Legal Guidelines for Tourists Travelling to Koh Tao

Koh Tao, often called ‘Turtle Island,’ is a popular getaway famous for its diving and snorkeling spots. However, the relaxed island vibe, beautiful scenery, and lively nightlife can make it easy to forget that Thailand operates under an exceptionally strict legal framework. And violating these rules can lead to serious legal problems. Adding to that, recent government updates have strengthened enforcement across the country, especially in areas such as immigration, tourist conduct, and marine conservation. Because of these stricter measures, understanding the rules before you arrive is more important than ever. This detailed guide explains all the essential legal guidelines so that you can stay safe, lawful, and respectful without getting into any legal trouble.

Important Laws to Follow in Koh Tao to Stay Out of Any Trouble

In Koh Tao, Thailand, even minor violations can result in fines, penalties, or legal complications that can easily ruin your trip. Taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the rules will help you avoid unnecessary trouble and ensure a smooth, stress-free stay. Below are the most important laws every visitor should keep in mind.

1. Entry, Visa & Immigration Rules

All immigration rules of Thailand, such as visa on arrival, visa exemptions, overstays, extensions, apply equally on Koh Tao. On May 1, 2025, Thailand has digitised its arrival process. All foreign visitors are now required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entering the country. Visa Exemption (Most Common for Many Nationalities) – Travellers from many countries can enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption Scheme. This means some nationalists can enter Thailand without a visa. This typically allows a stay of up to 60 days. Stay Limits – The initial stay period can also be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Thai Immigration Office. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – This is applicable for nationalities who are not eligible for the Visa Exemption but are allowed for VOA. You get the visa when you reach Thailand (airport or land border).

1. The stay allowed is 15 days only.
2. This is only for short visits.

Example – You land in Bangkok, fill out a small form, pay the fee, and get 15 days. Thailand Tourist Visa – If you’re not eligible for Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival, or you want a longer stay, you need to apply for a Tourist Visa before you travel (at a Thai Embassy/Consulate). These are of two types –

• Single-Entry Tourist Visa (Most common)
  1. Valid for one entry.
  2. Allows you to stay for 60 days. You can extend it once for 30 days.

• Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (Harder to Get)
  1. Valid for 6 months.
  2. You can enter Thailand as many times as you want during these 6 months.
  3. Each entry gives you 60 days, with an option to extend 30 days.
  4. Usually requires stronger financial proof and a reason for multiple entries.

The Risk of Overstaying – In the eyes of the law, overstaying the duration permitted by your visa or entry stamp is a criminal offence. Penalties are applicable quickly, depending on how long you overstay, irrespective of the fact that you voluntarily surrender to authorities or are arrested.

Duration of Overstay	Voluntary Surrender Fine	Voluntary Surrender Ban	Arrested Ban
Less than 90 days	500 THB per day (max 20,000 THB)	Allowed to leave (No ban)	Up to a 5-year ban
More than 1 year	20,000 THB	3-year ban	10-year ban
More than 5 years	20,000 THB	10-year ban	10-year ban

2. Drug Laws & Controlled Substances

Thailand maintains some of the harshest drug laws globally. The rules were loosened for a while, but the government has now firmly brought them back. Putting Back Under Criminal Law– Since June 2025, recreational cannabis has been illegal again in Thailand and is only allowed for medical use. Narcotics – Laws regarding hard drugs (e.g., ecstasy, cocaine, heroin)remain extremely strict. Possession, use, or trafficking is taken seriously with penalties that include severe jail sentences and even the death penalty. Vaping – Vaping is strictly illegal. E-cigarettes, vaporisers (vapes), and refills are illegal to possess or use in Thailand and Koh Tao.

3. Alcohol & Drinking Regulations

Koh Tao is lively, but alcohol use is strictly regulated, especially for age and sale times. Legal Drinking Age – The legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol is 20 years old. Visitors are advised to carry their passports as ID for age verification. Purchase/Sales Restrictions – Alcohol can be bought during these hours: 11:00–14:00, 14:00–17:00 (as part of a six-month trial starting 3 December 2025), and 17:00–24:00. Hotels, licensed bars, and international airport terminals for departing passengers can serve alcohol outside these hours if they have special permits. Visitors who bought and started drinking alcohol before the restricted hours can continue for up to one hour after the sales ban starts. This rule only applies to drinks purchased before the cutoff and takes effect from 3 December 2025.

