Calls for 24-hour Sadao checkpoint

Trial proposed for all frontiers in the South

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

The number of arrivals and revenue from the Malaysian tourism market can increase by 20-30% if bribery at the border is resolved and the new government extends the operating hours of border checkpoints, according to Hat Yai tourism operators.

To enhance the economy, the cabinet on Tuesday proposed extending the opening hours at Thailand-Malaysia border checkpoints in response to a request from the tourism and sports minister.

Songchai Mungprasitthichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, said the move should ease congestion at the border, particularly at the Sadao checkpoint.

He said during Malaysia's national holiday last month, tourist cars and buses faced queues of 3-4 hours to pass through the Sadao checkpoint when entering and leaving Thailand.