PHNOM PENH – Thailand’s Foreign Minister has dispatched advisors to Cambodia to spearhead a “6 Countries, 1 Destination” tourism initiative, aiming to create seamless travel experiences across the region, Oct 21.
Dusit Menapan and Chayika Wongnapachant advisors to the Thai Foreign Minister, met with Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak to discuss facilitating cross-border travel and promoting seamless tourism.
The initiative involves Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Thailand plans to begin policy discussions with Cambodia as a pilot project, with the goal of eventually expanding cooperation to other countries.
The meeting discussed various strategies to enhance tourism cooperation. Key points included proposing mutual visa exemptions and visa-on-arrival privileges for certain countries, exploring ways to expedite immigration processes, and developing a unified tourism identity.
Additionally, the meeting focused on strengthening private sector cooperation in the tourism industry, creating linked tourism routes, especially those connecting World Heritage sites, and increasing flight connections between the six countries. Thai Airways announced plans to increase flights to Siem Reap as part of these efforts.
The Cambodian Tourism Minister agreed to consider Thailand’s proposals and discuss them with relevant Cambodian agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and Customs Department, before seeking cabinet approval.
Both sides expressed hope that the initiative could be implemented before Prime Minister Shinawatra’s official visit to Cambodia. (TNA)
