Cross-Border Tourism Boost: Malaysia and Thailand Launch Self-Drive Caravan

Bangkok, 28 October 2024 – In a bid to enhance cross-border tourism, Thailand and Malaysia officially launched the Malaysia-Thailand self-drive tourism caravan at The Zon Duty-Free Complex, near the Sadao Checkpoint in Thailand’s Songkhla Province and Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam Checkpoint. A fleet of 60 cars and motorcycles, with over 100 drivers and motorcyclists from both countries, participated in the flag-off ceremony and embarked on a unique overland journey.

The ceremony was officiated by Miss Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific, and HON. Dr. Yasmeen Yasim, Deputy Secretary-General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. “The Royal Thai Government, through TAT and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, remains committed to enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a global tourism destination and promoting cross-border tourism, especially with Malaysia,” stated Miss Pattaraanong.

Strengthening Cross-Border Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Malaysia, a key market for Thailand, contributed over 4 million tourists from January to October 2024, with nearly half entering via the Sadao Checkpoint. By year’s end, Malaysian visitors to Thailand are projected to reach 5 million, while Thai tourists to Malaysia are expected to top 2 million, totaling approximately 7 million cross-border tourists.

Dr. Yasim emphasized, “Malaysia is pleased to collaborate with Thailand to boost cross-border tourism and enhance cultural exchange, with a mutual goal of achieving 7 million cross-border visitors in 2024. This initiative underscores our commitment to strengthening ASEAN ties through tourism.”

Driving Regional Tourism Growth

The cross-border tourism initiative aligns with Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, targeting 35.6 million arrivals, while supporting Thailand’s “IGNITE Thailand’s Tourism” policy to establish Thailand as a leading ASEAN tourism hub. Both countries aim to foster seamless travel by strengthening connectivity through air, land, rail, and sea, thereby facilitating two-way tourism and economic development.

Thailand has a series of Southern-region events scheduled from October 2024 through early 2025 to attract Malaysian tourists. Key celebrations include the Loi Krathong Festival, New Year, and Chinese New Year.

Guidelines and Resources for Self-Drive Tourism

To support travelers, Thailand and Malaysia released a digital Self-Drive Tourism Fun Map with route details, tourist attractions, and facilities, accessible at tourismproduct.tourismthailand.org. Additionally, TAT has collaborated with the State Railway of Thailand and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad to promote rail tourism, including the “ETS” route from KL Sentral to Hat Yai Station, offering Malaysian tourists a convenient travel option.

TAT projects that these enhanced tourism links will aid Thailand in reaching its goal of generating 3.5 trillion Baht in tourism revenue and drawing 36.7 million international tourists by the end of 2024. This collaboration is set to strengthen tourism ties between Thailand and Malaysia, expanding cross-border tourism opportunities across ASEAN.