Thailand urges Malaysia to allow Thai tour buses entry, aiming to bolster tourism for both nations and support Kelantan’s Visit Kelantan Year 2024 festivities.

In a move poised to enhance the travel and tourism dynamics between Thailand and Malaysia, Thai authorities have expressed a keen interest in persuading the Malaysian government to permit the entry of Thai tour buses into Malaysia. This initiative, according to Che Rosdi Che Omar, the Deputy Mayor of Sungai Golok, is expected to significantly contribute to the tourism sectors of both countries, fostering a deeper bilateral relationship through travel.

Presently, the Malaysian government’s policy restricts Thai tour buses from crossing into Malaysia through any of the border checkpoints adjacent to Kelantan, a rule that has been in place for several years. While Thai tour vans have the liberty to transport tourists into Malaysia, the same leniency does not extend to larger tour buses. In contrast, Malaysia faces no such restrictions in Thailand, where Malaysian tour buses enjoy the freedom to explore the country provided they adhere to the regulations set by Thai authorities.

The rationale behind this appeal, as articulated by Che Rosdi, revolves around the mutual benefits that both nations stand to gain from such an arrangement. Specifically, he highlighted the potential impact on Kelantan’s tourism industry, especially in light of the upcoming Visit Kelantan Year 2024. The event is anticipated to attract a significant number of Thai visitors, whose participation could play a crucial role in the promotional efforts of the Kelantan government.

Supporting this perspective, a Thai tour bus operator named Sufian underscored the proposal’s merit, pointing out the broader implications for tourism promotion and economic prosperity for stakeholders on both sides of the border. This sentiment resonates with the broader community of tour operators in Thailand, who view the current restrictions as a missed opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and tourism growth.

The issue has caught the attention of Kelantan’s official circles, with the state’s Road Transport Department director, Mohd Misuari Abdullah, clarifying the regulatory landscape. According to Misuari, the ban on foreign tour buses stems from a policy designed to prioritize Malaysian tour operators, with current permits allowing only private vehicle entry for cross-border travel. This policy, enacted on June 1, 2022, follows the conclusion of the Covid-19 Movement Control Order and reflects a cautious approach to reopening borders.

In response to the growing discourse on this matter, Kelantan’s Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Heritage Committee, led by Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor, has initiated dialogue with the national transport ministry, seeking a resolution that aligns with the state’s tourism ambitions. As these discussions unfold, the prospect of Thai tour buses traversing Malaysian roads remains a topic of keen interest, symbolizing a potential leap forward in regional tourism collaboration.