Thailand asks Laos to waive visa fee at border checkpoints to boost tourism
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.
Women perform a traditional dance at the Naga ground in Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai, as part of a ceremony to mark the Ok Phansa festival on October 17. (Photo: Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports)
Bangkok (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./.
The Thai Police announced on October 17 that they had arrested 18 individuals, including three celebrities, for their involvement in a huge alleged pyramid-selling scheme fraud related to Icon Group.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on October 16 officially launched Thailand’s national economic recovery project, aimed at supporting small businesses, easing spending, and reducing living costs.
Thailand has approved an extension of the waiver for TM6 immigration forms for foreign tourists entering through 16 land and sea checkpoints until April 30, 2025.
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
