GEORGE TOWN: While Malaysians are planning shopping trips to Haadyai as the Malaysia-Thailand land borders reopen from Friday, transport operators and travel agents are still taking a wait-and-see attitude.
They would like to see clear standard operating procedures (SOP) for travellers and holidaymakers before getting their services running.
Bukit Kayu Hitam Taxi Association vice-president Mohd Zainuddin Makul said he had received many enquiries from those who want mini vans to take them from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah to Thailand.
“However, I dare not accept bookings as the SOP is still unclear.
“Before the pandemic, travellers could get a three day-two night deal for around RM400 per head, including transport, accommodation, and food.
“Now, it’s about RM1,000 to RM1,200 as travellers have to pay for travel insurance and Covid-19 tests,” he said.
Haadyai, the southernmost major town in Thailand, is a popular shopping destination for Malaysians.
Mohd Zainuddin said that before the pandemic, there used to be around 100 to 200 mini vans plying the Bukit Kayu Hitam-Haadyai route.
Tour operator Au Lee Ying said she was also waiting for the latest SOP.
“The SOP from both governments are not clear and we dare not take bookings yet.
“Mini van operators from Thailand also have to follow certain guidelines, and they are also unsure of the latest SOP,” she said.
Deputy Governor of Songkhla province, Amphon Pongsuwan, said the checkpoints at Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam, and Wang Prachan (Satun)-Wang Kelian (Perlis) will reopen to fully vaccinated tourists from Friday.
He said tourists coming through the land border gate under the “Test & Go” programme would have to apply online for the “Thailand Pass” at least seven days before travel.
Amphon said travellers must buy medical insurance with a minimum coverage of US$20,000 (RM84,309).
In 2019, Thailand recorded almost 40 million visitors, including 4.1 million visitors from Malaysia.