In addition to a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, Thailand has proposed a new ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ (6-in-1) visa plan for travel by foreign tourists including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia.
Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maris Sangiampongsa, last week gave an overview of his ministry’s plans to the media in Bangkok during which he also spoke about the ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ plan, reports said.
Cambodia’s government, however, has not responded to the proposal so far. But the travel and tourism industry in the country seems to be keen to join the move as it can bring more tourists to the country.
Thourn Sinan, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Cambodia Chapter) told Khmer Times, yesterday, that the proposal for a single visa for multiple countries could significantly boost regional tourism.
“It would simplify travel for tourists, making it easier for them to explore multiple destinations in Southeast Asia without the hassle of obtaining separate visas,” Sinan pointed out.
In his view, Cambodia should join the initiative as this could lead to an increase in tourist numbers, which would in turn benefit local economies and promote cultural exchanges as well.
“For Cambodian tourism specifically, this could attract more visitors who might otherwise choose to skip the country due to visa complexities,” Sinan said.
But there are also doubts about the initiative in some quarters as this could be misused by unscrupulous elements including criminal gangs for cross-border crime operations.
“The ‘Six Countries, One Destination,’ visa aims to boost tourism but it raises security concerns as well,” said an article in Thai Examiner.com.
Maris also announced the plan for a ‘Destination Thailand Visa’ or DTV offering five-year stays for digital nomads but bans them from seeking employment within the country
The new DTV visa presently allows working online professionals with contracts and activities outside Thailand to live and work from Thailand. The visa is for five years and offers a 180-day stay, which can be renewed from outside the country quite easily.
However, Maris did not give the full details yet on the Six Countries, One Destination visa. The plan, however, reveals Thailand’s ambition to become a tourism and transit hub in Southeast Asia.
The minister also confirmed the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa system, replacing the current visa-free travel for citizens from over 90 countries.
The plan is to introduce ETA from December 1, 2024, for an initial pilot phase, with full implementation by June 2025. Upon full implementation, e-Visa service will be integrated with the ETA system.
Thai government hopes to implement the ETA system for travellers entering the country under the visa exemption regime, similar to South Korea’s K-ETA or the UK’s new ETA system.
Earlier in February, Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to promote the ‘Two Kingdoms, One Destination,’ campaign in a bid to attract more tourists to both countries.
The decision to promote the ‘Two Kingdoms, One Destination’ campaign was taken when Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met the then Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in Bangkok.
Thailand attracted over 27 million tourists last year while Cambodia attracted 5.43 million. Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism has set a target to receive 6.4 million international tourists in 2025 and seven million by 2026.
(Source: Khmertimeskh)