The tourism industry plays a key role as one in all the most important contributors to foreign exchange earnings and might act as a catalyst for national economic growth, particularly by reducing the unemployment rate and increasing productivity within the country. This applies to Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand.
According to The Nation, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister of Thailand Prommin Lertsuridej said on Monday that the country would seek support from neighboring countries to permit tourists to travel freely between the five ASEAN countries after obtaining a visa from one in all them.
The other countries are Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia. In particular, Vietnam has asked Thailand for assist in developing its tourism sector. Prommin also emphasized Thailand’s close relations with Cambodia and Laos and expressed confidence that each countries wouldn’t reject the concept.
He also mentioned that talks are underway with the European Union (EU) to determine mutual visa-free travel. If talks with the 4 ASEAN countries proceed positively, the Thai government will use the agreement in negotiations with the EU, hoping to secure a Schengen visa waiver.
Mr. Prommin highlighted the success of Thailand’s policy of abolishing visas for foreign tourists, which has a positive impact on the rise within the variety of foreign visits. He revealed that Thailand welcomed 28 million tourists last yr, despite a goal of 25 million visits, which exceeded expectations.
At a gathering in Ranong on January 23, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin instructed the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports to prepare a gathering with tourism ministers from countries neighboring the Mekong region to strengthen cooperation. The country’s government also approved plans to cooperate with neighboring countries to be sure that foreign tourists can spend their holidays without the necessity for added visas.
According to government sources, several ASEAN leaders told Srettha they hoped Thailand would function a hub to advertise and encourage the regional tourism sector.
However, some experts expressed doubts whether these latest measures would result in long queues at arrival points.
As a result, self-check-in kiosks have been installed at six AOT international airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai, in accordance with Vietnam Plus. This will allow passengers to ascertain in as much as six hours before their flight. Kirati Kijmanawat, director of AOT, mentioned this when discussing Thailand’s readiness for increased passenger numbers through the Chinese New Year celebrations.
There are 210 self-check-in counters at Suvarnabhumi Airport and 50 at Don Mueang Airport. He added that with this service, passengers can save time and avoid long queues as the method takes only a couple of minutes. Currently, roughly 17% of passengers use the self-check-in system. AOT plans to extend the utilization rate to 50%.
