PATTANI, THAILAND :The Malaysian government's move to allow Thai tour buses to enter Malaysia next month will spell good things for tourism in both countries.
Pattani governor Pateemoh Sadeeyamu said the move would also benefit Kelantan.
"I praise and thank the Malaysian government for allowing Thai tour buses to enter Malaysia.
"We will provide necessary assisitance to the Malaysian government as long as it can boost the tourism industry in both countries," she told Malaysian reporters when met here.
Pateemah said the move would also help bring Thai tourists from other areas such as Narathiwat and Bangkok to Malaysia.
She hoped the move would boost the income of Thai tour bus operators," she added.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke last month said Thailand-based tour bus operators planning to bring tourists into Malaysia must obtain approval from the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
He had said these operators are required to apply for temporary permits before entering this country via Kelantan and other state borders.
Thai van operators are prohibited from entering Malaysia to prevent potential disruptions to the bus express industry.
He had said this ban would remain in place due to concerns about these operators picking up local passengers and even transporting them to Kuala Lumpur upon entering Malaysia.