drfu

Related question: how long does it take to cross into Laos through the Nongkhai checkpoint? Opening hours are stated as 6AM-10PM, so let say if I arrive 9:30PM at the checkpoint I should be able to get through, right?

Regarding the TM30... A month ago at Suvarnabhumi I was told by a tourist police officer that TM30 is now cancelled and tourists don't need it (I explicitly asked about it)... I can't believe they were talking complete nonsense...

There are only 2 trains daily from Padang Besar to Hat Yai: Train number 948 leaves Padang Besar daily at 08:55 am Thai Time (09:55 Malaysian Time) - Arriving in Hat Yai at 09:50 Thai Time. Train number 950 leaves Padang Besar daily at 15:40 Thai Time (16:40 Malaysian Time) - Arriving in Hat Yai at 16:35 Thai Time. source: https://www.railway.co.th/Station/StationList Also there are minibuses running between Penang and Hat Yai.... that is another way to avoid the bus toilets.

So that would be through the Sadao border crossing (which has quite some discouraging reviews on Google Maps). I'm currently deciding if I should cross from Malaysia at Sadao or Padang Besar next week... (not a border run)

Does anyone have a recent experience with the Sadao border crossing? Google Maps reviews often mention very long waiting times and quite unfriendly officers towards non-ASEAN passport holders.... But maybe it is now a better choice than Padang Besar?