Foreign Election Interference in the US 2024 Election!

[webfact]

 

Thailand is set to engage in discussions with neighbouring Laos regarding a potential proposal to exempt visa on arrival (VOA) fees at their shared border checkpoints.

 

This initiative, spearheaded by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, aims to lift some of the barriers currently facing foreign travellers, thereby encouraging increased tourist flow into provinces alongside the Mekong River.

 

Minister Sorawong announced plans to meet with the Lao Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Suansavanh Viyaket, on October 18. The primary focus will be on easing travel for international visitors crossing from Laos into Thailand, especially during key festivals. The goal? To enhance tourism not just for the sake of numbers, but also to foster a smoother cultural exchange.

 

With an intention to amplify the influx of tourists, specifically from countries like China and South Korea, targets are being set to increase monthly arrivals from 4,000 to 10,000 visitors.

 

Additional measures under review include providing alternative incentives, such as a 1,000-baht coupon redeemable at participating hospitality venues, should the visa exemption fail to materialise.

In a recent meeting with business stakeholders in Nong Khai province, Minister Sorawong heard various strategies proposed by local entrepreneurs to uplift tourism.

 

These entrepreneurs, who contribute significantly to the Northeastern region's economy, requested government support to emphasise "faith tourism" during notable religious events like the Naga Fireball festival.

 

They also advocated for promoting unique provincial attributes rather than direct competition for tourists—for instance, Nong Khai focusing on cross-border trade and Nakhon Phanom highlighting local cuisine.

 

Such collaborative efforts are timely, as tourism serves as a robust economic driver in the region. The proposed visa changes could act as a catalyst, boosting local income and reinforcing cultural ties across the border, reported Thae Nation.

 

Picture courtesy: Wikimedia

 

-- 2024-10-18

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

So, the Tourism Ministry trying to tell Laos 'let the Chinese into your country for free so that we can have more zero baht tourists.'

Defies all logic.