Photo via Hatyai Focus

 

Malaysian tourists have reportedly faced delays of two to three hours at the Sadao Customs Checkpoint in Songkhla, Thailand. The backlog was attributed to slow document processing times, leading to frustration among travelers. Some even fainted due to the long waits, while others abandoned their trips and returned home.

 

The issue has persisted for years, prompting Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakun to address it in Parliament. Malaysian tourists entering Thailand in personal vehicles must submit documents for manual checks by customs officials, causing significant delays. Chaiyong recommended the implementation of an online system to expedite processes and improve efficiency.

 

Overcrowding and lengthy queues at the checkpoint could tarnish Thailand's tourism image, Chaiyong noted, urging higher authorities to intervene. The President of the Hatyai Songkhla Hostels Association, Sittipong Sittiphatprapa, echoed these concerns in an interview, highlighting that the issue worsens during Malaysian holidays. He stressed the economic importance of Malaysian tourists, urging officials to provide better services to attract them back.

 

Sittipong warned that continued issues might deter Malaysian tourists, affecting the local economy. He expressed optimism that the new government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul would prioritize resolving this to boost tourism.

 

Key Takeaways

• Long wait times at Sadao Customs frustrate Malaysian tourists.
• Manual document checks result in significant entry delays.
• Experts urge system improvements to boost Thai tourism.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-23

 

 

Can't be too difficult to fix.  If there's a will to do so.

So much to AEC2015 and ASEAN - the bureaucracy is reaching new heights on a daily basis 😉 

On 9/23/2025 at 4:33 PM, snoop1130 said:

The backlog was attributed to slow document processing times, leading to frustration among travelers. Some even fainted due to the long waits, while others abandoned their trips and returned home.

Usual Thai welcome to paradise

need to check for terrorists

On 9/24/2025 at 9:19 AM, Watawattana said:

Can't be too difficult to fix.  If there's a will to do so.

It's being built, just taking a long time. New facility to handle passengers and goods. Malaysia already has a drive through system for cars, they're building bigger facility to handle goods traffic. The current Thai border post is woefully inadequate.

 

On 9/24/2025 at 5:57 AM, Sydebolle said:

AEC2015

 

What's Aec215, Thanks.