Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Single Visa Plan

The Thai and Cambodian governments will sign an agreement allowing foreign visitors to travel in both countries with only one visa.

The plan was initiated under the Ayeyawaddy-Mekong-Chao Phraya Economic Cooperation (Acmecs) accord, in which Vietnam, Laos and Burma also took part.

Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong will sign the single-visa agreement on Monday, making these the first Acmes countries to initiate such a plan.

The agreement applies to foreign tourists who have received a visa in either Thailand or Cambodia, but it is not clear when nationals of both countries will be granted visa-free access.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat said the new rules will come into effect once regulations are modified accordingly.

Although the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided that visa applications are not necessary among member states, Thai nationals are still required to apply for a visa when travelling to Cambodia or Burma.