Thailand has requested Vietnam to consider implementing measures to enhance tourism cooperation, specifically its "Six Countries, One Destination" initiative.
Thailand's Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, who is on a state visit to Vietnam from February 23-25, stated during a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh that Vietnam is one of Thailand's most significant partners in the region.
reported.
Thailand had previously proposed a joint visa system for six countries: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, similar to the Schengen visa.
If implemented, travelers would no longer require separate visas or permits.
The unified visa is modeled after Europe's Schengen area, allowing tourists to travel freely between participating countries.
Thailand welcomed 35.5 million foreign visitors last year, a 26% increase from the previous year, thanks in part to favorable visa policies.
In 2024, Vietnam welcomed a record 17.6 million international visitors, nearing the number of tourists it had before the COVID-19 pandemic.