Pedang Besar border update

[atecom]

I know some people like to know how the various entry points are operating, so I will write about my recent experience at the Pedang Bsar border entry, entering from Malaysia into Thialand. Most of this information is probably already known, but I will just provide an up to date statement, in case there are people who are unaware.

 

Took the train up from Butterworth, I have an METV issued in Sydney, I have never had issues entering at Chiang Mai Airport, but thought I would give Pedang Besar a try to see what it was like.

 

Upon arriving at Pedang Besar station in Malaysia, there seemed to be an area for Thai immigration, but it seemed closed. I met a fellow traveller who was attempting the Pedang Besar entry also on the train up from Butterworth and he enquired to a local where we had to go. From what we could make out, we had to go upstairs, cross a pedestrian bridge and go to the road checkpoint right next to the station. Stamping out of Malaysia was easy enough, just had to do it at one of the booths next to the road. Walking to the Thai border was a easy walk, about 1/2 km, I had a massive wheel case and backpack and managed it without issues. When arriving at the Thai checkpoint I followed a sign which pointed to the left which mentioned arrivals. Over the left side of the road was the arrivals building.

 

When going in, I had to ask at the booth at the left for the arrival card, which they gave me. After filling it in, I found out that the main queue in the centre is only for Malaysians, all other people have to wait on the left where you are ushered into a room on by one. The servers were down so this took a while. The woman who seemed to have an office in the room would come out, check out passports, ask for flight out, and hotel bookings, then one by one would take us into her office to continue the interview. Be warned, each single immigration processing took around 20 minutes. I was only second in line, and it ended up taking about an hour, due to the careful screening of each person and the servers being down. She carefully went through my passport, made sure I had the previously mentioned documentation. Interestingly, she didn't seem to concerned about my long stay history, more that everything was in order for this entry. She was confused that my Malaysia entry stamp was after the METV issuance date, because she had assumed I got the visa in Malaysia, but resolved that by pointing out the visa was from Sydney. The guy who I met on the train up from Penang was denied entry. I was in the office at the time, and he was still in line for the initial document check, so I couldn't hear exactly why, but I think he may have been trying to enter visa exempt, and didn't have the documentation (Flight out, hotel booking) in order. I wasn't asked to show any money, although I expect that some people would still be expected to, The hotel booking i had was just for the few days I would spend in Hat Yai, it didn't bother her that it didn't cover my entire stay. In the end I was let in. I walked to the left to the Pedang Besar train station on the Thai side which was just under 1KM from the border crossing, still a reasonably straightforward walk despite the amount of baggage I had, and continue on to Hat Yai.

 

So in short, not sure how I feel about the Pedang Besar crossing, I think its still a friendly crossing if you have your documents in order (Flight out, hotel, money) but strict if you don't, Make sure you get there with plenty of time if you are catching an on wards train cause it seems only 1 person is handling foreigners with enough vetting to last 20 mins per person, so if there are a lot of people, you could expect to spend a long time at this border.

 

Regards

~Atecom

[Essecola]

Can someone please expain why it is a million times easier than this to enter at the Nong Khai friendship bridge? This fellow had a METV and is still getting grilled for 20 min. Crazy.

[edwardandtubs]

Wow, this is very different from the hassle free experience others have reported. I wonder if this is all a new development. Why would you have to show a flight out? People who take the train in would be more likely to take the train out, wouldn't they?

[Essecola]

Oh there are new developments alright. "Cleaning out the country".

[JackThompson]

14 minutes ago, Essecola said:

Oh there are new developments alright. "Cleaning out the country".

Translation: "Forcing Thais out of better-paying entry-level jobs for No Reason."

 

Thanks for the report atecom.

[impulse]

I don't know what people expect on a day when the computer system is down.

 

It's good information, but hardly indicative of the general state of that border entry point.

 

About 6-8 months ago, I did my 5th or 6th consecutive visa exempt entry at PB (the others were at BKK and DMK) because I always wanted to take the train from KL to BKK.  It was a Malaysian school holiday so the place was packed.  I was shuffled off to a separate room for non-Malaysians and interviewed by a no-nonsense but cordial guy who seemed to be in charge.  I had most documents, a flight out and lots of cash with me, but no hotel booking because I still had my apartment.  I never had to pull it out.  We spoke for a few minutes and he stamped me in. 

 

The place was utter confusion, but it seemed mostly because they saw such a small percentage of non-Malaysian entries, and a huge throng for the holiday.  Had the server been down, I may have been there all day.

 

BTW, train from KL-BKK?  I'm glad I did it, but I don't EVER need to do that again.  I did spend a couple of nice days on the beach in Songkhla Town to break up the trip...

 

Edited May 27, 2019 by impulse

[baansgr]

2 hours ago, Essecola said:

Can someone please expain why it is a million times easier than this to enter at the Nong Khai friendship bridge? This fellow had a METV and is still getting grilled for 20 min. Crazy.

Or to enter most other countries in SE Asia. I certainly wouldn't come here as a tourist, unless it was for a two week holiday. 

