Thailand has opened the new permanent Sadao border crossing opposite Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah, Malaysia. The legal and operational change took effect on 11 July 2026, following an official road-opening ceremony on 10 July.
The Royal Gazette notice opens the new crossing between boundary markers 23/9 and 23/10 and closes the old permanent Sadao crossing between boundary markers 22 and 23. It authorizes people and vehicles to enter or leave Thailand along the land route between the border and the Sadao immigration checkpoint.
The stated daily operating hours are 05:00 to 23:00 Thailand time, corresponding to 06:00 to midnight Malaysia time.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand describes the new road as an ASEAN tourism gateway intended to strengthen travel, trade and tourism connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia. That is the infrastructure and tourism context; it does not change the normal immigration, passport, visa, border-pass or customs requirements for individual travelers.
Travelers and operators should distinguish the ceremony date from the effective date. The road was officially opened at a ceremony on 10 July, while the Ministry of Interior announcement made the new crossing arrangement effective from 11 July.
Before travel, users should confirm current operating conditions and document requirements with the relevant Thai immigration or customs authority, or with their transport operator. The opening does not guarantee a particular queue length or clearance time.
References
Royal Gazette — Ministry of Interior announcement on the Sadao permanent crossing / Tourism Authority of Thailand — TAT welcomes the new Sadao Road / Thailand Government Public Relations Department — official-opening coverage
