BANGKOK (Bernama): The Thai government will collaborate with Malaysia to stimulate tourism for both countries throughn the "Asean Drive Tourism Project".
"To boost Thailand's tourism, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is accelerating the ‘Asean Drive Tourism Project’, with a pilot route between Thailand and Malaysia. Both sides have held discussions on creating a ‘self-drive’ tourism route, which will be presented in the form of graphic maps," Thai government spokesperson Chai Wacharong said in a statement here today.
Chai said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has assigned relevant agencies to boost the tourism sector, with the aim of establishing Thailand as a tourism hub.
He said the government places importance on tourists from Asean countries, particularly those from Malaysia, who currently rank second in the number of visitors to Thailand behind China.
"According to data from the Tourism Economics Division of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, a total of 1.7 million Malaysians visited Thailand from Jan 1 to May 12, 2024. The visa exemption measure announced by the government is a crucial factor contributing to this number."
Chai said the "Asean Drive Tourism Project" consists of maps, highlighting the unique local attractions at Thailand's southern border areas and Malaysia's northern states.
He said the project aims to promote "Muslim-friendly tourism" and tourism related to religious sites. This issue will be discussed by the relevant agencies from both countries.
"The progress in Thailand and Malaysia’s tourism, which has advanced in all dimensions, is a tangible outcome of the prime minister's official visit to Malaysia in October 2023," he said.
He expected the project to be launched in July or August, at the border checkpoints of Thailand and Malaysia. - Bernama
