Visa run from Koh Samui: how to do in 2026
Expats living in Thailand without a long-term visa must leave the country every 60 days to renew their Thai tourist visa by visiting a neighbouring country. The main challenge for residents of Koh Samui is that the island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is isolated from neighbouring countries by the sea. To do a border run, one must first travel to the mainland and then reach the border of a neighbouring country.
Currently, Thailand’s Digital Nomad visa is gaining popularity, which can be obtained with remote work and sufficient income.
Popular border run destinations from Koh Samui
- Kota Bharu (Malaysia);
- Penang (Malaysia).
Organised trips can be arranged through agencies that specialise in border runs and visa runs, offering transportation and guaranteeing travel to and from the border back to the island.
Starting from the summer 2025, Thailand has introduced mandatory online registration for entry into the country via the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This new system has replaced the traditional TM6 paper form that was previously used for filling out at the airport or border. All travelers are now required to obtain a digital card before arrival, usually 1–3 days in advance, which contains information about their flight, place of residence, and purpose of visit. Without completing this registration process, there may be delays or denials of entry at the border control.
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