[Essecola]

Any other country in SE Asia I have been to recently stamps me in in about 1-2 min

[BritTim]

4 hours ago, impulse said:

BTW, train from KL-BKK?  I'm glad I did it, but I don't EVER need to do that again. 

Years ago, the daily sleeper service direct from Singapore to Bangkok was a very pleasant, relaxing trip. It was a throw back to an age when only the wealthy were expected to be ones making such a journey, and had the service such people demand. First, they eliminated the easy leg from Singapore across the Malaysian border, making travelling from Singapore a hassle. Gradually, the quality of the service through Malaysia and Thailand deteriorated, and finally they eliminated the through service at the Malaysian/Thai border. Unless seriously wealthy and willing to spring for the Eastern and Orient Express, this once great trip is essentially no more.

Edited May 27, 2019 by BritTim

[schondie]

Not the easiest entry point into Thailand for sure. I went through there about a year ago doing an 'out-in' on a Non O. The process was a little strange compared to other crossing points and I wouldn't go back there as there are far easier places to do it.

[recom273]

This and another post last week are totally insane. 

 

I only live 45 mins away from Padang Bezar border, so it had been my border if choice for 10 years, back in the day, I used to get a mini van, and do the monthly walk between the countries on a Sunday morning for a bit of exercise and a bottle of vodka. 

 

I got married and got a ME-O, it was great, I could enjoy riding in Malaysia for long weekends, going to Penang for an Indian curry whenever. 

 

Suddenly, about around 12-14 months ago, I went to the border to do an in-out to renew my 90 days, there were only 3 Malaysians in the queue, I thought great but the IO directed me to the little room without and discussion. 

 

Same story, I was grilled by some woman for 30 mins in what I was doing here - Married, retired, not working - i was polite in the first and explained my economic situation - but she wouldn’t give up - in the end I replied “sorry have I done something wrong?” To all her questions until she stamped me in.

 

That was my last visit to the border, Although a longer journey, it’s easier and more fun to ride out to the Satun border, where I park the bike and walk the 100M between border posts and am on my way without question.

 

I don’t understand the reasoning behind it all, travel 20 mins down the road to Sadao, you run the risk of being stuck in a queue of Malays but it’s just a matter of process, there is no interview for non-asians. They seem to have an organized policy, tourist visa must have an overnight stay in Malaysia but Non-O are permitted do an in-out.

 

Sorry to hear the stories from the recent posts, a sad state of affairs, unnecessary.

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, recom273 said:

I don’t understand the reasoning behind it all

The reasoning is "Get Farangs out of Thailand who aren't paying IOs some form of tribute." 

 

It would appear that the same clique who took over the Bangkok Airport entry-points and Poipet/Aranya have now captured Pedang Besar - though it's not as bad, yet. 

[Essecola]

That clique will probably take over every entry point after awhile.

[Fairynuff]

We used to do the trip to Butterworth at least once or twice a year, more so before AirAsia was around but haven’t done it for a couple of years at least. Never had any immigration issues. Just a couple of weeks ago I went to Hua Lumphong to check out the new 1st class cars with the idea of four of us doing the trip down to Penang. 

It came as a great surprise that there were no more through trains. When I asked the very indifferent and couldn’t be bothered to look up from her phone “customer service” representative, she just said Malaysia want to do for themself”

Its a shame about the train, it was always a great trip meeting all sorts of people. If PB immigration have turned sour perhaps it’s for the best.

 

[Genericnic]

49 minutes ago, Fairynuff said:

We used to do the trip to Butterworth at least once or twice a year, more so before AirAsia was around but haven’t done it for a couple of years at least. Never had any immigration issues. Just a couple of weeks ago I went to Hua Lumphong to check out the new 1st class cars with the idea of four of us doing the trip down to Penang. 

It came as a great surprise that there were no more through trains. When I asked the very indifferent and couldn’t be bothered to look up from her phone “customer service” representative, she just said Malaysia want to do for themself”

Its a shame about the train, it was always a great trip meeting all sorts of people. If PB immigration have turned sour perhaps it’s for the best.

 

I love doing the train from Chiang Mai to Penang. It is a long trip but I enjoy it. Was going to do the ride for Songkran but everything was full and I ended up having to fly AA. ????

 

The reason there is no through train anymore is that Malaysia upgraded their trains - mostly electric now - and Thailand has not. The trains are now incompatible beginning at the border. So instead of going through PB down to Butterworth on the same train, you get off, change to a commuter train to get to Butterworth, and then catch a different train if you are going farther south. 

 

David

 

[edwardandtubs]

So it seems a better option for those in KL wanting to get into Thailand overland would be to take the train to Penang and maybe stay overnight and then take the minibus to Hat Yai. I did that years ago and there was no hassle. It would be interesting to hear a recent report of those using that minibus.

Edited May 28, 2019 by edwardandtubs

[RedArmy]

Has anyone got any recent experience of using Pedang Besar border crossing ???

 

I am contemplating this option to exit Thailand & come straight back in on a 45 day Visa Exempt entry early next month.

 

Would it be possible to do a quick out/in at PB crossing or would i need to stay 1 night on the Malaysian side ??

