Agreement on Cross-Border Traffic between Thailand and Malaysia

Agreement on Cross-Border Traffic between Thailand and Malaysia 

      Currently, cross-border trade plays a significant role for Thailand and its neighboring countries. Malaysia is one of the important countries for Thai tourists to visit, which has resulted in a booming border economy. For many years,  they have been exchanging important goods, such as crude oil and agricultural products, and have also reached agreements on the tax-free transportation of certain goods. It is not surprising that the land routes in the five southern border provinces have become main connections between the two countries, which has led to a bilateral agreement on cross-border travel.

      The agreement between the governments of Thailand and Malaysia on cross-border travel was signed on 28 February 2013 (B.E. 2556).

The required documents for crossing the border consist of one of the following:

• A passport;
• A border pass; 
• A temporary border pass.

      The issuing authority for border passes is the governor of the province or the border district chief, as stipulated in the agreement. The individuals who are eligible for border passes are those Thai and Malaysian citizens who have resided in the border areas for at least one year.

The conditions for crossing the border

      Time spent in either country using the border pass card must not exceed 30 days.

      Passports are to be used for entry and exit at permanent border checkpoints throughout the country, with the duration specified by each respective country.

The border pass card has a validity of 1 year and is permitted in the 5 following border provinces of Thailand:

Border areas of Thailand (Province) - Border areas of Malaysia (State)

1. Songkhla - Kedah State, Perlis State;
2. Satun - Kedah State, Perlis State;
3. Yala - Kedah State, Perak State;
4. Narathiwat - Kelantan State;
5. Pattani.

Source: Foreign Affairs Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Asadang Road, Wat Ratchabophit Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200

Tel. +66 2224 6190 /1
Data updated on January 28, 2022.
For more information