Commerce Ministry considering keeping Sadao border checkpoint open 24 hours

 

BANGKOK, 18 May 2017 (NNT) – The Ministry of Commerce has scheduled a meaning on keeping the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam border checkpoint open 24 hours a day to benefit tourism and trade. 

Commerce Minister Abhiradee Tantraporn has let on her office has set up a meeting of the neighboring nation trade and investment commission to discuss goods truck congestion at Sadao border checkpoint after Malaysia suggested remedying the problem by opening the crossing 24 hours a day. 

The checkpoint recently had its operation time expanded by 1 hour, resulting in an improvement to the congestion situation. However, Abhiradee said all pros and cons of 24 hour operation must be considered and the opinions of the private sector and security officials must be taken in. 

Malaysia has pointed out a bottleneck on its side of the border, resulting in a building up transport trucks during peak times. Many of the products that pass through the checkpoint are perishable and must be moved within a set timeframe. The situation has been compounded by the fact the crossing is under construction for further expansion and is in a disordered state. Its authorities believe 24 hour operation would address many of the issues being faced.

 

-- nnt 2017-05-18

Would be a very welcome move. It's always surprised me that such an important economic corridor isn't manned 24/7.

7 hours ago, Stocky said:

Would be a very welcome move. It's always surprised me that such an important economic corridor isn't manned 24/7.

Which border checkpoint is open 24 hours in Thailand ??? 

Except the airport immigration and customs, no one...

So why not open Padang Besar later also?  I would think with both train and truck traffic, that would be the more sensible border to turn into the primary border or at least an alternative border to ease some of the congestion.

20 hours ago, FredNL said:

Which border checkpoint is open 24 hours in Thailand ??? 

Except the airport immigration and customs, no one...

Well indeed, but the most significant corridor for commerce is the main one on the north-south highway linking Thailand with Malaysia and Singapore. Also as pointed out the neighbouring  Padang Besar crossing is also important as the rail link goes through there.

 

For the sake of an additional six hours staffing you would think the border would remain open.