Thai Cabinet Approves Myanmar Visa Exemption Proposal

The Thai cabinet on Tuesday last week approved a draft proposal for entry visa exemption for Thai and Myanmar citizens making short-term visits by air, a Thai government spokesperson said.
The draft agreement, proposed by the Thai foreign ministry, will be presented for signing when Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visits Myanmar in December, Thai government’s spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi said.
The draft contract was submitted to the cabinet for approval in line with Article 190 of the Thai constitution but does not have to be approved by parliament, he added.
The visa-free plan will cover travellers from the two countries using 23 designated Thai airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Nan, Phitsanulok, Mae Sot, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Krabi, Trang, Narathiwat, Ranong, Surat Thani, Hua Hin, Samui, Sukhothai and U-tapao.
The travellers’ stay should not exceed 14 days.
The plan also does not include travellers passing through land border checkpoints.
Teera said the two countries reserve the right to deny entry to certain citizens or reduce their stay without having to inform them of the reasons.
The contract could also be suspended for security and public health reasons by informing the other country at least 15 days in advance.
The contract can be annulled by informing the other country through diplomatic channels at least 60 days in advance, the spokesman said.
Yingluck will visit Myanmar on December 11 and 12 to attend the opening ceremony of the 27th Southeast Asian Games.
Currently, Thai tourists have to apply for a visa to enter Myanmar which allows them to stay up to 28 days.