Thai Visa information
This is an often complicated issue and we thoroughly recommend that you check with your country's embassy regarding how long you can stay in the Kingdom. There are different rules and regulations for each nationality concerning Tourist visas and visa extensions. Rules are ever-changing, so always seek advice whether it is from an embassy, a travel agent or other backpackers.
Entering Thailand
Upon entering Thailand citizens from most countries will receive a visa on arrival.
It is also possible to apply for a Tourist visa in advance in either your home country or a neighbouring country. This visa can allow visitors to stay in the Kingdom for a period of 60 days (which can be extended for a further 30 days if necessary at an immigration office).
Overstaying your visa will cost you 500 baht per day, with a maximum fine of 20,000 baht, which is payable to the Immigration Police upon your departure. It is not recommended to stay in the Kingdom as an illegal immigrant, as this can affect your chances of returning to Thailand at a later date. Horror stories are often reported of holidaymakers being hit with nasty fines and even prison terms!
Visa Extensions
Koh Samui has the nearest immigration office. If you have a visa-on-arrival for 30 days you may be able to extend your exit date, only once, for a further period of 30 days at a cost of 1900 baht. If travelling on a 60-day Tourist visa it is possible to extend your stay by 30 days for the same price.
For Samui extensions the immigration office is open from 08.30-16.30 from Monday to Friday, and is located in Nathon. From Koh Phangan, take a 250 baht boat in the morning over to Koh Samui and a 50 baht motorbike taxi to the immigration office. You will need to fill out some paperwork and hand over your passport for a fresh stamp, along with a passport photo and photocopies of your passport pages.
Visa Runs
If it is time to exit the country and the 30-day extension from Koh Samui isn't long enough to suit your itinerary, there are several options to choose from, which will allow you to stay on Koh Phangan or in Thailand for a longer period.
The Malaysia visa run is the most popular, and is both fast and efficient. It involves an early start where you catch the 5am boat from Thongsala, but all travel is completed in 1 day, and you will be back in Koh Phangan by around 8.30 in the evening. The cost for a minibus to the Malaysian border is 1900 baht, but you will need to pay for your boat tickets separately.
Applying for a 60-day Tourist visa
It is hard not to fall in love with Thailand, and Koh Phangan in particular! Therefore a 60-day visa is an option for longer-term stays (this can then be extended by 30 days if required). To apply for a 60-day visa you will have to visit the Thai consulate in another country and fill out the necessary paperwork. Check with your embassy to make sure that this is possible.
Penang in Malaysia is the most popular, and the quickest way to receive your 60-day Tourist visa. You can make your way down to Penang by bus or train, and one of the hostels in Georgetown will be able to arrange the visa for you for a small administration fee. The trip usually only takes a couple of nights.
Koh Phangan services
TruTravels Tours
Awesome island tours with great guides- a perfect way to meet people and enjoy all the sights and activities on Koh Phangan. Meet the guys at their offices in Haad Rin or phone them to make a booking.
Medical Care is available throughout Phangan and there are several 24hr clinics and hospitals which offer good standards of treatment. Koh Phangan Hospital in Wok Tum is a cheap and well-equipped option for minor injuries. This hospital and the majority of the clinics on the island will arrange emergency patient transfer to Koh Samui or mainland Suratthani if necessary.
Dental Care is available opposite the pier in Baan Tai. The clinic is only open between 5pm and 9pm and is closed on Sundays. The clinic has modern equipment, offers a high standard of care and appointments need to be made in advance.
Police are ever present on the island. A Tourist Police office can be found by the Lomprayah pier in Thongsala. It is here where paperwork can be filed and any crimes reported. The majority of officers understand English and can often be seen throughout the island ensuring a safe environment whilst enforcing a zero drugs tolerance policy. There is another station based on the outskirts of Thongsala.
Banks can be found island-wide and most offer an ATM withdrawal service, however, you may be charged upwards of 150 baht for withdrawals. ATMs can also be found at Tesco Lotus and at Seven-Elevens. Money changers compete with banks to change foreign currency/travellers cheques although there is little difference between them with regards to exchange rates.
The Post Office can be found in Thongsala. To send a postcard home will usually set you back about 15 baht and stamps can be bought at the post office or Seven Eleven. If you are looking to send a package home, expect to spend about 250 baht per kilo. Shipping times vary, but deliveries usually take between 7 and 10 days.
Laundry services are offered by the majority of resorts and guest-houses on the island at prices starting from around 30 baht per kg. Coin-operated washing machines may also be found which take 10-baht coins. We have laundry service available at the gym for 30 baht per kilo.
Bookshops selling recently-published novels and older works in various languages can be found in the main tourist spots on the island. Used books can be traded with magazines and newspapers also available for purchase.
Tattoo shops are commonplace and there are several skilled tattooists on the island. Stunning body art is often produced by the boys at the Tattoo Club in Thong Sala who specialise in both machine and traditional bamboo tattoos.
www.facebook.com/pages/Tattoo-Club-Koh-Phangan/175762279111209?fref=ts
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‘We had a great time staying in the camp to prepare our team for the Word Championships in 2014. The accommodation and the food were perfect for us. At Diamond there are many good trainers who really take the time to teach you technique and lots of tricks. Solid pad holders who push you to your limits. Definitely we will come back.’
Rodrigo Jorquera
Peru Muay Thai Team Captain
‘Training at Diamond Muay Thai was an amazing experience. Working with experienced trainers like Mon helped me to sharpen my technique and improve various aspects of my game. Besides the great training Simon, Jesse and the rest of the guys are super friendly and welcome everyone with open arms. Being on Koh Phangan amongst amazing beaches and surroundings doesn’t hurt either. I’ll definitely be back!’
Sean ‘ Muay Thai Guy’ Fagan
US Champion
‘I have been visiting Diamond since November 2011 and I have also fought for them on several occasions. The Diamond family have always made me very welcome and every day of training with them is a pleasure! Diamond is professionally run with a mix of beginners and intermediates training alongside both International and Thai fighters. The trainers (especially Mon) are exceptional. I will be back again in 2015!’
Shuki Rosenzweig
WMF WMA World Champion