Thailand's Schengen-Style Visa Proposal Faces Hurdles

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Facebook/Phi Phi World

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has proposed a unified visa system, similar to Europe's Schengen Area, to boost tourism in Southeast Asia. Despite the economic benefits of increased tourist numbers, concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist. The success of the visa proposal will hinge on the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation.

 

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has recently proposed a novel approach to reinvigorate tourism in Southeast Asia — a Schengen-style visa scheme. Modelled after Europe’s Schengen Area, this unified visa system would allow travel to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos.

 

This initiative is a key component of Thailand’s efforts to boost tourism, aiming to attract 80 million tourists annually by 2027.

 

The Schengen-style visa proposal has potential to significantly enhance Thailand’s economy. Tourism is a vital sector for Thailand, contributing approximately 12 per cent to the country’s GDP annual and providing around 20 per cent of its jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted this sector and its recovery has been slow, which has left Thailand unable to buffer a concurrent decline in manufacturing and exports.

 

In this proposed visa scheme, tourists must first pass through Thailand as a central hub, enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a travel destination. It promises to attract more tourists, especially high-spending visitors who stay for extended periods.

 

Increased tourist arrivals are expected to boost tourist spending, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, retail and transportation. A surge in tourism could also create further job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in regions heavily reliant on tourism.

 

Thailand’s well-developed tourism infrastructure positions it to benefit greatly from the consequential influx of tourists. Its burgeoning wellness industry, including traditional Thai massages, spa treatments and holistic healing practices, are particularly appealing to tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

 

The visa initiative could enhance accessibility for tourists interested in wellness experiences and help Thailand capitalise on the thriving global wellness tourism industry.

 

This Schengen-style proposal could also diversify Thailand’s tourism markets. Thailand is traditionally dependent on tourists from the Southeast and East Asia regions, such as Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea, India and Singapore.

 

But Thailand now seeks to attract tourists from markets farther afield like Europe, the Americas and Africa. This strategy could enhance the Thai tourism sector’s resilience against global economic fluctuations.

 

Despite the initiative’s potential economic benefits, there are widespread concerns about its feasibility, the risks associated with overtourism and inflation.

 

Southeast Asia’s political landscape is remarkably diverse and intricate. Achieving consensus among the member states of ASEAN on visa policies is no small feat. Each country maintains its own immigration laws, security concerns and economic interests. Harmonising these disparate elements into a cohesive visa policy requires extensive negotiation and compromise.

 

Efforts to create a unified visa system in Southeast Asia are not new. In the 2000s, a joint visa proposal under Ayeyawady–Chao Phraya–Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy — an organisation of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar — only saw Cambodia coordinating with Thailand, reported East Asia Forum.

 

In 2019, an ‘ASEAN Visa’ plan also failed to materialise. Other attempts at regional integration, such as the ASEAN Economic Community, have shown that while progress is possible, it is often slow and fraught with challenges.

 

Infrastructure and technological readiness vary significantly across Southeast Asian countries. Implementing a unified visa system necessitates significant investments in border control infrastructure, data sharing mechanisms and security protocols. Countries with less-developed infrastructure may struggle to meet these requirements, potentially delaying the implementation of the scheme.

 

Additionally, this initiative raises broader questions about regional integration and mobility. One important consideration is whether this visa scheme could pave the way for ASEAN citizens to freely work, study or reside across national boundaries, including in Thailand. This potential development carries significant implications for logistics, infrastructure and immigration policies within the Southeast Asian region.

 

While this Schengen-style visa scheme will undoubtedly enhance travel convenience for international tourists, it stirs apprehension regarding overtourism. Thailand has already experienced the negative impacts of overtourism in popular destinations such as Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

 

Implementing such a visa scheme without addressing existing overtourism challenges might exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to environmental degradation, strained infrastructure and diminished quality of life for permanent residents.

 

Overtourism may also dilute the tourist experience, making popular sites overcrowded, more expensive and less enjoyable. This could ultimately harm Thailand’s reputation as a travel destination and reduce the long-term sustainability of its tourism sector.

 

Another potentially detrimental consequence is the inflationary pressure emanating from a unsustainable influx of wealthy visitors. This would drive up demand for food, daily necessities and housing, which in turn raises prices and increases living costs for residents.

