Malaysia and Thailand’s ‘Self-Drive’ initiative to boost cross-border visits

Malaysia and Thailand have launched a new self-drive initiative, making it easier to explore both countries by road. Here’s everything you need to know.

In a bid to foster deeper cross-border travel and tourism, Malaysia and Thailand have launched a groundbreaking self-drive initiative. The project will inform tourists about beautiful travel routes and thrilling activities in both nations, expanding the scope of tourism beyond air and rail.

Tourism Malaysia (part of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (part of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand) organised an awareness event spotlighting the need for cross-border tourism, and how it will impact on-road travel. A fun self-drive tourism map was introduced that shows a range of tourism activities in Malaysia on one side, contrasted with similar attractions in Thailand. This digital map will help visitors explore the neighbouring country at their own pace and will deepen bilateral friendships.

Thailand and Malaysia kick off self-drive initiative: Key details

✨ Hit the road from Malaysia to Thailand! The new self-drive route has launched, promising endless landscapes and adventures! From Kuala Lumpur to Southern Thailand’s beaches, explore both countries with total freedom! ➡️

PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/o3gOXYIFVt… pic.twitter.com/PhzOLLzuxs

— TAT Newsroom (@Tatnews_Org) October 28, 2024

The grand launch of the self-drive initiative was conducted between the Bukit Kayu Hitam Checkpoint in Kedah, Malaysia and the Sadao Checkpoint in Songkhla Province, Thailand. A massive Self-Drive Tourism Convoy comprising 150 drivers from both countries and more than 60 cars and motorcycles from Malaysia and Thailand was launched by representatives of both countries, creating a big moment of cultural exchange and tourism potential.

The self-drive initiative will highlight shops, restaurants, hotels, and bars, among other tourist attractions for visitors. To enjoy this feature to the fullest, tourists can use their personal vehicles or rental vehicles to explore the new country at their convenience. To ensure the greatest experience, make your hotel reservations in advance, familiarise yourself with local driving laws and regulations, and download the necessary navigation apps and help.

According to Thailand Tourism, more than 4 million tourists from Malaysia visited the country between January 1, 2024 and October 23, 2024. The country aims to take the annual tally to at least 5 million this year, by unlocking new streams of tourist influx, such as the self-drive initiative. It is a fantastic initiative for families, friends, or couples looking to explore a new country in their vehicle – a trip tailored to their unique interests, enjoyed steadily at their pace. Also, discover our guide to the most enchanting road trips in Thailand.

The self-drive initiative will also support the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which endeavours to attract 35.6 million tourists. “Through efforts like this, Malaysia reaffirms its dedication to promoting seamless cross-border travel, enhancing regional tourism cooperation within ASEAN and the IMT-GT, and ensuring sustainable growth for our tourism sectors,” said Dr Yasmeen Yasim, Deputy Secretary-General (Tourism) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia, according to a report by Travel Daily News.

(Feature image credit: Tom Fisk/Pexels)

This article originally appeared on Travel+Leisure Thailand.