LOCAL SERVICES · BORDER RUNS
Border runs across Thailand
A border run takes you out of Thailand and back in on the same trip, so you can start a new stay. We arrange trips from Koh Samui to Malaysia, and from Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai to Laos. Driving yourself? We can arrange your crossing at Mukdahan or Nong Khai. We check your passport history first, because a border run isn’t right for everyone.
At a glance
Four routes
Koh Samui to Malaysia, and Bangkok, Pattaya or Chiang Mai to Laos.
Day trip from Samui
Departures on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
Passport check first
We review your passport history before we confirm.
Book ahead
Send your details early, so we can confirm your seat and pickup.
Who it suits
A border run is a practical option in a few situations. We’ll tell you honestly if a visa would suit you better.
Visa-exempt visitors
Re-enter Thailand for a new stamp, if your nationality and travel history allow it.
Best for: short stays
DTV holders
Bring your printed DTV approval and re-enter for a new stay of up to 180 days.
Best for: remote workers on a DTV
Children under 11 travel at a lower price on the Samui route.
Best for: parents travelling with children
Families
Leaving a Non-B job
If your Non-B has ended, your work permit cancellation must be done before you travel.
Best for: former Non-B holders
What you'll need
Passport
A copy of your passport photo page. For the Laos routes, it must be valid for at least six months.
Passport history
Your latest Thai visa or entry stamp, so we can check you’re eligible.
Pickup location
Where to collect you. On Koh Samui, pickups are from main roads.
Digital Arrival Card
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for your return. On the Samui route, the driver at Donsak can help.
Photos for Laos
Two passport photos for the Laos routes.
What it costs
The Koh Samui route is THB 6,500 per person, or THB 4,300 for children under 11. Passports from Brazil, Chile, South Korea, Argentina and Peru are THB 8,200. The price includes the Malaysia visa if you need one, ferry tickets, the minivan and the border run service. Ask us for the price of the Laos routes.
How it works
1
Send your details
Share your passport photo page, latest Thai entry stamp, pickup location and phone number.
2
Passport check
We check your immigration history and nationality, and tell you straight away if the trip isn’t suitable.
3
Booking confirmed
We confirm your departure date, pickup time and what to bring.
4
Travel
You cross the border for a new entry stamp and come back the same day from Samui, or the next evening from Bangkok. For the other routes, we confirm your timings when you book.
Book your border run
Tell us your route and dates, and upload your passport pages so we can check your entry history first. We'll come back to you by email to confirm your seat, the price and the pickup time.
Prefer to talk it through first? Book a free 45-minute online consultation with our local services team, led by Teresa.
Border run questions
Koh Samui to the Satun border with Malaysia as a day trip, Bangkok or Pattaya to the Mukdahan border with Laos as an overnight trip, and Chiang Mai to the Laos border. If you’re driving yourself, we can also arrange your crossing at Mukdahan or Nong Khai.
Some passports and travel histories aren’t eligible, so we check before you book and tell you honestly if the trip won’t work for you.
No. Immigration decides at the border. We check your eligibility first to reduce the risk.
As early as you can. Samui departures run on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, and you can reschedule once for free.
PLANNING A BORDER RUN?
Send us your passport details, and we’ll check which route suits you.
Our local services team is led by Teresa.
Related services: Local Services · Thai Driving Licence · Visa Services