Immigration lanes for outbound travellers at Songkhla’s Sadao border checkpoint were temporarily re-designated for inbound traffic on Wednesday to accommodate a sharp rise in the number of Malaysians and Singaporeans arriving.

At least 15,000 people were expected to pass through the checkpoint ahead of the popular Hat Yai Midnight Songkran festivities taking place Wednesday night and the following day.

Officials have also prepared to recalibrate computers and temporarily make all lanes inbound in the event that the influx of travellers was even greater.