Thailand is creating its own Schengen — this is exactly the function, with a special focus on tourism, that the “Six Countries, One Destination” project will have. The unified visa policy program aims to establish a single tourist zone among six countries, with Thailand set to become the hub of regional tourism.
“This initiative is aimed at improving tourism and economic cooperation between Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand,” explained the Thai press. The pilot project for Thailand will be Cambodia, as the country has already supported Thailand’s initiative to simplify cross-border travel. Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, Huot Hak, along with Dusit Manapan and Chaika Wongnapachant, advisors to Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marisa Sangiamphongsa, expressed support for the seamless development of tourism between the two countries. Discussions will continue with Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, Customs Department, and other relevant agencies. The initiative is planned to expand to other countries afterward.
Additionally, Thailand’s “Schengen” envisions expanding cooperation in the tourism sector. Key areas include strengthening private sector collaboration in tourism, developing interconnected tourist routes, particularly linking UNESCO heritage sites, and increasing air connectivity between the six countries. It was also proposed to develop a regional tourism calendar, which would synchronize major holidays such as the Thai-Lao-Khmer New Year and Chinese New Year, and offer tourists discounts on hotel accommodations and expedited immigration channels.