Padang Besar is one of the most popular land borders between Malaysia and Thailand, especially for travellers heading towards Songkhla and Hat Yai. The majority of Malaysian’s here will take KTM/ETS headed to Hat Yai since it will only take around 1 hour and half up to 2 hours. However if you are planning to drive via your vehicle to the border, here’s four steps to guide you through crossing into Thailand from the location, border operating hours, peak traffic period until up to immigration clearance to vehicle approval.
Border Overview
- Location: Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Operating hours: 6.00AM – 10.00PM
- Thailand province: Songkhla
Peak Traffic Periods
Busiest border especially for traveller visiting Hat Yai
- 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 (Padang Besar ICQS)
- Queue at the “Cars to Thailand” lane
- Present passport for exit stamp including passengers
- Drive onward to the Thai checkpoint
Remarks: Usually this process is fast unless during peak periods
STEP 2: Thai Immigration Checkpoint
-
Drive thru according to vehicle lane
- 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
- Declare your vehicle and present the following documents:
- Original car grant
(Photocopy is allowed but must be certified by Padang Besar police)
- 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 4 (LAST STEP): Thai Customs – Vehicle Declaration
-
Show the declaration form to the custom police
Padang Besar is the second busiest land border between Malaysia and Thailand. 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.
