Thailand and Malaysia Jointly Launch New Sadao Border Checkpoint

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have jointly officiated the opening of the new road linking the Sadao Border Checkpoint in Songkhla province with the Bukit Kayu Hitam Border Checkpoint in Malaysia. During the ceremony today (July 10), the two leaders met at the midpoint between the border gates, embraced, and shook hands before Anwar welcomed Anutin into Malaysia for a luncheon.

The new Sadao Border Checkpoint, located in the Sadao Special Economic Development Zone, is Thailand's busiest land crossing by trade value, handling more than 471.5 billion baht in annual imports and exports and serving more than 6 million cross-border travelers each year. Thailand invested about 1.53 billion baht in the new facility to ease congestion and accommodate growing trade and travel.

The complex includes an administrative building, cargo inspection facilities, a passenger terminal, and staff housing. It also features 11 vehicle inspection lanes in each direction, 14 immigration counters on each side, cargo facilities capable of processing 8 inbound and 8 outbound freight trucks simultaneously, Fast Scan X-ray systems, and high-capacity truck-weighing equipment.

The project includes an 850-meter road connecting the checkpoint to Malaysia's Bukit Kayu Hitam crossing and to Highway No. 4, part of the Asian Highway AH2. Officials expect the new route to speed up cargo movement, lower transportation costs, increase cross-border trade, and support tourism and economic activity in Songkhla and Thailand's lower South. 

Source: NBT World

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