 

To mitigate these risks, Thailand needs to adopt sustainable tourism practices. This includes implementing measures to manage tourist flows, promoting lesser-known destinations and investing in infrastructure that can accommodate increased tourist numbers without compromising the environment or local communities. Regional cooperation is also crucial to ensure the benefits and burdens of increased tourism are equitably distributed among participating countries.

 

Srettha’s proposal for a Schengen-style visa scheme in Southeast Asia is an ambitious and innovative idea with the potential to boost tourism and economic growth in the region. But its successful implementation requires overcoming substantial political, logistical and infrastructural challenges. While Thailand stands to gain economically, there is also a significant risk of exacerbating the overtourism crisis.

 

To maximise the potential benefits and minimise the risks, a balanced approach is necessary. Addressing these challenges could make this Schengen-style visa scheme a transformative initiative for Southeast Asian tourism, benefiting both Thailand and the broader region.

 

-- 2024-08-09

 

- Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

 

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[expat_4_life]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

In this proposed visa scheme, tourists must first pass through Thailand as a central hub ...

 

Don't see why any other countries would agree to this.
More fantasies of "hubs" 😁

[NorthernRyland]

58 minutes ago, expat_4_life said:

More fantasies of "hubs" 😁

don't give them any ideas! Thailand: hub of fantasies.

[ikke1959]

With the last verdict of the CC the country will get more problems to attrack tourists, as there could be violence coming as 14 million voters are being washed away.... And that could lead again to a new coup and that is not attractive as a holiday destination...Nice words but they never think

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Despite the economic benefits of increased tourist numbers, concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist.

Since when has that ever bothered Thailand... numbers are everything

[hotchilli]

1 minute ago, ikke1959 said:

With the last verdict of the CC the country will get more problems to attrack tourists, as there could be violence coming as 14 million voters are being washed away.... And that could lead again to a new coup and that is not attractive as a holiday destination...Nice words but they never think

Only students will rise up if the need arises, but we've seen how they are treated bt the Lese Majeste law which MFP wanted to amend.

Older Thais are too lethargic to do anything.

 

[zepplin]

80 mill tourists, lol there is no way the popular holiday places could cope with that number , the islands don’t have any water, or proper garbage treatment plants , have useless police forces, whose only job is to do report after report on all the accidents!

it’s a joke to wish big tourists numbers, without lifting a finger to properly handle the actual increase in numbers..

but deep thinking doesn’t exist here, just look at what they shamefully did to the opposition, who received 14 million votes 

amazing Thailand….

[Nemesis7]

Not a bad idea, at least all ASEAN countries can be a part of it . 

[nakhonandy]

Thailand doesn't have the infrastructure to deal with that many tourists, 80 mil, they haven't got the infrastructure for the current numbers.

As for the joint visa idea, that will take ages before they can get all asean to agree.

[ChrisY1]

This scene looks fantastic....just needs a few more boats! 

This is the reason smart countries are starting to refuse tourists...there's just too many of them! But Thailand wants more and to hell with the environment!

[nobodysfriend]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has recently proposed a novel approach to reinvigorate tourism in Southeast Asia — a Schengen-style visa scheme.

 

As a result of the dissolving of all democratic processes in Thailand , Thai people should not be granted any visa for foreign countries as long as there is no essential reform of the politcal system in Thailand .

[mfd101]

Calm down, Everyone. Not going to happen, at least in our lifetime.

[nobodysfriend]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

This initiative is a key component of Thailand’s efforts to boost tourism, aiming to attract 80 million tourists annually by 2027.

 

80 million tourists ?

That is more than the entire thai population !

They want to destroy this country .

Shortsighted , greedy idiots .

[klauskunkel]

What do two semi-democracies, one military dictatorship, two communist regimes and one family-run totalitarian regime have in common? Nothing, and especially not a common Visa.

[Poilu]

6 minutes ago, nobodysfriend said:

 

As a result of the dissolving of all democratic processes in Thailand , Thai people should not be granted any visa for foreign countries as long as there is no essential reform of the politcal system in Thailand .

Travel restrictions targetting just the individuals involved in blocking reform would be a better idea. 

[nobodysfriend]

8 minutes ago, Poilu said:

Travel restrictions targetting just the individuals involved in blocking reform would be a better idea. 

 

Sure .

But Thai people need to learn what kind of government they have ... and vote against them at the next elections ...

but anyway , elections here seem to be just as meaningless as the current PM ...

[Poilu]

4 minutes ago, nobodysfriend said:

 

Sure .

But Thai people need to learn what kind of government they have ... and vote against them at the next elections ...

but anyway , elections here seem to be just as meaningless as the current PM ...

