Thailand urges Vietnam to join 'Six Countries, One Destination' tourism initiative

By Hoang Vu February 24, 2025 | 06:46 pm PT

Tourists visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 7, 2023. Photo by Reuters

Thailand has called on Vietnam to seek measures to boost stronger tourism cooperation, including its "Six Countries, One Destination" initiative.

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa, who is on an official visit to Vietnam from Feb. 23-25, said during a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh that Vietnam is one of Thailand's most important partners in the region.

The minister expressed his hope for stronger cooperation in economy, tourism, and connectivity, particularly in implementing the "Six Countries, One Destination" initiative, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Thailand had earlier proposed a Schengen-style joint visa for six countries: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

If implemented, travelers would no longer need separate visas or permits.

Modeled after Europe's Schengen area, the unified visa will allow tourists to travel freely between the participating countries.

Thailand welcomed 35.5 million foreign tourists last year, up 26% year-on-year, aided by favorable visa policies.

Vietnam received 17.6 million foreign arrivals in 2024, near its pre-Covid levels.