Cambodia backs Thai-led 6-country single visa plan

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

Cambodia has agreed with the Thai government's initiative to facilitate cross-border travel for tourists from six countries in the region through a single visa policy called "6 Countries, 1 Destination", positioning Thailand as a regional tourism hub, according to a source at Government House.

The move came after talks between Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and Dusit Manapan and Chayika Wongnapachant, advisors to the Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, to discuss cross-border travel and promoting seamless tourism on Monday in Phnom Penh.

The source said the Cambodian tourism minister supported Thailand's "6 Countries, 1 Destination" policy and agreed to discuss the issue further with Cambodia's Ministry of Interior, Customs Department and other relevant agencies.

The source said the feedback from these agencies will be proposed to Cambodia's cabinet for consideration ahead of an official visit by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The "6 Countries, 1 Destination" initiative aims to promote tourism and economic collaboration between Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2887782/cambodia-backs-thai-led-6-country-single-visa-plan

[vinapu]

I like an idea , we will see what comes out of it but I'm an optimist.

[reader]

From Pattaya Mail

The devils in the details

Thailand’s initiative to secure a “6 countries, 1 destination” visa policy with her neighbors has received the thumbs-up as desirable. If implemented, cross-border travel would promote tourism and economic collaboration between Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei. Following the “Schengen principle”, a single visa would permit subsequent entry to other cartel member states.

Of course, the devil hides in the detail which has not yet been agreed. For example, Vietnam has notoriously complex immigration rules, whilst Cambodia charges a tourist fee of US$30 for foreigners outside the ASEAN network. Laos has a fee structure for entry at its border posts, but has apparently now agreed with Thailand to abolish charges in the interests of an expected surge in tourism and cross-country trade.

Hoang The Han, director general of Dai Vet International Tourism, said that Vietnam had the most to gain from the “6 countries, 1 destination” policy as the nationals of only 25 countries were currently allowed no-hassle entry. Thailand, by contrast, allows visa-exempt and free entry for 93 countries including all those with large contingents of leisure-seeking tourists. Currently, 70 million visit the region annually, with Thailand and Malaysia taking more than half of the US$90 billion estimated revenue.

Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak, based at Chulalongkorn University, said that several security concerns still had to be resolved as member states had very diverse immigration-related policies. For example, Thailand will next year introduce a prior, automated entry requirement for all visa-free travel. But the authorization is specific to Thailand. What happens under the proposed policy if a tourist first enters Cambodia but then crosses to Thailand?

The Thai foreign ministry believes that all related concerns can be sorted, but that the initial “6 countries 1 destination” policy will likely be a bi-lateral agreement with Vietnam or Cambodia. A quick resolution across the region is unlikely. Thus, agreement will need to be reached on the data base identification of criminal elements who would be quick to exploit ambiguities in specific countries. Best to make haste slowly.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/visa-free-travel-across-south-east-asia-has-detail-devils-to-resolve-476986

[Keithambrose]

3 hours ago, reader said:

From Pattaya Mail

The devils in the details

Thailand’s initiative to secure a “6 countries, 1 destination” visa policy with her neighbors has received the thumbs-up as desirable. If implemented, cross-border travel would promote tourism and economic collaboration between Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei. Following the “Schengen principle”, a single visa would permit subsequent entry to other cartel member states.

 

Of course, the devil hides in the detail which has not yet been agreed. For example, Vietnam has notoriously complex immigration rules, whilst Cambodia charges a tourist fee of US$30 for foreigners outside the ASEAN network. Laos has a fee structure for entry at its border posts, but has apparently now agreed with Thailand to abolish charges in the interests of an expected surge in tourism and cross-country trade.

Hoang The Han, director general of Dai Vet International Tourism, said that Vietnam had the most to gain from the “6 countries, 1 destination” policy as the nationals of only 25 countries were currently allowed no-hassle entry. Thailand, by contrast, allows visa-exempt and free entry for 93 countries including all those with large contingents of leisure-seeking tourists. Currently, 70 million visit the region annually, with Thailand and Malaysia taking more than half of the US$90 billion estimated revenue.

 

Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak, based at Chulalongkorn University, said that several security concerns still had to be resolved as member states had very diverse immigration-related policies. For example, Thailand will next year introduce a prior, automated entry requirement for all visa-free travel. But the authorization is specific to Thailand. What happens under the proposed policy if a tourist first enters Cambodia but then crosses to Thailand?

