What are the current challenges and experiences at the Padang Besar border crossing between Thailand and Malaysia?

Some Information on Padang Besar Border Crossing.

I have for many years been regularly crssing the Thai-Malaysian border. In the good old days one didnt even need a passport. However the crossing has become stricter and stricter as time goes on to almost being unbearable.

Today I returned to Thailand on a PE (Thai Elite) visa. The immigration still demanded to see 10,000 Baht in cash. Last year on an OA extension with a multiple re-entry permit I was also asked to show 10,000. A crossing before that the IO refused to accept my re-entry permit claiming it had expired.

Today I saw a foreign passport holder (i.e.), non Thai or Malaysian refused entry. The IO are going by the book in Padang Besar and looking actively for reasons to refuse entry. All foreign passport holders must go to a special room with a high ranking officer to go through immigration and they are being interviewed.

My advice would be to avoid Padang Besar crossing and opt for Wang Kelian in Satun which is must easier. Im not sure of the situation in Sadao (Dannok) at the momth.

Hope this is of some assistance.