[sandyf]

14 minutes ago, RedArmy said:

Has anyone got any recent experience of using Pedang Besar border crossing ???

 

I am contemplating this option to exit Thailand & come straight back in on a 45 day Visa Exempt entry early next month.

 

Would it be possible to do a quick out/in at PB crossing or would i need to stay 1 night on the Malaysian side ??

I did it on the train 5th Feb 2020, arrived on the morning Hat Yai shuttle and came back on the afternoon one , no problem but was on a ME visa.

The shuttle was suspended during the pandemic but started running again on the 15th July 2022.

[sandyf]

18 hours ago, RedArmy said:

Has anyone got any recent experience of using Pedang Besar border crossing ???

 

I am contemplating this option to exit Thailand & come straight back in on a 45 day Visa Exempt entry early next month.

 

Would it be possible to do a quick out/in at PB crossing or would i need to stay 1 night on the Malaysian side ??

As a further comment on this from the OP.

"Upon arriving at Pedang Besar station in Malaysia, there seemed to be an area for Thai immigration, but it seemed closed."

 

The immigration offices(Thai & Malaysian) are on the platform and are only open from an hour before the Thai trains are due to leave and close when the train leaves.

There have been several comments from people saying they couldn't find immigration at the station or it had been closed down.

[RedArmy]

My plan is to drive to Pedang Besar - leave the car on the Thai side & walk across the border - Can someone please advise me if i can just turn straight around & enter Thailand again within a few hours ??

I plan to enter on a 45 day visa exempt entry around 4th October.

[BritTim]

55 minutes ago, RedArmy said:

My plan is to drive to Pedang Besar - leave the car on the Thai side & walk across the border - Can someone please advise me if i can just turn straight around & enter Thailand again within a few hours ??

I plan to enter on a 45 day visa exempt entry around 4th October.

I cannot state the current rules for definite. Back in 2019, when doing a border bounce via the road crossing at Pedang Besar for a fresh visa exempt entry, it was required to stay overnight in Malaysia.

Edited September 15, 2022 by BritTim

[RedArmy]

3 minutes ago, BritTim said:

I cannot state the current rules for definite. Back in 2019, when doing a border bounce via the road crossing at Pedang Besar for a fresh visa exempt entry, it was required to stay overnight in Malaysia.

Appreciate your reply brother, not ideal for me but it is what it is. I will be travelling from Krabi - Could you recommend any other crossings near by that i may be able to use to leave & come straight back in.

[Lemsta69]

*Padang Besar. sorry, but can't let this one slide ????

 

and now I'm hungry for some masakan padang ????

[ubonjoe]

15 hours ago, RedArmy said:

Appreciate your reply brother, not ideal for me but it is what it is. I will be travelling from Krabi - Could you recommend any other crossings near by that i may be able to use to leave & come straight back in.

There is this one Wang Prachan Boundary Post one in Satun. See: https://goo.gl/maps/BNuJH7V4o6Fw767V7

 

[Old Croc]

17 hours ago, RedArmy said:

My plan is to drive to Pedang Besar - leave the car on the Thai side & walk across the border - Can someone please advise me if i can just turn straight around & enter Thailand again within a few hours ??

I plan to enter on a 45 day visa exempt entry around 4th October.

My experience was over a decade ago so perhaps outdated.

I drove over the border in my own vehicle to get my second 12 months stay on my A-O visa. There were signs in no-man's-land stating I couldn't drive more than 60kms into Malaysia (from memory). No problems entering there apart from a cursory check of my car's boot/trunk for contraband.

I drove down the main street of the dreary little Malaysian town, turned around and went back into Thailand.  It took more than an hour to convince the 3 Immigration officials there to give me 12 months not the 30 days they initially stamped in my Passport. 

[RedArmy]

6 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

There is this one Wang Prachan Boundary Post one in Satun. See: https://goo.gl/maps/BNuJH7V4o6Fw767V7

 

Much appreciated brother, will do some research on this one.

[RedArmy]

7 hours ago, RedArmy said:

Much appreciated brother, will do some research on this one.

Research today has born some unexpected positive news.

 

14 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

There is this one Wang Prachan Boundary Post one in Satun. See: https://goo.gl/maps/BNuJH7V4o6Fw767V7

 

Brother Joe, thankyou so much for pointing me in another direction - I have spoken to my close pal here in Thailand & he has family who work for the Police & Immigration in the Satun province - He has assured me that they will accommodate me & ensure a smooth passage through the border & back in again - Feeling more positive now.

[CanadaSam]

On 9/15/2022 at 3:53 PM, RedArmy said:

I plan to enter on a 45 day visa exempt entry around 4th October.

Woah, am I missing something? 

 

I thought the 45 day exempt was only available at airports? 

 

Land entry now being maximum 30 days on exempt?

[ubonjoe]

7 hours ago, CanadaSam said:

I thought the 45 day exempt was only available at airports? 

It will be by land as well. Not sure where people are getting the info that it is by air only.

[CanadaSam]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

It will be by land as well.

45 days exempt by land!  That's amazing news!  Thailand IS progressing, albeit slowly, but any change is always welcome!  Thank You, Joe!!!