Freezing the overseas assets of the anti-democratic cartel should also be on the table.

[Muhendis]

26 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

Calm down, Everyone. Not going to happen, at least in our lifetime.

Quite so.

The schengen system works in Europe because of free and borderless travel between countries.

That is highly unlikely to ever exist in Asia.

 

Once again. a politician has made a statement which is his fantasy idea and nothing else.

[phetphet]

So. Let us take over

4 hours ago, webfact said:

 

In this proposed visa scheme, tourists must first pass through Thailand as a central hub, enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a travel destination.

In other words, let all your potential tourists first arrive in Thailand. That way we can collect all the tourist tax, and hopefully they won't bother travelling any further.

Perhaps we can also take over your border controls and process all your visa arrivals.

 

[khunpeer]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy: Facebook/Phi Phi World

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has proposed a unified visa system, similar to Europe's Schengen Area, to boost tourism in Southeast Asia. Despite the economic benefits of increased tourist numbers, concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist. The success of the visa proposal will hinge on the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation.

 

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has recently proposed a novel approach to reinvigorate tourism in Southeast Asia — a Schengen-style visa scheme. Modelled after Europe’s Schengen Area, this unified visa system would allow travel to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos.

 

This initiative is a key component of Thailand’s efforts to boost tourism, aiming to attract 80 million tourists annually by 2027.

 

The Schengen-style visa proposal has potential to significantly enhance Thailand’s economy. Tourism is a vital sector for Thailand, contributing approximately 12 per cent to the country’s GDP annual and providing around 20 per cent of its jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted this sector and its recovery has been slow, which has left Thailand unable to buffer a concurrent decline in manufacturing and exports.

 

In this proposed visa scheme, tourists must first pass through Thailand as a central hub, enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a travel destination. It promises to attract more tourists, especially high-spending visitors who stay for extended periods.

 

Increased tourist arrivals are expected to boost tourist spending, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, retail and transportation. A surge in tourism could also create further job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in regions heavily reliant on tourism.

 

Thailand’s well-developed tourism infrastructure positions it to benefit greatly from the consequential influx of tourists. Its burgeoning wellness industry, including traditional Thai massages, spa treatments and holistic healing practices, are particularly appealing to tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

 

The visa initiative could enhance accessibility for tourists interested in wellness experiences and help Thailand capitalise on the thriving global wellness tourism industry.

 

This Schengen-style proposal could also diversify Thailand’s tourism markets. Thailand is traditionally dependent on tourists from the Southeast and East Asia regions, such as Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea, India and Singapore.

 

But Thailand now seeks to attract tourists from markets farther afield like Europe, the Americas and Africa. This strategy could enhance the Thai tourism sector’s resilience against global economic fluctuations.

 

Despite the initiative’s potential economic benefits, there are widespread concerns about its feasibility, the risks associated with overtourism and inflation.

 

Southeast Asia’s political landscape is remarkably diverse and intricate. Achieving consensus among the member states of ASEAN on visa policies is no small feat. Each country maintains its own immigration laws, security concerns and economic interests. Harmonising these disparate elements into a cohesive visa policy requires extensive negotiation and compromise.

 

Efforts to create a unified visa system in Southeast Asia are not new. In the 2000s, a joint visa proposal under Ayeyawady–Chao Phraya–Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy — an organisation of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar — only saw Cambodia coordinating with Thailand, reported East Asia Forum.

 

In 2019, an ‘ASEAN Visa’ plan also failed to materialise. Other attempts at regional integration, such as the ASEAN Economic Community, have shown that while progress is possible, it is often slow and fraught with challenges.

 

Infrastructure and technological readiness vary significantly across Southeast Asian countries. Implementing a unified visa system necessitates significant investments in border control infrastructure, data sharing mechanisms and security protocols. Countries with less-developed infrastructure may struggle to meet these requirements, potentially delaying the implementation of the scheme.

 

Additionally, this initiative raises broader questions about regional integration and mobility. One important consideration is whether this visa scheme could pave the way for ASEAN citizens to freely work, study or reside across national boundaries, including in Thailand. This potential development carries significant implications for logistics, infrastructure and immigration policies within the Southeast Asian region.

 

While this Schengen-style visa scheme will undoubtedly enhance travel convenience for international tourists, it stirs apprehension regarding overtourism. Thailand has already experienced the negative impacts of overtourism in popular destinations such as Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

 

Implementing such a visa scheme without addressing existing overtourism challenges might exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to environmental degradation, strained infrastructure and diminished quality of life for permanent residents.

