BANGKOK (ANN/THE NATION) – Thailand is poised to forge collaborations with Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia, while also engaging in discussions with the European Union (EU), with the aim of introducing reciprocal free-visa entries.
Prommin Lertsuridej, the Thai PM’s secretary-general, revealed this initiative on Monday.
Thailand intends to rally support from neighbouring nations to establish an agreement enabling tourists to traverse freely among the five ASEAN countries, provided they possess an entry visa for any one of them.
Notably, Vietnam has reached out to Thailand seeking assistance to bolster its tourism sector.
“Plus, we’re close to Cambodia and Laos, and they will definitely not be opposed to the idea,” Prommin said. “Thailand will lead negotiations for tourists to require an entry visa to travel among us.”
He said if the four neighbouring states formally agree, the Thai government aims to leverage this agreement in talks with the EU, seeking Schengen visa exemptions.
Prommin highlighted the success of Thailand’s policy to exempt entry visas for foreign tourists, contributing to an increase in foreign arrivals. Last year, despite expecting 25 million foreign arrivals, the country actually welcomed 28 million, he added.
Meanwhile, during its mobile meeting in Ranong on January 23, the Cabinet approved proposals to collaborate with neighbouring countries allowing foreign tourists to roam free among them without extra entry visas.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin instructed the Tourism and Sports Ministry to hold a meeting with tourism ministers in the Mekong basin to boost cooperation.
A Government House source said several ASEAN leaders had told Srettha that they wanted Thailand to act as a hub to promote and drive tourism in the region.
