If you want to stay in Koh Phangan or even any of Thailand for longer than your visa lasts then you will need to go and get a new one from a Thai Embassy outside of Thailand.
Most people call this a visa run.
So how you go about this (for a tourist visa) is you need to make sure you know the date of the end of your visa firstly.
Organise it maybe a week beforehand, also check for any embassy closings like Songkran and Buddhist holidays where you may have to go before.
This also applies to the weekends when the embassy is closed.
You can go to most travel agents and book your whole journey to Penang, Malaysia but we would recommend Mr Kim in Thong Sala just off of walking street.
He now has an option of ferry to Donsak and now a COACH! Yes a coach to Hat Yai.
You will however have to change in Hat Yai to a mini bus which will then take you to the Thai border firstly to leave, and then the Malaysian border to enter.
You will have your passport checked and any relevant stamps ‘stamped’ which can be a bit of a wait but it’s all just procedure.
You will then continue your journey to Penang in Malaysia which is where there is a Thai Embassy.
Depending on your budget there are many places to stay. Mostly located on Chulia Street.
You can opt for cheap hostels and dorms, private but non fancy rooms or hotel rooms with air con. Up to you…
There are a lot of places that will organise you getting a new visa but of course we would recommend Jim at ‘Jim’s Place’.
He makes it very easy, explains all the paperwork, (of course there are fees involved) tells you where to sign and delivers and picks up everything to and from the Embassy for you.
The process takes about four days in total.
One day of travelling there, two days waiting for the visa and then one day travelling back.
You can choose the option of flying but this is how most people do it.
And Ta-Dah! Another couple of months in Thailand…!
First lessons are free of charge.
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