The Thai foreign ministry believes that all related concerns can be sorted, but that the initial “6 countries 1 destination” policy will likely be a bi-lateral agreement with Vietnam or Cambodia. A quick resolution across the region is unlikely. Thus, agreement will need to be reached on the data base identification of criminal elements who would be quick to exploit ambiguities in specific countries. Best to make haste slowly.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/visa-free-travel-across-south-east-asia-has-detail-devils-to-resolve-476986

Will Cambodia be happy to give up the substantial sums they make from the current  e visa? Must be many millions.

[vinapu]

15 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

Will Cambodia be happy to give up the substantial sums they make from the current  e visa? Must be many millions.

they may instead start charging for their ETA which is free now.

Quite possible increased tourist traffic will make up for lost revenue.

Or they may increase airport taxes to compensate 

[Keithambrose]

7 hours ago, vinapu said:

they may instead start charging for their ETA which is free now.

Quite possible increased tourist traffic will make up for lost revenue.

Or they may increase airport taxes to compensate 

Yes, I see Thailand is threatening, yet again, to implement  the 300baht entry tax!

[Keithambrose]

Can I ask about the ETA for Cambodia.  It mentions a 7 day period. It's not clear to me whether that means you must apply at least 7 days  in advance,  or that you cannot apply until 7 days before you are due to arrive.

Can anyone help?

[10tazione]

This website https://www.arrival.gov.kh/ says:

When can I submit the Cambodia e-Arrival?
You may register and submit application within 7 days prior to your arrival into the Kingdom of Cambodia.

I would say this means you can't do it earlier than 7 says prior to arrival.
On the same website there is also a video explaining the app (at least Iit looks like an app ... you can do the registration on a website or in an app),

and at 00:53 it says:

"declaration can only be done within 7 days prior to date of arrival (including the day of arrival) to Cambodia"
after that, there is a wrong example
"For example if you are arriving on 1 Oct 2023, you can only submit your declaration from 7 Oct 2023 onwards"
Switch the 2 dates and it makes sence. Also at 00:54 you can see that the app only offers 7 possible dates to choose as arrival date,
so I would conclude if you arrive on october 7 you can only fill in the form between october 1 and october 7.

 

[Keithambrose]

5 hours ago, 10tazione said:

This website https://www.arrival.gov.kh/ says:

When can I submit the Cambodia e-Arrival?
You may register and submit application within 7 days prior to your arrival into the Kingdom of Cambodia.

I would say this means you can't do it earlier than 7 says prior to arrival.
On the same website there is also a video explaining the app (at least Iit looks like an app ... you can do the registration on a website or in an app),

and at 00:53 it says:

"declaration can only be done within 7 days prior to date of arrival (including the day of arrival) to Cambodia"
after that, there is a wrong example
"For example if you are arriving on 1 Oct 2023, you can only submit your declaration from 7 Oct 2023 onwards"
Switch the 2 dates and it makes sence. Also at 00:54 you can see that the app only offers 7 possible dates to choose as arrival date,
so I would conclude if you arrive on october 7 you can only fill in the form between october 1 and october 7.

 

Thanks, that's very helpful.  I have downloaded  the app. Typical that the example is wrong, but I take your point. I am due there on 8th. So will try the declaration  on the 2nd, if I am not too exhausted from 2 days in Pattaya!

[vinapu]

4 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

 I am due there on 8th. So will try the declaration  on the 2nd, if I am not too exhausted from 2 days in Pattaya!

you will be , aim for Nov 4th. It looks you can do it also in the airport upon arrival, at least it was a case in Phnom Penh in August I was told but I had my thing done already

[10tazione]

7 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

if I am not too exhausted from 2 days in Pattaya

Sorry can't find the answer for this in the FAQs for e-Arrival nor is it meantioned in the video!

[Keithambrose]

1 hour ago, 10tazione said:

Sorry can't find the answer for this in the FAQs for e-Arrival nor is it meantioned in the video!

Thanks for your help!

[Keithambrose]

4 hours ago, vinapu said:

you will be , aim for Nov 4th. It looks you can do it also in the airport upon arrival, at least it was a case in Phnom Penh in August I was told but I had my thing done already

Yes, I'm sure Copa can help, if needed!