Pengkalan Kubor is a unique land–sea border crossing between Malaysia and Thailand, located in Tumpat, Kelantan. Unlike other borders, entry into Thailand here is done by ferry, connecting directly to Tak Bai, Narathiwat. This route is popular with travellers heading into eastern Southern Thailand and those without vehicles.
If you’re planning to cross via Pengkalan Kubor, the guide below walks you through four simple steps—from border details and peak traffic periods to immigration clearance and onward entry into Thailand.
Border Overview
- Location: Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan
- Operating hours: 6.00AM – 7.00PM
- Thailand province: Narathiwat Province (Entering via Tak Bai District)
Peak Traffic Periods
Traffic volume here depends heavily on ferry schedules, with higher crowds during:
- Friday evening
- Saturday morning
- School holiday
- Public holiday
Tip: Arrive early in the morning to secure ferry tickets and minimise waiting time, especially during peak seasons.
Late afternoons may be slower.
STEP 1: Malaysian Immigration
- Park your vehicle near the ICQS complex
- Queue at the Kompleks ICQS Pengkalan Kubor
- Present passports for driver and all passengers for exit stamping
- Declare your vehicle to JPJ and present the original vehicle grant
- Drive onward to the Thai checkpoint to wait for ferry
Ferry Ticket Rates
- Car & Driver: RM8
- Passenger (each): RM1
STEP 2: Entering Thailand District – Immigration Counter
- Disembark at Tak Bai jetty
- Park your vehicle near the Thai immigration building
- All passengers and the driver must exit the vehicle
- Proceed into the immigration building and queue for processing
STEP 3: Thai Immigration Checkpoint
- Driver and passengers queue at the immigration counter and present:
- Passport (for entry stamp)
- TDAC (Digital Arrival Card)
Submit the Digital Arrival Card: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
STEP 4: Thai Customs – Vehicle Declaration
- After passport stamping, the driver proceeds to the customs counter to declare the vehicle. Documents needed:
- Original vehicle grant
- Passport
- Copy of Thailand motor insurance (CI/VI)
- TM2 – Vehicle information
- TM3 – Temporary vehicle import permit
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 5 (LAST STEP): Final Customs Clearance
- After passport stamping, proceed through customs checks
- Once cleared, you may continue your journey into Tak Bai and other parts of Narathiwat Province
Ferry availability may be affected by weather or river conditions. Plan return timing carefully to avoid missing the last ferry. 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.
