Koh MakGuide
Koh Mak coastline through the trees
Before you travel

Thailand Visa Guide for Koh Mak

Rules changed significantly in mid-2026. Here's what visitors to Koh Mak need to know — and always double-check the official Thai sources before booking.

Last updated: October 2026

Sources: TTG Asia · VisasNews

Step 01 · Required for everyone

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Every foreign visitor must complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arriving. It replaced the old paper TM6 form and is mandatory for all nationalities. It is free of charge — beware of third-party websites charging a fee.

Visa-free entry

Now 30 Days

Since 15 September 2026, most visitors can stay 30 days visa-free, down from 60. The rules were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026. The 30-day exemption covers 60 countries and territories and replaces the earlier 60-day exemption for 93. Mauritius and Seychelles get 15 days. Travellers who entered before 15 September keep the stay they were granted. The Thai Cabinet approved the change on 19 May 2026. Land-border arrivals are limited to a set number per year for most nationalities. A one-time 30-day extension is still available at any Thai immigration office for around 1,900 THB. Always check the official Thai immigration website before you travel.

A word of warning

Visa runs are no longer reliable

In the past, some long-term visitors would leave Thailand briefly and re-enter to reset their permitted stay. Thai immigration authorities have become increasingly strict about this practice and may now deny entry to travellers who appear to be living in Thailand on repeated tourist entries. If you are planning a longer stay, apply for one of the proper long-stay visas below rather than relying on border runs.

Options for longer stays

Long-stay visas

DTV — Destination Thailand Visa

Best for remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads.

A five-year, multiple-entry visa permitting stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable for another 180 days at a local immigration office — close to a full year without leaving Thailand. Designed for remote workers and participants in approved Thai Soft Power activities such as Muay Thai, cooking classes or medical treatment.

Validity
5 years, multiple entry
Stay per entry
180 days, extendable to 360
Cost
≈ 10,000 THB
Funds required
500,000 THB (~$14,500 USD)
Apply
Royal Thai Embassy or official e-visa portal, before arrival

METV — Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

Accessible alternative if the DTV threshold is out of reach.

Allows multiple entries into Thailand for tourism over its validity period. Lower financial bar than the DTV.

Purpose
Tourism, multiple entries
Funds required
40,000 THB (~$1,100 USD)

Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A / O-X)

For travellers aged 50 and over.

The O-A offers a one-year stay, renewable annually. The O-X extends that to a five-year stay. Financial proof required.

Eligibility
Age 50+
O-A
1-year stay, renewable
O-X
5-year stay
Funds
800,000 THB in a Thai bank, or 65,000 THB monthly income
Official sources

Thai government resources

Visa rules in Thailand are changing frequently. Always verify current requirements on the official Thai government websites above before booking your trip.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?
Most nationalities can enter Thailand visa-free, though the rules changed in 2026. Since 15 September 2026 most visitors get 30 days visa-free, down from 60. For longer stays there are excellent options including the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, and the Retirement Visa. All visitors must also complete a free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival.