.

2 hours ago

Reply to

Todd *********

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.

4 hours ago

Lisa ***************

as far as I know you need all the documents you submitted when you applied and the immigration will check it again.

Bob **********

and still refuse

Lisa ***************

yea everyone says dont do it

4 hours ago