Thailand is leading discussions with other South East Asian countries to launch a combined “Schengen-style” visa in a bid to further boost travel.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has identified Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar as partners in a bloc that already attracted around 70m tourists last year.
According to a report in the Bangkok Post, the proposals by Srettha are among a number of initiatives in a country where tourism accounts for about 20 per cent of jobs and make up around 12 per cent of a $500bn economy.
Schengen-style South East Asia visa
A unified travel visa would allow for easier movement between the countries for tourists wishing to explore the region and could attract more high-spending visitors.
Local media reports suggested that any new travel documentation would need to see dates extended from 30 days to 90-days to make it more attractive to tourists and visitors.
The targeted nations are popular with travellers from the Middle East, with Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam often selected as destinations for Eid getaways and summer holidays.
All are members of the ASEAN bloc, which includes:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
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