Have you ever heard about the Schengen Area in Europe? Named after the Schengen Agreement which was signed in Schengen, Luxembourg, the Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries that have officially abolished border controls at their mutual borders.
This allows tourists to travel freely between the countries and is one of the reasons why backpacking across Europe is a viable option for many adventure seekers.
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Thailand’s ‘Schengen area’ proposal
With that in mind, Southeast Asia may just have its own version of the Schengen area in the near future, should Thailand’s proposal be reciprocated by the Kingdom’s neighbouring countries, including Malaysia.
As reported by the Thai-based portal The Nation Thailand, the country is planning to collaborate with Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, as well as hold talks with the European Union (EU) for reciprocal free-visa entries.
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This will essentially allow foreign tourists to travel freely between the 5 Southeast Asian nations after obtaining an entry visa for any of them, rather than having to apply for visas for each country.
Thailand will seek support from Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos soon
Thailand Prime Minister’s Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej yesterday said that the country will seek support from Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos to establish this ‘Schengen area’-esque agreement.
Prommin said that Vietnam has specifically asked Thailand to support its tourism sector, while Cambodia and Laos are very close to the country and will not oppose the idea.
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He asserted,
“Thailand will lead negotiations for tourists to require an entry visa to travel among us”
Furthermore, should Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam agree, the Thai government will leverage this agreement in talks with the EU in seeking Schengen visa exemptions.
So, what do you guys think of this proposal? Do you think Malaysia should agree to such a plan? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: M’sians Can Stay in Japan for 6 Months With New Visa Starting March But There’s a BIG Catch
