Thailand & Laos Look to Encourage Cross-Border Travel – An Added Boost for Tourism

Neighbouring nations Thailand and Laos are looking to facilitate cross-border travel and thereby, encourage more visitors to boost tourism. On 18th October 2024, Sorawong Thienthong, the Thai Tourism and Sports Minister met with Suansavanh Viyaket, the Laotian Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism to discuss this matter. Amongst the proposals was to exempt the 1,000 baht visa on arrival fee at border checkpoints in provinces along the Mekong River: this would encourage foreign visitors in Laos to visit Thailand to attend various festivals before returning across the border to resume their trip.

Such a move will help to boost tourism in Thailand which also offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 90 countries, including its neighbour Laos, for up to 60 days. Such initiatives paved the way for a surge in arrivals last year and as reported on the Bloomberg website in October 2024, the country expects to welcome 40 million tourists in 2025 which will surpass the pre-pandemic record. When it comes to key local destinations for visitors, an all-time favourite is undoubtedly Koh Samui. 5 star hotels along the beach including SAii Koh Samui Villas remain a popular choice and can no doubt expect more travellers in the months to come.