Driving from Malaysia into Thailand via the Bukit Kayu Hitam border is straightforward when you know the process. This border is labelled as the busiest land checkpoint between the two countries especially for travellers that are visiting Hat Yai since it is only 55 mins drive from the border, proper preparation can save you time and unnecessary stress.
Below are four simple steps to guide you through crossing into Thailand with your vehicle via the Bukit Kayu Hitam border, from the location, border operating hours, peak traffic period until up to immigration clearance to vehicle approval.
Border Overview
- Location: Changlun / Bukit Kayu Hitam
- Operating hours: 6.00AM – 12.00PM
- Thailand province: Sadao District, Songkhla (Dannok)
Peak Traffic Periods
This border is busiest especially for traveller visiting Hat Yai (55mins drive)
- Friday evening
- Saturday morning
- School holiday
- Public holiday
Tip: For faster clearance, enter between 6:00–8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM.
STEP 1: Malaysian Immigration (Bukit Kayu Hitam CIQ)
- Queue at the “Cars to Thailand” lane
- Present passport for exit stamp
- Drive onward to the Thai checkpoint
Remarks: Usually this process is fast unless during peak periods
STEP 2: Thai Immigration Checkpoint (Sadao / Dannok)
- Follow the lane according to your vehicle type
- Both driver and passengers must present the following:
- TM2 forms
- TM3 forms
- Passport
- TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) copy
Submit your Digital Arrival Card in advance at: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
Overtime Fees (may apply after 5 PM & during Public Holidays)
|
Car / MPV / Van |
Driver: 25 THB (≈ RM3+) |
Passenger: 5 THB (≈ RM0.60+) |
|
Motorcycle |
Rider: 10 THB (≈ RM1.30) |
Pillion: 3 THB (≈ RM0.40+) |
STEP 3: Thai Customs – Vehicle Declaration
- Park your vehicle at designated parking and collect your queue number
- When declaring your vehicle, present these documents.
- Proceed to declare your vehicle with the following documents:
- Original car grant
- Passport
- Copy of Thailand motor insurance (CI/VI)
Additional Requirement (If Applicable)
If the vehicle is not under your name:
- Authorisation letter
- Copy of owner’s ID
If the car is company’s vehicle:
- Company authorisation letter (letterhead)
- SSM page 9,24 &49
STEP 4 (LAST STEP): Thai Customs – Vehicle Declaration
-
Show the declaration form to the custom police
Planning ahead is everything in preparing your trip into Thailand. With Drive2Thai, you can easily get your Thai motor insurance and CI/VI, and TM2 and TM3 forms online and have these sent directly to your email so you’re border-ready before you arrive. Before beginning your road trip to Thailand from Malaysia, don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the border operating hours.
