File picture for reference only

 

The state government of Perlis, Malaysia, is considering introducing a departure fee for tourists crossing into Thailand via two major border checkpoints. Officials are studying a proposal to charge between 2 and 5 ringgit (about 15–38 baht) per traveller, with the aim of raising revenue for infrastructure improvements. The plan is expected to be submitted to Malaysia’s federal government for approval once the study is complete.

 

Mohd Shukri Ramli, Chief Minister of Perlis, confirmed that local authorities are reviewing details of the scheme. The proposed levy would apply to travellers leaving Malaysia through the Padang Besar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex opposite Sadao district, Songkhla and through the Wang Kelian checkpoint opposite Wang Prachan in Satun. If approved, the measure would provide additional income for the state and fund public development projects.

 

Rahimi Ismail, Secretary of Perlis, said the study was essential to ensure accurate data before submitting a formal request to the federal government. He stressed that the revenue could be reinvested for the benefit of local people, particularly through infrastructure upgrades. The initiative reflects broader efforts by state governments in Malaysia to secure new income streams amid rising cross-border traffic.

 

Recent travel data highlights the significance of the checkpoints. Between October 2024 and August 2025, more than 1.61 million people entered Thailand via Padang Besar, while around 1.60 million exited into Malaysia. December 2024 recorded the busiest traffic, with over 176,000 arrivals and 173,000 departures, while November 2024 saw the lowest movement.

 

Padang Besar is the second busiest land crossing between Thailand and Malaysia, after Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah, which connects with Sadao in Songkhla. It serves as both a rail and road gateway, linking Thailand’s State Railway with Malaysia’s KTM Berhad services. By road, it connects federal highways in Malaysia with southern Thailand’s highway network, offering routes to Hat Yai, Songkhla and onward to Bangkok.

 

In contrast, Wang Kelian is a smaller checkpoint, linking rural roads between Perlis and Satun. Despite its lower traffic, it remains a strategic route to Ratphum and Hat Yai in Songkhla province. However, for vehicle traffic, Bukit Kayu Hitam remains the preferred crossing due to its direct link with Malaysia’s North–South Expressway and Thailand’s major highways.

 

The proposal remains under study, and approval will depend on Malaysia’s central government. If implemented, the fee could become an additional cost for tourists heading to Thailand but may provide significant infrastructure funding for Perlis.

Picture courtesy of MGR of tourists disembark from an ETS train from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar station in Malaysia

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Perlis state government is studying a 2–5 ringgit fee for tourists crossing into Thailand.

• The proposed levy would apply at Padang Besar and Wang Kelian checkpoints.

• Approval from Malaysia’s federal government is required before implementation.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from MGR 2025-09-30

 

 

 

 

charging people to leave is quite frankly absurd, charge people to enter and let them chose either pay an entry fee or don't enter makes more sense

3 hours ago, smedly said:

charging people to leave is quite frankly absurd, charge people to enter and let them chose either pay an entry fee or don't enter makes more sense

It's 2 to 5 Ringgit for pity's sake, not going to break the bank and infrastructure does need improving. There's a departure tax on flights included in your ticket, why not at land borders?

4 hours ago, smedly said:

charging people to leave is quite frankly absurd, charge people to enter and let them chose either pay an entry fee or don't enter makes more sense

If you wish to leave LOS by aeroplane, you will have to pay considerably more.

1 hour ago, Peterphuket said:

If you wish to leave LOS by aeroplane, you will have to pay considerably more.

do tell

2 hours ago, smedly said:

do tell

 

It's currently Bht700 included in your ticket for all international departures.

 

8 hours ago, smedly said:

charging people to leave is quite frankly absurd, charge people to enter and let them chose either pay an entry fee or don't enter makes more sense

Thailand has had a departure tax as do most countries. It has been in effect for a long time. I remember back in the late 70's you had to have 300 baht in cash for this tax. Since 2007 it has been incorporated into the ticket price, and now it is 730 baht, the extra 30 was added in April of 2024. 

5 hours ago, Stocky said:

It's 2 to 5 Ringgit for pity's sake, not going to break the bank and infrastructure does need improving. There's a departure tax on flights included in your ticket, why not at land borders?

It isn't about the amount it is the principle.

26 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

It isn't about the amount it is the principle.

What principle might that be exactly?

 

5 minutes ago, Stocky said:

What principle might that be exactly?

 

You will be held without your consent for a ridiculous amount of money. Entering the country fine but leaving?

1 hour ago, Stocky said:

 

It's currently Bht700 included in your ticket for all international departures.

 

that is fine for using the airport facilities 

1 hour ago, Photoguy21 said:

You will be held without your consent for a ridiculous amount of money. Entering the country fine but leaving?

That's not a principle, just simply whining. 

52 minutes ago, smedly said:

that is fine for using the airport facilities 

So charging a pittance to upgrade and maintain the border facilities is also reasonable.

On 9/29/2025 at 10:28 PM, smedly said:

charging people to leave is quite frankly absurd,

 

Russia should fookow suit...

On 9/30/2025 at 3:18 PM, Stocky said:

That's not a principle, just simply whining. 

Countries make enough to maintain border control without a fee to leave.

31 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

Countries make enough to maintain border control without a fee to leave.

It's all paid through taxes, there's no magic money tree, so why not make those that use the border facilities pay, rather than take funds from general taxation?

1 hour ago, Stocky said:

It's all paid through taxes, there's no magic money tree, so why not make those that use the border facilities pay, rather than take funds from general taxation?

Just add a small tax on entry not departure. I know Bali has an exit fee but an entrance fee makes more sense.