(KPL/VNA) Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong on October 18 discussed with his Lao counterpart Suansavanh Viyaket a proposal to exempt the visa on arrival (VOA) fee of 1,000 THB (over 30 USD) at border checkpoints between the two countries.

The move aims to boost cross-border travel and the tourism industry in provinces along the Mekong River.

Sorawong held that the VOA visa exemption will ease travel obstacles for foreign tourists entering Thailand from Laos during certain festivals, then returning to the neighbouring country to continue their trips.

The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports aims to increase the number of foreign tourists traveling through Laos to Thailand, especially Chinese and Korean tourists, from 4,000 per month to more than 10,000 per month.

Sorawong said that if the move cannot be implemented, the ministry could switch to offering each foreign arrival a coupon worth 1,000 THB to spend at restaurants, hotels, or tour packages in provinces in the Northeastern region.

At a meeting with tourism entrepreneurs in Nong Khai province on October 17, Sorawong acknowledged the demands and suggestions of local operators to boost tourism in the province, which is responsible for 50% of the Northeastern region’s GDP.

Local entrepreneurs urged the government to promote faith tourism during important religious festivals, notably the Naga Fireball event that marks the end of the Buddhist Lent in October each year.

They also suggested each province highlight its unique features to avoid competing for the same groups of tourists. For example, Nong Khai should focus on cross-border trading, Bueng Kan on fashion products, Mukdahan on arts and culture, and Nakhon Phanom on food.

KPL