THAI Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed strong confidence that the "Six Countries, One Destination" initiative will elevate ASEAN's standing as a premier global travel hub by simplifying access for international tourists and boosting intra-regional tourism.
This ambitious plan aims to enhance travel across six ASEAN nations—Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand—with hopes to later include Singapore.
Bernama reported, Paetongtarn emphasised the significant potential for deepening collaboration in tourism, a sector she sees as central to both economic growth and cultural exchange within the region.
She explained in an exclusive interview with Bernama International News Service that the initiative is designed to promote ASEAN as a unified and easily accessible travel destination for both regional and international travelers.
The Thai Prime Minister, who has been in office since August 16, 2024, elaborated that the main focus of the proposal would be on improving border-crossing procedures, creating coordinated marketing campaigns, and expanding transport connectivity across the involved countries.
"This collaborative effort will simplify travel, encourage more regional tourism, and attract international visitors to explore multiple destinations within the ASEAN bloc," she said.
Thailand and Malaysia, in particular, are positioned to play a pivotal role in leading the initiative due to their advanced travel infrastructure, which includes well-established road networks, rail connections, and air links.
Paetongtarn highlighted that both countries’ visa-free facilitation programs are also key assets in making cross-border travel more convenient.
Currently, Thai officials are working closely with their counterparts in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam to fine-tune the logistics of the initiative.
These discussions are focused on creating smoother border processes, facilitating joint promotional efforts, and improving connectivity in the region.
The "Six Countries, One Destination" scheme is expected to not only stimulate tourism within ASEAN but also drive greater interest from tourists outside the region.
Paetongtarn’s initiative underscores the importance of regional unity and cooperation in promoting ASEAN as a prime tourist destination, thereby contributing to the economic prosperity and cultural enrichment of the entire region. – February 16, 2025
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