Immigration process eased for Malaysians using Sadao checkpoint

The Thai cabinet decided today (Tuesday) to exempt Malaysian tourists from needing to submit the “tor mor 6” immigration form to enter Thailand through the Sadao border checkpoint, to speed up the immigration process.

The new measure is to start in November and last until April 30, to coincide with the tourism high season for Malaysians.

The normal immigration process at the checkpoint for Malaysians arriving by car takes about two hours, which causes bottlenecks at busy times.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, about 3.1 million Malaysians visited Thailand during the first nine months of this year, generating about Bt52.7 billion in revenue, based on an estimate that each tourist spends about Bt16,588 per trip.

Arrivals from Malaysia through the Sadao checkpoint are about 100,000 per month.

Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol disclosed…