Bangkok, 2 December 2024 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is delighted to welcome Batik Air Malaysia’s inaugural flight on the Bangkok Don Mueang – Johor Bahru route. This milestone further strengthens the connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, reflecting the enduring partnership between the two nations.
To celebrate the occasion, executives and representatives from TAT, Thai Lion Air, Batik Air Malaysia, and Don Mueang International Airport greeted passengers with traditional Thai gestures and presented them with iconic Thai souvenirs.
Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Batik Air Malaysia’s Bangkok-Johor Bahru flight, further strengthening ties between our nations. Malaysia remains a key inbound market, consistently contributing high visitor numbers. This new route enhances connectivity, offering greater convenience for Malaysian travellers, many of whom already enjoy spontaneous trips to Thailand. We are confident it will drive continued growth in arrivals and enrich travel experiences between our countries.”
Represented by Thai Lion Air, Batik Air Malaysia is part of the Lion Group. The new service will operate daily, with flight OD530 departing Johor Bahru at 12.15 and arriving in Bangkok at 13.50. The return flight, OD531, departs Bangkok at 15.05 and arrives in Johor Bahru at 18.30.
Key Market Insights
Malaysia is one of Thailand’s top inbound markets, with over 4.6 million visitors recorded in 2023. This momentum continues in 2024, with 4,145,049 arrivals from January to October, suggesting a new record by year-end. Proximity, affordability, and Thailand’s diverse attractions—including gastronomy, natural beauty, quality accommodations, and shopping—make it a favourite destination for Malaysian tourists.
Key destinations for Malaysian travellers include Songkhla, Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai, with rising interest in Phang-Nga and Surat Thani’s islands. The waiver of the TM6 immigration form at the Sadao border, implemented in November 2023 and extended until April 2025, has significantly streamlined travel, encouraging spontaneous visits.
Seamless Travel by Land and Air
Thailand’s land borders with Malaysia, serviced by nine permanent checkpoints such as Sadao (Songkhla) and Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah), are vital for cross-border travel. In 2023, 1,514,134 Malaysians entered Thailand through the Sadao checkpoint, with daily arrivals averaging 3,855. The TM6 waiver boosted November-December arrivals by 45.55%, with daily averages rising to 5,611. This growth continues into 2024, with 1,459,180 land arrivals recorded from January to September, reflecting a 28.37% year-on-year increase.
Air connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand has also rebounded strongly. In 2023, operations reached 77% of pre-pandemic levels, and 2024 projections show an 83.59% increase, with flights expected to reach 13,884. Recent route launches, including AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur-Pattaya flights in June and Malaysia Airlines’ Kuala Lumpur-Chiang Mai service in August, have expanded options. Popular routes to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai remain highly active, ensuring robust connectivity and tourism growth.
Ms. Pattaraanong concluded, “The addition of Batik Air Malaysia’s Bangkok-Johor Bahru flight marks a significant step in fostering greater travel opportunities and enriching the relationship between Thailand and Malaysia. With strong connectivity by both land and air and a continued focus on seamless travel, Thailand looks forward to welcoming even more Malaysian visitors in the future.”
