Thailand to remove arrival cards for Malaysian drivers
Thailand has always been a popular travel destination for us Malaysians. Not only does the country offer up must-visit attractions and must-eat food, it’s also pretty convenient to get there – we can travel to the neighbouring country by vehicle if we wish to.
In a move set to streamline travel between Malaysia and Thailand for motorists, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim plans to remove the requirement to fill in departure and arrival cards – otherwise known as the T.M.6 card – for drivers.
A move to facilitate seamless travel between two countries
Image credit: Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia Negeri Kedah via Facebook
Malaysians can anticipate smoother travels on upcoming trips to The Land Of Smiles. The Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to eliminate the T.M.6 Immigration Card, also known as Tor Mor 6, at the Malaysia-Thailand borders. The decision stemmed from discussions between the leaders during a recent meeting in Melbourne, Australia.
Filling in this arrival and departure card has been a mandatory requirement for all foreigners entering Thailand, including Malaysian drivers via land borders. It requires filling in key details such as personal information, vehicle number, and purpose of visit. Those who fail to produce or lose the cards incur significant penalties from Thai immigration upon exit.
The details usually required on a T.M.6 arrival card.
Image credit: ThaiEmbassy.com
Our country’s PM also shared on his Facebook post that the decision was part of the initiative to bolster tourism and facilitate seamless travel between the two countries. Likewise, Thavasin mentioned that the exemption, previously trialed at the Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla in 2023, proved successful in easing travel for Malaysian visitors, with numbers tripling on weekends.
Thailand’s tourism industry experienced remarkable growth in 2023, recording the highest number of international tourists in Southeast Asia, totalling 28.09 million visitors. Among them, 4.6 million were Malaysians.
With the impending implementation, Malaysian travellers can anticipate smoother and more convenient border crossings, further promoting tourism exchanges and economic growth between the two countries.
No more T.M.6 cards for motorists
With Thailand as a neighbouring gem for travels beyond our country, Malaysians can now look forward to smoother journeys as they traverse borders by car or motorcycle, thanks to the elimination of the T.M.6 card. This exciting change not only promises seamless travel experiences, but also offers a delightful alternative for exploring Thailand’s scenic landscapes by land.
Cover image adapted from: Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia Negeri Kedah via Facebook, Unsplash
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