SONGKHLA: The checkpoint between Thailand and Malaysia in Sadao district of this southern border province was temporarily blocked by a group of motorcycle taxi drivers, obstructing the passage of vehicles carrying tourists and cargo.
About 50 motorcycle taxi operators began to block the Thai-Malaysian border checkpoint in Sadao district at 11am to protest against Malaysia's strict inspection of documents on motorcycle taxis taking passengers from the checkpoint to a duty-free shop in Malaysia's Kedah state.
Under a new, stricter measure, drivers of motorcycle taxis from the Thai side of the border are required to carry a passport, instead of a temporary border pass as before.
The blockage halted the movement of vehicles taking tourists and cargo across the border in both directions for nearly one hour.
The protesters agreed to end the blockage after talks with immigration police, military officers and administrative officials.
However, they continued to gather near the checkpoint, calling for officials from both the Thai and Malaysian sides to ease the strict inspections.