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This border town is the
merging point for Thais and Malaysians. Many Malaysians
travel up to Thailand through this point and likewise
their Thai counterparts, for shopping, business or
recreational trips and this place is full of tour buses
and taxis during the weekends. Padang Besar has become a
favorite travel destination among Malaysian since coming
to this town is as good as crossing into Thailand since
whatever that is available across the border, you can
find it in this tourist town.
The railway station has a
long platform, manned by Malaysians on one side and the
Thais on the other. Besides the Immigration checkpoints
and some signs, it is hard to distinguish where the
border actually lies. Beyond rail tracks is Pekan Siam,
bargain-hunters' paradise and the town is filled with
textiles, clothing, handicraft, foodstuff, fruits and
souvenirs. Goods manufactured in Thailand are cheap and
a duty-free shop here allows tourists to buy cheap imported
goods such as alcohol and cigarettes.
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