ASEAN Unites Travel

KUALA LUMPUR — Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is confident that the proposed “Six Countries, One Destination” initiative will solidify ASEAN’s status as a travel hub by streamlining access for international visitors and stimulating intra-regional tourism.

She is confident the proposed initiative focuses on enhancing border-crossing ease, streamlining promotional efforts, and expanding travel connectivity across the six participating nations — Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand — with plans to invite Singapore to join.

Paetongtarn is certain there are significant opportunities to enhance collaboration in tourism, which is a key driver of economic and cultural connectivity for the region.

The proposal is to position the region as a single, accessible travel destination. Paetongtarn is confident the scheme will attract more visitors from outside the region, boost travel within the region, and encourage multiple stops across the six pilot countries.

Paetongtarn has served as the 31st prime minister of Thailand since Aug 16, 2024. This was mentioned regarding measures to boost cross-border tourism between the two countries and enhance regional tourism.

As key gateways to the region, Thailand and Malaysia are uniquely positioned to lead the way in implementing the initiative.

Through well-developed travel infrastructure, including cross-border highways, rail and air connectivity and visa-free facilitations, there are solid foundations to foster seamless multi-country travel.

The scheme focuses mainly on ease of border crossings, coordinated promotional campaigns, and enhanced travel connectivity.

Representatives from the relevant Thai agencies are working with counterparts in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam to advance discussions in these areas. Paetongtarn is the youngest daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai prime minister.