ส.อ.ท. ลงพื้นที่ชายแดนใต้ เชื่อมศักยภาพการค้าไทย–มาเลเซีย ยกระดับด่าน–โลจิสติกส์ รองรับการค้าข้ามพรมแดนFTI Visits the Southern Border to Enhance Thailand-Malaysia Trade Potential and Upgrade Logistics at Border Checkpoints

FTI conducted an on-site assessment in Songkhla Province to monitor the situation and trade potential at the Thailand-Malaysia border. The team explored the readiness of customs checkpoints, border routes, ports, warehouses, and industrial estates, and held discussions with local agencies to promote trade facilitation, enhance transportation efficiency, and elevate the southern border as a key trade gateway connecting Thailand, Malaysia, and the region.

From September 10-12, 2026, a delegation from the ASEAN and Logistics Division of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), led by Mr. Vethit Chokwatana, Senior Vice President of FTI and Chair of the ASEAN and Logistics Division, along with Mr. Suntornpol Weeraprawit, Vice President of the Division and Chair of the Subcommittee on Export-Import Promotion and Border Trade, as well as relevant subcommittees, visited the province to exchange information with local agencies.

[Linking Ports and Warehouses to Enhance Logistics Efficiency]
On September 10, 2026, the delegation attended a study visit at the Songkhla Deep Sea Port, where they received a warm welcome and briefing from Mr. Watthanachai Ruanglerdpanyakun, Director of Songkhla Deep Sea Port, operated by Chao Phraya International Port Co., Ltd. The team followed up on plans to expand and enhance service efficiency to improve the port's capacity for cargo transportation.

Currently, two quay cranes have arrived at the port, while four Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) have been put into operation. Additionally, one tugboat has been purchased and is already in service, with another scheduled for delivery by the end of September 2026. Furthermore, improvements to the port's facilities are nearing completion and are expected to be delivered by September 30, 2026.

Subsequently, the delegation visited K.Chaiseang D.C. Co., Ltd. and THAI BEVERAGE LOGISTIC COMPANY LIMITED (TBL) at the Hatyai RDC Warehouse to assess the capabilities of the warehousing and distribution system, a critical component for supporting the movement of goods and connecting trade in the southern region with neighboring countries.

[Upgrading Sadao Checkpoint to Enhance Border Trade Fluidity]
To monitor the Thailand-Malaysia border trade situation, the delegation met with Ms. Niramol Sriwuticharn, Director of the Customs Control Division, and Mr. Atthakorn Somsilp, Customs Specialist at Sadao Customs checkpoint, assessing both the existing and new Sadao Customs checkpoints, including the connecting route to Malaysia's Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint.

The site visit revealed that the new Sadao Customs checkpoint has the capacity to accommodate up to 300 trucks per day, implementing a Drive-through X-ray system (Fast Scan) for cargo inspection, reducing the time for clearance and waiting during customs procedures. This will save time, lower transportation costs, and increase fluidity in the movement of goods across the Thailand-Malaysia border.

[Padang Besar: Connecting Roads, Railways, and Domestic Ports in Malaysia]
Concerning Padang Besar Customs checkpoint, the delegation discussed and assessed its capacity to handle cross-border import-export and transportation with Mr. Komnadet Nakprasert, Director of Customs Services, Mr. Jakrapand Wanphong, Director of Customs Control Division, Mr. Weerasak Boonthong, Head of Customs Services Section 1, and Mr. Worawat Suphachaiapanitpong, Head of Customs Control and Inspection Section at Padang Besar Customs checkpoint.

The site visit showed that Padang Besar Customs checkpoint plays a significant role in facilitating imports and exports via three access channels: passenger travel, road freight transport, and rail transport.

Meanwhile, the checkpoint has plans to develop a second border crossing to enhance connectivity to the Perlis Inland Port (PIP) in Malaysia, which will provide more options and convenience in transporting goods, as well as support the strengthening of cross-border trade and logistics networks between Thailand and Malaysia in the future.

[Connecting the Private Sector and Industrial Estates to Support Border Investment]
The delegation also visited the Songkhla Industrial Estate in Sadao District, where Mr. Pipat Nuthong, Director of the Songkhla Industrial Estate Office, provided information and exchanged views on the area's potential, as well as the readiness of the industrial estate to accommodate trade, investment, and economic activities in the Thailand-Malaysia border area, linked to the development of infrastructure and logistics systems in the region.

Additionally, the delegation met with Mr. Siwakorn Wichakit, Vice President of the Songkhla Provincial Industrial Council, along with advisors and council members, to discuss perspectives on the border trade situation, including opportunities and issues that the private sector aims to advocate for enhancing trade fluidity and strengthening the competitive potential of the Thailand-Malaysia border areas.

[Developing Workforce to Meet Industry and Logistics Needs]
The site visit also encompassed workforce development, where the delegation attended a study visit at Prince of Songkla University and discussed strategies for developing the logistics workforce through the CWIE (Co-operative and Work-Integrated Education) model, linking learning with real work experience and developing personnel to align with the needs of the industrial sector and logistics systems in the region.

[FTI Progresses to Monitor Real Operation Outcomes]
Looking ahead, FTI will follow up on developments after the full-scale operation of the Sadao Customs checkpoint and Padang Besar Customs checkpoint to gather feedback on the actual use, including comments and suggestions from operators and relevant agencies, particularly regarding trade facilitation and the transportation of goods across the border. This information will support discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing the Thailand-Malaysia border trade.

This on-site assessment in Songkhla reflects the potential of the southern border as a key trading gateway between Thailand and Malaysia. By linking customs checkpoints, infrastructure, ports, logistics systems, industrial areas, and workforce coordination, it will serve as a crucial mechanism to facilitate trade, reduce the time and costs of goods movement, enhance investment opportunities, and increase the competitiveness of Thai operators in the Malaysian market and the region.