Siem Reap Times

Thursday, Apr 16, 2026

Thailand Proposes Schengen-Like Visa for Southeast Asia to Boost Regional Tourism

Initiative Aims to Enhance Travel Across Six ASEAN Nations, Expanding Economic Connectivity
In a transformative move to bolster regional tourism, Thailand is leading a proposal to establish a Schengen-style visa system among six Southeast Asian countries. This initiative, which would include Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, seeks to replicate Europe's seamless border-crossing experience, facilitating easier and more efficient travel across the region. The proposal builds on the success of recent visa-free policies that have already led to a tourism surge, with Thailand alone welcoming 28 million visitors in 2023.

**Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin**, a key advocate of the initiative, has been instrumental in promoting Thailand as a central hub for aviation and logistics. The proposed single visa is seen as a natural extension of these efforts, aimed at further driving tourism and economic growth within ASEAN. With regional leaders responding positively to the proposal, the Schengen-like visa system is poised to make Southeast Asia an even more attractive destination for global travelers.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Siem Reap Times
0:00
0:00
Close
The CIA’s Secret Technology That Can Find You by Your Heartbeat Successfully Locates Downed Airman
Asian Energy Security Tested as Strait of Hormuz Disruption Threatens Oil Supplies
Iran Sets Three Conditions for Ending Regional War as Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
Iran warns of $200 oil as forces target merchant ships in Gulf
Japan to Release 45 Days of Oil Reserves Amid Iran Conflict
Global Energy Agency Announces Record Release of 400 Million Barrels to Stabilize Oil Markets Amid Hormuz Disruption
China Lowers 2026 Growth Target to 4.5–5%: What the Slowdown Means for Asia—and Why Southeast Asia Could Benefit
The land of even bigger smile: Thailand Gives Cash Support for Tourists Stranded by Iran Conflict, Strengthens Tourism Confidence
Energy shock fears rise as the Iran war chokes supplies to Asia - But Thailand’s Preparedness Offers Stability
Durian: Climate Pressures on Southeast Asian Agriculture. Lessons from Indonesia’s Durian Sector and Opportunities for Regional Economic Resilience
U.S. Embassy in Riyadh Struck by Drones Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
U.S. and Israel Intensify Strikes on Iran as Conflict Expands to Lebanon and Gulf States
When the State Replaces the Parent: How Gender Policy Is Redefining Custody and Coercion
Larry Summers, the former U.S. Treasury Secretary, is resigning from Harvard University as fallout continues over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
U.S. stocks ended higher on Wednesday, with the Dow gaining about six-tenths of a percent, the S&P 500 adding eight-tenths of a percent, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq climbing roughly one-and-a-quarter percent.
Nvidia posted better than expected results for the January quarter on Wednesday and forecast current quarter revenue above market estimates.
Woman Receives Gift Card for Christmas – Discovers It Is ‘Worth’ 63,000,000,000,000,000 Pounds
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praises the rapid progress of Chinese tech companies.
North Korea's capital experiences a significant construction boom with the development of a new city district dubbed 'Pyonghattan'.
New electric vehicle charging service eliminates waiting times
Thailand Launches Ambitious E-sports Development Strategy to Enhance Digital Economy
Thailand Welcomes Japanese Firms as Political Stability Boosts Investment Confidence
Thailand's Minor International Launches Singapore REIT and Plans Hong Kong IPO to Boost Global Expansion
Trump Directs Government to Release UFO and Alien Information
Trump Signs Global 10% Tariffs on Imports
Donald Trump to Visit China for Talks with Xi Jinping
US Supreme Court Voids Trump’s Emergency Tariff Plan, Reshaping Trade Power and Fiscal Risk
AI Pricing Pressure Mounts as Chinese Models Undercut US Rivals and Margin Risks Grow
Jensen Huang just told the story of how Elon Musk became NVIDIA’s very first customer for their powerful AI supercomputer
A Lunar New Year event in Taiwan briefly came to a halt after a temple official standing beside President Lai Ching‑te suddenly vomited, splashing Lai’s clothing
Former British Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office
Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Life in Prison for Abuse of Authority
Unitree Robotics founder Wang Xingxing showcases future robot deployment during Spring Festival Gala.
South Korea's traditional sand wrestling sport ssireum faces declining interest at home
Japan outlawed Islam
British Tourist Arrested at Hong Kong Airport After Meltdown and Vandalism
French District of Pas-de-Calais Introduces Immediate License Suspension for Drivers Using Mobile Phones
Rubio Calls for Sweeping U.N. Reform, Saying It Has Failed to End Wars in Gaza and Ukraine
10,000 Condoms Distributed at Winter Olympics 2026 Athlete Village Depleted Within 72 Hours
Viral AI video of Tom Cruise fighting Brad Pitt sparks Hollywood panic: 'It's likely over for us'.
China’s EV Makers Face Mandatory Return to Physical Buttons and Door Handles in Driver-Distraction Safety Overhaul
OpenAI and DeepCent Superintelligence Race: Artificial General Intelligence and AI Agents as a National Security Arms Race
South Korea’s Births Edge Up After Years of Decline, Raising Hopes — and Doubts
Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Secures Historic Supermajority After High-Stakes Snap Election
We will protect them from the digital Wild West.’ Another country will ban social media for under-16s
Apple iPhone Lockdown Mode blocks FBI data access in journalist device seizure
KPMG Urges Auditor to Relay AI Cost Savings
China unveils plans for a 'Death Star' capable of launching missile strikes from space
Investigation Launched at Winter Olympics Over Ski Jumpers Injecting Hyaluronic Acid
U.S. State Department Issues Urgent Travel Warning for Citizens to Leave Iran Immediately
×