Malaysians flock to Thailand for Hari Raya Aidiladha getaway

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: A growing number of Malaysians are opting to cross the border into southern Thailand for a festive getaway this Hari Raya Aidiladha, swapping the traditional homecoming journey for a holiday experience abroad.
According to Buletin Utama, Customs officials reported that more than 13,000 individuals were recorded crossing the border checkpoint. This included 7,000 Thai nationals, nearly 5,000 Malaysians, and the remainder from other foreign countries.
A survey found that the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex in Padang Besar was bustling with Malaysians heading into Thailand, as outbound traffic from Malaysia continued to rise. Many travellers were seen in vehicles bearing local registration plates.
When asked, travellers said they were seeking a festive experience in popular southern Thai destinations such as Satun and Hat Yai.
"For us, it's a last-minute plan due to the school holidays, and I wanted to bring the family into Thailand," said Mohd Isyraq Abdul Sani, a traveller from Johor.
"Previously, we drove, but this time we're taking the KTMB train because we're concerned about heavy traffic," said Tan Kok Way, a traveller from Kedah.
In addition to sightseeing, some motorists are using Thailand as an alternative route to reach their hometowns in Kelantan, as the journey is shorter — despite the need to pass through two international checkpoints.
"This route is shorter, and it makes a big difference compared to the usual way. Also, there's no traffic jam when travelling through Thailand. It takes about three and a half hours, whereas within Malaysia, it would take around seven to eight hours," said road user Muhammad Fakhrul Azim Abdullah.