The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, has once again confirmed the country’s commitment to reaching a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Member States.
However, Prime Minister Thavisin acknowledged that the agreement would take time, suggesting that citizens of the country will have to continue undergoing the regular visa application procedures until the EU makes a definite decision.
Thailand’s government has been working on the matter for months now, and Prime Minister Thavisin has already held discussions with representatives of some Schengen countries.
Commenting on the country’s plans, Prime Minister Thavisin appeared more pessimistic than when he made previous announcements. He said that it is still too early to make a statement on whether the agreement will be reached and when it is expected to enter into force as soon as possible.
Prime Minister Thavisin further assured all citizens of his country that the authorities are doing everything possible to make it possible for them to enter the Schengen Area visa-free. He also said that in future visits to Germany and France, he will bring the matter up for discussion.
Thailand has already asked for the help of Germany in reaching a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen countries.
During an official visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Thailand, Prime Minister Thavisin urged for Germany’s support on the exemption from visa requirements when reaching the area.
Making such a request, Prime Minister Thavisin reminded the German President that the country currently has a visa-free regime for stays of up to 30 days for citizens of Schengen countries.
The same highlighted that an agreement on the matter would benefit the Schengen countries, too, as they would see an increase in tourism from Thailand.
To facilitate travel for its citizens to the Schengen Area, Thailand has proposed that the country and Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam establish an agreement. This agreement would allow tourists holding a visa from one of these countries to enter the others without needing to apply for a separate visa.
Thailand also wants to approve a passport empowerment project before moving on with talks with the EU.
Once an agreement on the above-mentioned matter is reached and the project is completed, Thailand’s Secretary General to Prime Minister, Prommin Lertsuridej, said that Thailand will officially begin talks on Schengen visa exemption.
Thailand’s passport is currently ranked 107th in the world, according to the VisaGuide Passport Index. Citizens of Thailand need to obtain a visa to enter 118 countries.
