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[Jonathan Fairfield]

Thailand urged to streamline passage for Southeast Asian visitors

BANGKOK: Thai tourist industry has called on the authorities to provide conveniences for visitors from neighboring states, millions of whom are expected to come over from early next year.

Tourism Council of Thailand chairman Itthirit Kinglek suggested on Tuesday that immigration and other authorities streamline passage and procedures and reduce restrictions for Southeast Asian travelers to Thailand in the wake of an ASEAN Economic Community ( AEC) coming of age at the end of this year.

Some six million tourists from AEC states are estimated to visit Thailand, compared to some four million Thais expected to visit other Southeast Asian destinations throughout this year.

However, those numbers are largely expected to rise from early next year, according to the council chairman.

Full story: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-09/29/c_134672137.htm

[andid]

Why?

ASEAN citizens (other than those from Myanmar) have had visa free travel around ASEAN for almost 2 years now.

What is the basis for assuming "millions of whom are expected" sometime next year?

Please reporter, do some homework!

But I do agree that Thailand needs to streamline processes for these citizens given that there is a will and desire to be part of ASEAN. Or do they? What would happen if some of these people decided to stay and work? Hmmmmm ...........

[zaphod reborn]

You can't make it any more simple or convenient than what immigration has already set up at the borders. Just slip a nice envelope with US$600 to your friendly immigration officer. No passport or visa needed.

[brewsterbudgen]

So hopefully they'll resume allowing ASEAN citizens unrestricted out-in 30 day visa exempt border entries!

[trigpoint]

If you are from Cambodia and either fly or enter at a land border you only get 14 days voa, other asean countries give 30 days voa. Can,t see Thailand fitting in with this asean malarky

[Yme]

Why?

ASEAN citizens (other than those from Myanmar) have had visa free travel around ASEAN for almost 2 years now.

What is the basis for assuming "millions of whom are expected" sometime next year?

Please reporter, do some homework!

But I do agree that Thailand needs to streamline processes for these citizens given that there is a will and desire to be part of ASEAN. Or do they? What would happen if some of these people decided to stay and work? Hmmmmm ...........

Asean visa holders, Vietnamese in particular, are being especially screwed by the current Immigration District 3 shenanigans.

The ban on out-in stamps is reported to still be in effect for citizens of Asean member nations irrespective of whether they possess a valid visa, while all nationalities are still banned from obtaining out-in visa exempt entry stamps.

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