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What are the typical costs associated with border runs in Thailand for expats?
Border RunsVisa InformationTourist VisaThailand ImmigrationCost of LivingKoh SamuiVisa Exempt EntryDTV Visa
Sep 18, 2024
2 years ago
Colby *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHow much do “border runs” typically cost? I wanted to get the DTV visa but it doesn’t look like i’m going to have the 450,000 Baht before my flight on Oct 10
i’m from US. I’ll be staying in Koh Samui, on whatever other Visa i can get. ( i guess tourist visa) trying to figure up how much it’ll cost to refresh it
i’m from US. I’ll be staying in Koh Samui, on whatever other Visa i can get. ( i guess tourist visa) trying to figure up how much it’ll cost to refresh it
TLDR : Answer Summary
Border runs from Koh Samui to neighboring countries, like Malaysia, typically cost between 3700 to 5000 Baht depending on the agency and package. For US citizens, a 60-day visa-exempt entry is available upon arrival, which can be extended for an additional 30 days for around 1900 Baht. Alternatives discussed include longer visa strategies and the implications of future visa regulations.
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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Tracy *********
Have they not just announced no more 60 day visa on arrival? you will now have to fill in a ETA Online, before even entering the country ? So how will a one day border hop work ? This rolls out Dec 1st 2024. Just curious how this will affect one day border bounces if you will now have to apply for a ETA online to be let back into Thailand.
Ian ********
Might be worth considering the price of flights from Samui, unless you dont mind doing long bus rides for your border runs, flying border runs are a lot more expensive from samui than anywhere else in Thailand.
Clubho******
From Bangkok to Sa keao (border run to Cambodia), by a van from 5.00 am. to 2.00 pm., all-in 5000 bht, incl. breakfast and lunch, fee, round trip.
Ian *********
its simple 60 days on entry .30 days extension. go over the border come back 60 more and extend 30 again . 6 mth and you dont need have 500k in bank . i go over the bridge at nong khai and back .35 us dollar for laos visa . but i hear u have to stay a few days now . loads of ways to do it . seems maybe by air is best .
Dennis ******
Just fly to somewhere in another country for a few days or a week of "R & R" and then come back. I don't see why people make it so complicated.
Jimmy *********
@Dennis *****
because the visa experts on here wanna feel the importanceDennis ******
@Jimmy ********
seems that way ... and I'm not sure why people haven't figured it out for themselves.Reply to
Dennis ******
Reply
Brian *******
1900 baht renewal in country, plus taxis etc stand in line fill in forms, get required documents 4 hours or more. or fly to cambodia hotel included $6000 baht no lines no forms. 3 hours round trip flight.
Adrià ********
It's 500k, and some embassies require 6 months of estable amount in bank statements
Brian *********
Border runs what isn’t normal why would you even do this - ffs
Lawrence ********
@Brian ********
Now try it in English. - ffsColby *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian ********
if i plan to stay for more than 90 days, what other option do i have outside of dtv visaNongnuch ********
@Colby ******
visit a tour agency office on Ko Samui, they will arrange a "border run" for you to the Malaysian border. Costs you should expect around 4500.- THB. It's a full day tripTodd *********
@Colby ******
none. Which is why so many people border bounce regularlyBrian *********
@Co***
be legal and do it right - it you people who cause the issues for legitsLawrence ********
@Brian ********
I love it when clueless people make completely incorrect and ignorant statements with such conviction. Do keep it up. You're on a roll.Todd *********
@Brian ********
lol. Border bounce is perfectly legal man. Let's not be ridiculous here.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Todd *********
@Brian ********
thousands doReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Todd *********
Border bounce from Samui to Malaysia 3700 baht one day trip using VisaTech right outside the immigration office
Jimmy *********
You get a surat bus to hat yai then nip over the border and back for less than a tenth the price your paying
Todd *********
@Jimmy ********
😂😂😂 that’s hilarious. Let me remind you what you neglected to mention. You need transport to the ferry, a ferry ticket, shuttle to the Surat bus to Hat Yai, wait for the bu to Hat Yai, transportation for your ‘nip’ across the border, and back to Hat Yai. And reverse the process. All to save $50 . And best of luck pulling it all off in a day. Hard pass.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Jimmy *********
@Todd ********
ripped off...Todd *********
@Jimmy ********
hahaha. You would honestly have to kick every last bit of gray matter out of someone’s head to have them take a hat trip.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
David ********
@Todd ********
why does someone need an agent for a border run to Malaysia? It’s just a bus/train ride across the Malaysia border which is 90 Visa free, so no need to get a visa to cross. Then get back on a bus/train and re enter Thailand on a 60 day visa free entry? What am I missing?