4. Respecting the Monarchy – “Lèse‑Majesté” Law

This is one of the most serious laws for visitors. The Lèse-Majesté law (Section 112) is a major crime in Thailand. The law forbids –

1. Defaming the monarchy
2. Insulting and threatening the King & the Queen
3. Disrespecting The Heir-Apparent and The Regent

Take care not to commit offences against the monarchy even on social media.

5. Gambling, Cards & Prohibited Games

Gambling is illegal in Thailand, and the rules apply to both locals and tourists. This goes for many card games, too.

6. Environmental Laws, Littering & Wildlife / Marine Protection

On Koh Tao, protecting the environment is very important. Thailand has strict rules for waste management and marine conservation, especially around the popular dive sites. Zero-Tolerance for Marine Damage – As of April 2025, it is illegal to touch marine life, move corals, or feed fish. These actions harm the ecosystem. For example, feeding fish changes their natural behaviour and can cause algae to grow, which smothers coral. Plastic Ban – In all National Parks, including areas surrounding Koh Tao, the use of single-use plastics such as disposable cutlery, straws, and Styrofoam is banned. To understand why this is so important to the local community, check Marine Conservation Koh Tao: Complete Guide to Ocean Protection.

7. Dress Code, Public Decency & Cultural Respect

Thai cultural norms require respectful dress, especially when visiting sacred sites. Rules for Visiting Temples – While on Koh Tao, you might spend most of your time in swimsuits, visiting temples or certain official sites requires modesty. At major sites like The Grand Palace (and many others), inappropriate outer garments include shorts, mini-skirts, vests, and torn jeans for both men and women. Public Decency – Indecent behaviour like helping another person engage in sexual acts by persuading, taking, or arranging someone, whether they agree or not, can face serious punishment. This can be imprisonment for 1 to 10 years and a fine of 2000 to 20000 Baht.

Practical Advice for Divers & Tourists on Koh Tao

If you plan to enjoy the water, a few basic precautions can help you avoid legal or safety problems. Being prepared lets you relax and enjoy the amazing underwater world. Before Diving or Snorkelling – For this, follow local dive rules and practice responsible diving. Keep at least two meters away from coral reefs and use only reef-safe sunscreen, as banned sunscreens can lead to penalties up to 100,000 Baht. Documents to Carry – Always carry copies of your passport, relevant visa pages, and, if applicable, your dive certification and contact information for your resort or dive operator. Nightlife Awareness – Respect local norms at night. Enjoy the bars and beach parties, but be aware of the strict alcohol laws. Also, remember that theft and break-ins can happen, especially in budget guesthouses.

What to Do if Things Go Wrong – Legal or Medical Help & Resources

Even with the best intentions, emergencies can still happen. Having the right contact numbers ready can make a big difference in how quickly you get help. If you end up in trouble, stay calm, cooperate, and get professional assistance right away. Don’t try to handle legal issues on your own.

Emergency Contact Service	Phone Number	Notes
Tourist Police	1155 (24 hours)	Recommended first contact. Operators speak English, and the Koh Tao Tourist Police also have Western volunteers who can help with translation and resolving disputes.
General Police/Emergency	191	For general crime reporting or immediate police presence.
Fire Department	199	For fire emergencies.

Insurance – Always get good travel insurance that covers emergency medical costs. If you plan to dive, make sure your policy includes dive insurance, as it’s important for treatments like decompression sickness. Embassy Contact – If you commit a serious violation (e.g., getting arrested for a severe offense), immediately contact your country’s embassy or consulate. They can provide a list of local, reputable legal assistance providers.

Conclusion

Travelling to Koh Tao promises an unforgettable experience with world-class diving, warm tropical weather, and welcoming local culture. But enjoying this dream trip fully depends on respecting local laws and cultural expectations. There are five key areas every visitor should pay close attention to –

• strict drug laws
• regulated alcohol rules
• the sensitive Lèse-Majesté law
• strict environmental protection laws
• and local customs and etiquette

By following the local rules and choosing a reliable dive centre like LA BOMBONA DIVING, you can enjoy your trip safely, responsibly, and without breaking any marine or environmental laws. This will help you in preserving the incredible environment and culture that make Koh Tao so unique.