Thailand reintroduces the initiative to introduce a single visa to visit some ASEAN countries

Thailand has decided to reintroduce the initiative to simplify visas for tourists visiting the country and other ASEAN countries. According to Thai Prime Minister Secretary General Sretta Thavisin, Thailand will approach its ASEAN partners with an attractive proposal - to introduce a single visa that would allow travellers to visit several countries in the region without having to apply for separate visas.

The project for such a single visa, covering not only Thailand but also Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia, has long been under consideration by ASEAN but has so far been left unpromoted, mainly due to differences in member countries' immigration policies. Now Thailand is actively seeking support from its neighbours for an agreement that would allow tourists to travel freely between the five countries after obtaining a visa to one of them.

Prommin Letsuriday expressed confidence that ASEAN countries would support the idea as it would have a positive impact on the tourism sector of all members. The success of Thailand's visa-free policy for foreign travellers last year shows the country's attractiveness as a tourist destination. The increase in tourist arrivals to 28 million further confirms the untapped potential of free movement.

By supporting this initiative, Thailand aims to become a leader not only in tourism but also in co-operation with other countries in the Mekong region. Strategic meetings with tourism ministers of neighbouring countries under the auspices of Thailand demonstrate the region's commitment to becoming more accessible and attractive to tourists.