Malaysian tourists begin using new route to Hat Yai

Malaysian tourists heading to Hat Yai and other destinations in southern Thailand are now utilizing a new route that connects the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex with the Sadao Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.

During the first day of operation, users began traversing the new stretch as early as 6 a.m. This new passage serves as an alternative for travelers heading to Hat Yai, bypassing the need to pass through Dannok town, which was previously synonymous with border crossings.

The journey from the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS to the country's final control post proceeded smoothly without congestion. From there, travelers have the option to continue to the new Sadao CIQ or divert to the old CIQ complex and stop in Dannok town.

“

The opening of this new route gives people the choice of going to Danok using the new bypass or going to Hat Yai and other destinations via the new Sadao CIQ building

However, the route to the new Sadao CIQ experienced some congestion. This was due to vehicles returning from Dannok town to Malaysia colliding with vehicles newly arriving for entry into Thailand. A user, Shafiqah Fauzi, 29, noted that the signage near the border gate helps users identify the correct route based on their destination.

"The opening of this new route gives people the choice of going to Danok using the new bypass or going to Hat Yai and other destinations via the new Sadao CIQ building," she said. "But I think there will still be congestion during long holidays because vehicles returning to Malaysia from Dannok town will collide with those who have just arrived, unless everyone from Hat Yai turns left completely onto the new lane."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul officially inaugurated the new route connecting ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam with CIQ Sadao the previous day. Thai national Mat Li Daman, 59, who frequently crosses the border, commented that the new Sadao CIQ is more comfortable for tourists, especially Malaysians who often vacation in Thailand.

“

But I think there will still be congestion during long holidays because vehicles returning to Malaysia from Dannok town will collide with those who have just arrived, unless everyone from Hat Yai turns left completely onto the new lane.