PUTRAJAYA, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Thailand signed a Cross-Border Agreement today to replace the 'Traffic Across the Boundary Between the Malay States and Thailand' which was signed in Bangkok on June 24 1940.

The agreement was signed in conjunction with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's visit to Malaysia.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the new agreement enhanced security and facilitated cross-border movements between the two countries.

"The agreement clarifies that only the states bordering the countries will be eligible for Border Passes," he said in a statement, here today.

The entry points agreed upon in Kedah were Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kota Putra, Durian Burung, Kuah Langkawi, Telok Ewa Langkawi, Kuala Kedah, Jetty Harbour Park Langkawi, in Kelantan (Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor, Bukit Bunga), in Perak (Bukit Berapit) and Perlis (Padang Besar, Wang Kelian and Kuala Perlis).

While in Thailand there are the Tamalung Seaport and Wangprachan Immigration Checkpoints in Satun; Sadoa, Padang Besar, Songkhla Seaport and Ban Brakop Immigration Checkpoints in Songkhla; Betong in Yala; Su-ngai Golok, Takbai and Ban Bukheta in Narathiwat; and Pattani Seaport in Pattani.

Hishammuddin said the border passes were valid for a year with not more than 30 days per entry.

"It's only allowed for visiting relatives, tourism, sports, short-term training, attending seminars, meetings and conferences, or other purposes agreed upon by the authorities," he said.

He added that travel beyond these agreed points required the countries' respective international passports.