Sadao checkpoint: Entrepreneurs urge continued operation
Songkhla-based entrepreneurs in the Sadao district appealed to the government to keep the old Sadao immigration checkpoint operational alongside the new one. The move aims to stimulate both trade and tourism with Malaysia. The appeal follows the circulation of rumours concerning the government’s intention to close the Sadao checkpoint in preference for the newly constructed border checkpoint.
The discussion involved roughly 300 entrepreneurs from Baan Dan Nok in Tambon Samnakkam. Baan Dan Nok, which shares a border with Bukit Kayu Hitam in Malaysia’s Kedah state, is seen as one of the most significant trading locations on the border, according to Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha, President of Hat Yai Songkhla Hotels Association.
However, on May 23, Thailand and Malaysia agreed to establish a new checkpoint and a new road linking the Sadao border checkpoint with Bukit Kayu Hitam to enhance ties between the two nations. The distance between the new checkpoint and the old one is approximately 1 kilometre.
Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha, who also represents the business operators in Baan Dan Nok, expressed concerns that the government had made plans to inaugurate the new checkpoint without consulting the local community or business operators about its potential impact on their operations. He further stated that the implementation of the new checkpoint could significantly harm the businesses in the vicinity.
The entrepreneurs suggested operating both Sadao checkpoints concurrently, with the new one catering to truck traffic and the old one serving private cars and the private sector in Baan Dan Nok, reported Bangkok Post.
Nutcha Saetiaw, Chair of the Rak Dan Nok Entrepreneurs Association, highlighted that there was no assurance of stability following the opening of the new checkpoint. Nutcha referred to the economic downturn that ensued after older checkpoints in Padang Besar were closed, indicating that they didn’t want to experience a similar situation.
The entrepreneurs plan to submit their proposal to the Songkhla governor, hoping it will reach Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during his visit to Songkhla scheduled for November 27.
