BANGKOK, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday approved the opening of a new permanent Sadao checkpoint bordering Malaysia, effective from July 11, as part of efforts to boost logistics, trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries.
The new land crossing, located between boundary markers 23/9 and 23/10, replaces the existing one at markers 22-23 and will operate from 05:00 to 23:00 daily, the Thai government said in a statement.
Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said agencies have been ordered to fast-track construction of connecting roads and resolve traffic bottlenecks on the Thai side of the checkpoint, alongside arranging shuttle services, with the southern Songkhla province monitoring progress.
Ratchada noted that related agencies have also been instructed to publicize information to build understanding among the private sector, business operators, and local residents regarding traffic routes, customs procedures, and immigration channels, as well as government measures to facilitate trade and tourism.
The cabinet also approved a draft joint statement for Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's official visit to Malaysia on July 9-10, at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim.
The draft statement aims to set the direction for cooperation in key areas, covering border development, connectivity, security cooperation against transnational crime, and economic partnership, particularly on food and energy security. ■
