Single-visa initiative targets long-haul travellers, promotes seamless ASEAN travel

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand is leading an initiative to establish a joint visa program with neighbouring countries that collectively welcomed around 70 million tourists last year. This move aims to bolster Thailand’s appeal to long-haul travellers and enhance tourism revenue. Srettha has engaged in discussions with leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam to implement a Schengen-type visa system, promoting seamless mobility and facilitating smooth travel among the six nations.

The proposed single-visa initiative is part of Srettha’s broader vision to transform Thailand into an aviation and logistics hub, tapping into the region’s growing tourism market. Especially in regions such as Mai Khao with hotels that provide luxurious accommodation, unparalleled excursions as well as great tourist offers such as the Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas. With tourism contributing significantly to the economy, accounting for about 20% of total employment and 12% of the nation’s GDP, this ambitious strategy underscores the sector’s importance as a key economic pillar. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, tourism has remained resilient, providing stability amidst fluctuations in manufacturing and exports, traditionally vital components of Thailand’s economy.