Padang Besar: Anukul Prueksanusak, Deputy Government Spokesperson, recently led a media delegation to the Padang Besar checkpoint in Sadao District, Songkhla Province, to examine the development plans for the double-track railway connecting Padang Besar to Hat Yai. This initiative aims to boost rail tourism and bolster the local economy by attracting more tourists from Malaysia and other countries into Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul emphasized Songkhla province's capacity to attract international tourists, particularly from Malaysia. KTM Berhad, the Malaysian railway company, has been operating the 'MY Sawasdee' special train service on the Kuala Lumpur-Hat Yai-Kuala Lumpur route since 2022, which has gained significant popularity among Malaysian tourists. For 2024, KTM Berhad scheduled 16 special train trips, expecting to serve over 6,000 passengers. Looking ahead to 2025, the company plans to expand the service to 28 trips, including 25 trips on the Kuala Lumpur-Hat Yai-Kuala Lumpur route and 3 trips on the Kuala Lumpur-Surat Thani-Kuala Lumpur route, which is anticipated to enhance tourism and economic activity in Songkhla and neighboring provinces.
The influx of tourists, primarily Malaysians traveling through tour companies, has spurred economic activity in the region. Visitors often explore attractions in Songkhla Province, such as Songkhla Old Town, Samila Beach, and the Khlong Hae Floating Market, before returning home. This trend has significantly stimulated the local economy and cash flow. The Songkhla Immigration Checkpoint reported that Malaysia led tourist arrivals in Thailand in 2024, with 2,479,427 visitors, and in January 2025 alone, 222,988 Malaysian tourists entered the country.
Hat Yai and Songkhla province boast popular tourist spots, including the cable car, Hat Yai Municipal Park, and various markets like Kim Yong Market and the night market at Lee Garden Plaza Hotel. These attractions continue to draw tourists, contributing to the economic vitality of the region.
Mr. Anukul also highlighted the trade dynamics at the Padang Besar Customs House, which recorded a trade value of 154,741.88 million baht in the fiscal year 2024. The top exported products included natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and automobile components. Customs revenue collection for 2024 reached 2,943 million baht, with approximately 530 million baht collected in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.