Todd *********
@David *******
I’m not sure why someone wants to catch a bus or train to the border? A bus to the Malaysian border from Samui? For real? I think the obvious reason is that it’s all done in one day. Pickup near your house/hotel in a comfy van, drive you straight to the border and guarantee you get back in if you have a dubious history.
David ********
@Todd ********
For real! You’re referring to a van. A van travels over the road, just like a bus. On a bus train you can even get a Sleeper berth. Better than a damn van!!But the mode isn’t really the point. The point is there’s no reason for a border agent when there are no visas needed, either way.
😂🤣
Todd *********
@David *******
😂😂 best of luck sorting out Songthaews, ferry, shuttle, bus, change bus, walk across border, find new bus, change again in Hat Yai and reverse. Let’s say that won’t be happening in a day lol. And fair chance the border guys require you to stay overnight anyway. Clearly, you have not attempted this. The point is that if you have a dubious history in Thailand or long stay (many do this for years) the agent facilitates your return and new 60 day stamp. Overall, it’s an absolute no-brainer
David ********
@Todd ********
it’s not THAT hard dude. I take ferry from Koh Samui then bus to Phuket and train to the border. I prefer to just go to Penang or Kuala Lumpur for 90 days and then return to Koh Samui or whatever for 90 and flip back and forth.
Really doesn’t make sense to me to spend the money and make all the effort to turn right around and come right back if you don’t have to.
Enjoy two places.
Todd *********
@David *******
it actually is that hard. It’s absurd to try and would save you very few nickels, while wasting a ton of time.But I totally agree with taking your time in new destination. If you cross Malaysia border, you have 90 days to play with. Have fun. Great country to visit. Or go to Langkawi, Penang or perhentians. We travel at least every 90 days anyway, so it really makes no difference. Travel for a month or two and come back.
But if you need one day service from Samui because you want to stay, or have questionable past… use the agent. Otherwise just keep on rolling with travel
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Graham ******
On a US passport you'll get a 60 day Visa Exempt entry stamp and that can be extended for a further 30 days for 1900B
Ineed ******
@Graham *****
You don't get 60 days when you renew?Graham ******
@Ineed *****
you don't renew anything, you extend and the tourism extension is 30 daysBrandon ************
@Ineed *****
there's no such thing as renewing a visaReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Jay *********
Which country passport u are holding?
Colby *******
ORIGINAL POSTERReply to
Colby *******
Reply
Tony *********
It's 500k not 450
Brandon ************
You need to find a local border bounce agency. There's no set price, it depends on where you are and what the agency charges. Probably significantpy less than 5000 baht
Colby *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
how would i find one of those? is that just a google search, or is there a particular pathIan ********
@Colby ******
just go yourself its easy. Bus to were ever is clpse to you 500 baht each way just over 1100 baht for cambodian visa go out come back in simple . Apply for tourist visa online aswellNongnuch ********
@Ian *******
Cambodia border run starting from Koh Samui ? Please explain 😀🤣Reply to
Nongnuch ********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Colby ******
Best is to ask on a Facebook group for the area you are in.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Is it cheaper to do a border run for another 60 days or a 30-day tourist visa extension in Thailand?
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