If you have come to Thailand on a single entry tourist visa (not a visa stamp on arrival), this means that you can stay for two months.

But you can extend to a third month in person at an immigration office, so this is something you must do if you want to use your visa and stay for the three months.

A lot of people reading this may know the score but if you have not done this before then we thought it would be important to explain how you can do this from Koh Phangan.

It is quite a simple process and although it may seem annoying to stand in a queue, surrounded by other sweaty hot people, for that extra month it is worth it.

Go early! You can be back on Koh Phangan by 12/1pm if you do, so you still have the whole day!

You can get the ferry to Koh Samui from Koh Phangan at 7am and be on Samui at 7.30 - 8am.

This will cost you no more than 300 Baht.

Once you arrive in Samui there are a few options, you can grab a motorbike taxi (there will be lots waiting), if there is a few of you then a normal taxi, or you can even walk to the immigration office.

Things to remember, you can do this at the office but it will make it quicker for you if you prepare this before.

Passport Photo - take two just in case

Thai Address - This is what holds people up, it is not ok just to put the hostel or resort name and ‘Koh Phangan’. You need the full thai address of the place you are staying, find out beforehand, this will speed the process up, otherwise the people in the office have to look it up on the internet which can take time.

Thai Phone Number - You will need to write a thai phone number underneath where you stick your passport photo on the form.

Photocopies - Photocopy of main part of passport and a photocopy of departure card in passport. And sign all of these photocopies!!

As mentioned, there is a place next to the office which will do photocopies and passport photos and also just across the road, but if you know this and get it ready beforehand you can be front of the queue.

You will have to queue so that your forms etc can be checked that they have been filled in correctly.

Then you will be given a number which will be called when it is your turn to go and be processed in the office.

When your number is called this is when you go inside and pay the fee also, the fee for the month extension is 1900 Baht.

You will then be processed, your forms and passport taken to be stamped and given another number to then wait to be given back your passport.

All you can do then is sit, chill, chat and wait for your number to be called to get your passport back with your one month extension stamp inside! This can take half an hour to an hour, we have heard of it being quicker but be prepared.

Woo Hoo, you have your passport with your extension, now to get back to Koh Phangan…

It is exactly the same, there will be taxi drivers waiting who can take you to the pier.

The boats back to Koh Phangan vary depending on what time it is but if you are sticking to this early schedule then you can get a boat at 11-11.30am or 12 Noon with another company.

And you’re back! You will find a lot of people on any day doing exactly the same, people are helpful so try to help back.

And we hope this helps you too!