BANGKOK (Bernama): Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will undertake a two-day official visit to Malaysia from Thursday (July 9), ahead of the July 11 opening of the new permanent Sadao border checkpoint, which is expected to enhance cross-border logistics and facilitate trade, investment and tourism between Thailand and Malaysia.
Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the visit, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reflected the two countries' commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation and delivering concrete outcomes ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Ahead of the visit, Ratchada said Thailand's Cabinet on Tuesday approved the opening of the new permanent Sadao border checkpoint from July 11.
"The new checkpoint will replace the existing Sadao crossing,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.
The new crossing will operate daily from 5 am to 11 pm (Thailand time) under a Ministry of Interior notification.
The Cabinet also directed the relevant agencies to expedite supporting infrastructure projects, including the construction of connecting roads to improve traffic flow on the Thai side, measures to ease congestion around the checkpoint and the provision of shuttle bus services linking the checkpoint with inland areas, she said.
Ratchada said authorities had been instructed to step up public awareness campaigns on the new traffic routes, customs and immigration procedures, as well as measures to facilitate cross-border trade and tourism for businesses and residents in the Dan Nok border community.
The new Sadao Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Songkhla province will be linked to Malaysia's Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah and is expected to significantly improve the movement of goods and travellers across the Thailand-Malaysia border.
The visit will be Anutin's third trip to Malaysia since assuming office as prime minister. He previously attended the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur in October last year, followed by an official visit on Nov 26. --BERNAMA
