28-3-2024 (BANGKOK) As the exemption of the immigration arrival card for travellers entering Thailand’s Songkhla province from Malaysia approaches its end on April 30, Malaysian tourists are seeking clarity from hotel operators regarding the future of this government policy.
According to Songchai Mungprasitthichai, chairman of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, Malaysian visitors are eager to learn whether the exemption policy will be extended beyond the current expiration date.
Under the existing policy, travellers of all nationalities arriving at the Sadao checkpoint in Sadao district, Songkhla, are not required to fill out the Immigration Bureau’s arrival card, known as Tor Mor 6. This initiative aims to attract more tourists to southern Thailand and has been in effect until the end of next month.
Hat Yai, a vibrant city in Songkhla, serves as the main destination for Malaysians exploring southern Thailand. Hoteliers in the area anticipate an influx of Malaysian tourists arriving to celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year, next month.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the government’s intentions to expand the exemption policy to other border crossings between Thailand and Malaysia. However, there has been no confirmation regarding whether the current policy implemented at the Sadao checkpoint will be extended beyond April 30.
