The Economic Times (India)
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Thailand on Monday signed a deal that will allow foreigners to visit both countries with a single visa, in a bid to boost tourism.
Once the pact is implemented, visitors will be able to apply at either a Thai or Cambodian embassy for the special visa, foreign minister Hor Namhong said.
"Tourists just apply for a single visa at one place, and they can travel to both Cambodia and Thailand," he said, adding that Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam could eventually sign up to the deal.
The pact was developed through the Ayeyawady-Chao Phya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), a joint development scheme that includes the five nations.
"Both of our countries will benefit," added Thai foreign minister Nitya Pibulsonggram.
Tourism is one of the few sources of foreign exchange for impoverished Cambodia, with 1.7 million visitors there Cambodia in 2006.
This however lags far behind Thailand, which is set to receive 14.8 million tourists this year.
Once the pact is implemented, visitors will be able to apply at either a Thai or Cambodian embassy for the special visa, foreign minister Hor Namhong said.
"Tourists just apply for a single visa at one place, and they can travel to both Cambodia and Thailand," he said, adding that Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam could eventually sign up to the deal.
The pact was developed through the Ayeyawady-Chao Phya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), a joint development scheme that includes the five nations.
"Both of our countries will benefit," added Thai foreign minister Nitya Pibulsonggram.
Tourism is one of the few sources of foreign exchange for impoverished Cambodia, with 1.7 million visitors there Cambodia in 2006.
This however lags far behind Thailand, which is set to receive 14.8 million tourists this year.
3 comments:
And the stupid head shoot us like dog! Let beat them up if you can,at the casino!
This is a great idea. It will certainly help boost tourists and jobs for both country in the future. We just don't have enough embassy around the world for people to applied for Visa.
Also, I can't wait until brothers Laos, Vietnam, China, and Burma sign up.
Thank You all for making this possible.
How about the visa fee? Is it a fair share? Cambodia will lose Cambodian visa fees as more toursists apply for Thai visa and and visit Thailand before they enter Cambodia. It's a win-lose deal for Thailand and Cambodia. It's unfortunate for us to have ignorant LEADERS. THIS ONLY WORKS FAIRLY WHEN BOTH COUNTRIES AGREE ON FAIRLY SPLITING THE FEES.
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