The government spokesperson revealed that the Cabinet has approved the opening of the new permanent Sadao border crossing on 11 July, aiming to upgrade logistics at the Thailand–Malaysia border and promote trade, investment, and tourism in the region.
On 7 July 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that the Prime Minister is scheduled for an official visit to Malaysia from 9-10 July 2026, upon invitation from Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian Prime Minister. This visit is highly significant for advancing concrete cooperation as both countries prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. At the Cabinet meeting on 7 July, approval was granted as proposed by the National Security Council Office, which included:
Approval was given to open the new permanent Sadao border crossing between border markers 23/9 and 23/10, and to close the previous crossing between markers 22-23. This will take effect under the Ministry of Interior’s announcement starting 11 July 2026, with operating hours set from 05:00 to 23:00 daily, local Thailand time.
Relevant agencies are instructed to expedite pending tasks such as constructing connecting roads to enhance traffic capacity on the Thai side, resolving traffic congestion at the border checkpoint, and providing shuttle services to inner areas. Responsible agencies must prepare clear operational plans and timelines. Songkhla province is tasked with monitoring progress and reporting to the Ministry of Interior before submitting updates to the subcommittee chair and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as appropriate.
The Ministry of Interior, Songkhla province, Sadao Customs House, and related agencies are to inform and publicize details to foster understanding regarding transport routes, customs and immigration procedures, and government measures facilitating trade and tourism for the private sector, businesses, and communities around Dan Nok.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a draft joint statement by the Thai and Malaysian Prime Ministers on the occasion of the Thai Prime Minister’s official visit to Malaysia from 9-10 July 2026, as proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The draft statement aims to outline the direction of Thailand–Malaysia cooperation in key sectors, including border area development and management, cross-border connectivity, security cooperation and responses to transnational crime threats, economic partnership with emphasis on food and energy security, as well as promoting social, cultural, and ASEAN framework collaborations.