 

Overtourism may also dilute the tourist experience, making popular sites overcrowded, more expensive and less enjoyable. This could ultimately harm Thailand’s reputation as a travel destination and reduce the long-term sustainability of its tourism sector.

 

Another potentially detrimental consequence is the inflationary pressure emanating from a unsustainable influx of wealthy visitors. This would drive up demand for food, daily necessities and housing, which in turn raises prices and increases living costs for residents.

 

To mitigate these risks, Thailand needs to adopt sustainable tourism practices. This includes implementing measures to manage tourist flows, promoting lesser-known destinations and investing in infrastructure that can accommodate increased tourist numbers without compromising the environment or local communities. Regional cooperation is also crucial to ensure the benefits and burdens of increased tourism are equitably distributed among participating countries.

 

Srettha’s proposal for a Schengen-style visa scheme in Southeast Asia is an ambitious and innovative idea with the potential to boost tourism and economic growth in the region. But its successful implementation requires overcoming substantial political, logistical and infrastructural challenges. While Thailand stands to gain economically, there is also a significant risk of exacerbating the overtourism crisis.

 

To maximise the potential benefits and minimise the risks, a balanced approach is necessary. Addressing these challenges could make this Schengen-style visa scheme a transformative initiative for Southeast Asian tourism, benefiting both Thailand and the broader region.

 

-- 2024-08-09

 

- Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

if you travel to any Schengen-country you could enter the other countries of EU!

here they want all tourists to fly to Tland to enter: no good, they could never handle this influx of mass tourism!

[sandyf]

1 hour ago, nakhonandy said:

As for the joint visa idea, that will take ages before they can get all asean to agree.

No one ever does anything without taking the first step.

[mikeymike100]

2 hours ago, zepplin said:

80 mill tourists, lol there is no way the popular holiday places could cope with that number , the islands don’t have any water, or proper garbage treatment plants , have useless police forces, whose only job is to do report after report on all the accidents!

it’s a joke to wish big tourists numbers, without lifting a finger to properly handle the actual increase in numbers..

but deep thinking doesn’t exist here, just look at what they shamefully did to the opposition, who received 14 million votes 

amazing Thailand…

Correct, they only think of one thing in Thailand......$$$$$$

[brianthainess]

Honestly this Clown PM comes up with the most un-workable ideas I've ever heard, that is like saying anyone with a Schengen visa Must pass through France or Sweden first, he is a nutter IMO, has achieved Zilch from his world begging tour, and I hope those countries take on board the banning of the FF party. The only thing this unelected Clown has achieved is to drag the country into more Debt. Why did they think having a PM without any political experience would be good, unless they knew they could easily manipulate the fool. At least Anutin has political experience. 

Whew I don't normally post long comments, but I feel better now.....

[brianthainess]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

concerns about feasibility, overtourism and potential inflationary pressure persist. The success of the visa proposal will hinge on the adoption of sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation.

[sandyf]

1 hour ago, mfd101 said:

Calm down, Everyone. Not going to happen, at least in our lifetime.

For some reason the majority on here seem to think that every proposal is going to come into effect tomorrow.

 

Henry Heinz chose a random number for his "varieties" and ended up with one of the most successful brands in the world.

[lordgrinz]

.

Edited August 9 by lordgrinz

[tomazbodner]

I can definitely see how Thailand would open borders to Burmese, Lao and Cambodians to come and go as they please, and Malaysia open borders to all northern neighbours... Dream on, Srettha...

[Confuscious]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

In this proposed visa scheme, tourists must first pass through SOI 6 IN PATTAYA or SOI COWBOY as a central hub, enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a travel destination. It promises to attract more tourists, especially high-spending visitors who stay for extended periods.

Corrected.

[Jackbenimble]

Take away the requirement to go through Thailand first and this is a good idea. 

[Qld4000]

The 80 million target is more than Double this years target.  

Phuket ( supposedly the jewel in tourism crown) has major traffic congestion problems & it’s getting worse by the day. 
Can you imagine Phuket with more than Double what’s there now..?

You’ve got to wonder what is their interpretation of saturation level tourist arrivals.  When you see incidents of overloaded tourist boats capsizing & passengers hanging from the sides of trains & sitting on roofs of buses in some Asian destinations……maybe the sky’s the limit.