New Sadao checkpoint linking Malaysia opens on Saturday

PUBLISHED : 10 Jul 2026 at 15:29

SONGKHLA - A new Sadao checkpoint compound and road linking southern Thailand and northern Malaysia has been slated to open for users on Saturday after the prime ministers of both nations officiated its launch on Friday.

Thai government spokewoman Rachada Dhnadirek and the Malaysian Home Ministry said the new Thai customs house and the roadway have been scheduled to open for use from 5am Thailand time on Saturday, replacing the existing office at Dan Nok upon its closure.

"The new road will open to all road users at 6am (Malaysia time) tomorrow [Saturday]. At the same time, the existing border crossing linking Bukit Kayu Hitam and Dan Nok will be permanently closed from midnight (Malaysia time) tomorrow," Bernama quoted the Malaysia ministry's statement as saying.

The Sadao checkpoint is to be operational between 5am and 11pm.

The new, larger checkpoint is located about six kilometres east of the present office in Sadao district of Songkhla. Construction began in 2016 with a budget of 1.5 billion baht and an aim to ease congestion for trucks, cars and buses at the border. The checkpoint connects Songkha with Kedah state through the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint.

The crossing is to become the main lifeline of trade and tourism between the two countries,  with more than 80% of Thai-Malaysian border trade estimated to pass through it.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul believes the new Sadao checkpoint will do more than improve infrastructure as it will serve as "an economic gateway" bringing people, trade and investment in the two countries closer, according to Ms Rachada.

Mr Anutin wrapped up his two-day visit to Malaysia on Friday.