Thailand To Replace Main Malaysia Border Crossing With New Checkpoint From 11 July

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.

If you're planning to drive to Thailand this weekend, there's an important change you should know about

Thailand will officially open its new permanent Sadao border checkpoint on Saturday, 11 July, replacing the existing Sadao crossing that connects with Malaysia's Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah.

The new checkpoint is expected to improve the movement of travellers and goods between the two countries while strengthening logistics, trade, investment, and tourism.

The new checkpoint will operate daily from 5am to 11pm (Thailand time)

Thailand's Cabinet approved the opening of the new permanent Sadao checkpoint during its meeting on Tuesday, 7 July, reported Thai PBS World.

Located between boundary markers 23/9 and 23/10, the new crossing will replace the current checkpoint situated between markers 22 and 23.

The new Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex will be directly linked to Malaysia's Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint, one of the busiest land crossings between the two countries.

Thai authorities expect the upgraded facility to improve traffic flow, speed up customs clearance, and facilitate smoother cross-border travel for tourists, commercial vehicles, and freight transport.

Authorities are working to ease congestion around the new crossing

Ahead of the opening, Thai government agencies have been instructed to accelerate the development of supporting infrastructure projects on the Thai side of the border.

According to government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek, these include completing connecting roads leading to the checkpoint, improving traffic flow, addressing congestion in the surrounding area, and arranging shuttle bus services linking the checkpoint with nearby inland areas.

Authorities will also step up public awareness efforts to help businesses, transport operators, and residents understand the new traffic routes, customs procedures, immigration channels, and other measures introduced to facilitate trade and tourism.

The announcement comes ahead of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's two-day official visit to Malaysia from 9 to 10 July

According to the Thai government, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had extended an invitation to his Thai counterpart, reported Bernama.

Both leaders are expected to discuss cooperation in several key areas, including border development, transport connectivity, security against transnational crime, and economic partnership, particularly in food and energy security.

The visit will be Anutin's third trip to Malaysia since becoming Thailand's prime minister and comes as both countries prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.