Thailand has urged Vietnam to enhance bilateral tourism collaboration, with a focus on the “Six Countries, One Destination” initiative. Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa, during his official visit to Vietnam from February 23-25, discussed the proposal with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, emphasizing Vietnam’s importance as a regional partner.
The initiative aims to boost tourism and connectivity between six Southeast Asian nations: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. A key aspect of this proposal includes the introduction of a Schengen-style joint visa, allowing seamless travel between participating countries without the need for multiple visas.
This initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader efforts to attract more international visitors. In 2023, Thailand welcomed 35.5 million foreign tourists, a 26% increase from the previous year, largely due to relaxed visa policies. Meanwhile, Vietnam recorded 17.6 million foreign arrivals in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels.
If implemented, the joint visa system could significantly enhance regional tourism by making travel more convenient and accessible for international visitors. Discussions on this initiative reflect a growing commitment among ASEAN nations to strengthen economic and tourism ties, potentially benefiting millions of travelers and boosting local economies.