New Sadao border checkpoint to open on July 11 after Cabinet approval

The Cabinet has approved the opening of the new permanent Sadao border checkpoint with Malaysia, replacing the existing crossing, in a move aimed at improving cross-border logistics and boosting trade, investment and tourism.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that, under the Cabinet resolution, the new checkpoint, located between border markers 23/9 and 23/10, will officially open on July 11, while the existing checkpoint between border markers 22 and 23 will be permanently closed.

The new crossing will operate daily from 5am to 11pm, local Thai time, she said.

The Cabinet also instructed the relevant agencies to expedite infrastructure projects needed to support the new checkpoint, including the construction of connecting roads to improve traffic flow and the provision of shuttle transport services linking the checkpoint with nearby areas.

The approval comes ahead of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's official visit to Kuala Lumpur on July 9th and 10th, at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim.

The visit is expected to advance bilateral cooperation ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Malaysia next year.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral economic partnership, particularly in food and energy security, as well as expand cooperation in social and cultural affairs within the ASEAN framework.