TAT Welcomes New Sadao Road

Priyal Dutta1 day Ago1 Mins read143

Officially inaugurated on 10 July 2026, the new route is expected to improve cross-border travel, trade and tourism between Thailand and Malaysia while strengthening regional connectivity across ASEAN.

New Sadao Road Improves Thailand-Malaysia Tourism Connectivity

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed the opening of the new road connecting Sadao Customs House in Songkhla with the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah, Malaysia.

Strengthening Cross-Border Travel

The opening ceremony was jointly led by Thailand’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, and Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, alongside senior government officials from both countries.

The project supports Thailand’s Ease of Travelling policy and cooperation under the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) framework.

Supporting Tourism in Southern Thailand

TAT believes the new road will make travel between Thailand and Malaysia more convenient, encouraging visitors to explore destinations across southern Thailand.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said:

“The new Sadao road creates an opportunity to transform a border crossing into a regional tourism corridor. Connecting travellers more efficiently to Hat Yai and destinations across southern Thailand can encourage longer stays, wider travel and greater spending in local communities. This reflects TAT’s Value over Volume direction, under which stronger connectivity must deliver not only more journeys, but also greater economic value, safer travel and lasting benefits across destinations.”

Marketing and Tourism Initiatives

TAT’s Kuala Lumpur Office is preparing a series of promotional campaigns centred on the new road connection, including driving routes, cross-border tourism programmes and partnerships with airlines, travel agents, online travel platforms and tourism operators.

The authority is also launching the New Hat Yai campaign to promote Hat Yai alongside nearby destinations such as Phatthalung, Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat through roadshows, familiarisation trips, influencer campaigns and business events.

Focus on Visitor Safety

TAT said it will continue working with government agencies and tourism partners to provide visitor information, strengthen traveller assistance and support safe journeys through the Sadao border crossing.

Malaysia Remains a Key Market

Malaysia continues to be one of Thailand’s largest visitor markets. Between 1 January and 8 July 2026, Thailand welcomed 2,142,904 Malaysian visitors, with a full-year target of 4,825,000 arrivals.

The new Sadao road is expected to improve access across southern Thailand while supporting the country’s long-term role as a regional tourism hub.

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Written by

Priyal Dutta - Senior Correspondent/Editor

As Senior Correspondent and Editor at Safari India, I write about the people, businesses, and trends shaping the travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, and lifestyle industries. My work ranges from breaking news and exclusive interviews to in-depth features and industry analysis, with a focus on delivering accurate, balanced, and engaging stories. I enjoy uncovering the details behind every story and presenting them in a way that keeps readers informed and connected to an ever-evolving industry.