Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Thailand Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has proposed a new tourism initiative, ‘Six Nations, One Destination,’ aimed at strengthening ASEAN’s position as a premier travel hub. The program seeks to simplify international visitor access and stimulate tourism across the six participating countries.
According to The Star on Monday (Febraury 17, 2025), Shinawatra announced the plan, emphasizing its potential to streamline travel procedures and enhance tourism in Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam. She also expressed interest in inviting Singapore to join the initiative.
“I see significant opportunities to enhance tourism collaboration as a key driver of economic and cultural connectivity for both our countries and the broader region,” Shinawatra said. “We have proposed cooperation under the ‘Six Nations, One Destination’ scheme to position our region as a single, easily accessible travel destination,” she added.
Shinawatra believes the initiative will attract more tourists beyond the six participating countries, increasing intra-regional travel and encouraging multi-destination visits. “I am confident that this scheme will draw more international visitors, boost regional travel, and facilitate extended stays across the six pilot countries,” she stated.
Enhancing Rail Connectivity
As a primary gateway to the region, Thailand and Malaysia hold a unique position in leading the implementation of this initiative, Shinawatra noted. The program will be carried out by expanding travel connectivity including improving cross-border roads, integrating railway networks, and facilitating visa-free multi-country travel, alongside coordinated promotional efforts.
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“With well-developed travel infrastructure, including cross-border highways, rail and air connectivity, and visa-free facilitation, we have a strong foundation to support seamless multi-country travel,” she said, as reported by Detik. “This initiative focuses on easing border crossings, launching coordinated promotional campaigns, and enhancing travel connectivity,” she added.
Thai representatives are currently in discussions with counterparts in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam to advance cooperation under the program. “Right now, officials from Thailand’s relevant agencies are working with partners in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam to push forward discussions in this area,” Shinawatra said.
As discussions progress, Thailand remain optimistic that the initiative will not only boost regional tourism but also strengthen economic ties and cultural exchanges across ASEAN.
(Raidi/Agung)
