Foreign Minister Urmas Paet: Visa-Free Travel for Estonians to Thailand Would Help Develop Tourism Relations

11.06.2012

At his meeting in Tallinn today with representatives of the Estonian parliamentary group from the Kingdom of Thailand, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia would like for its citizens to be able to travel to Thailand visa-free. “Visa-free travel for Estonians to Thailand would help develop contacts between people as well as tourism relations,” he added.

Currently Estonian citizens must apply for a visa at the border to Thailand if their stay there as a tourist does not exceed 15 days.

Paet stated that Estonia is also interested in closer economic co-operation with Thailand. “We plan to conclude an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation with Thailand. With that we hope to create better conditions in both countries for Estonian and Thai entrepreneurs,” said Paet. “Developing a distribution centre in Estonia would help Thai businesses increase their presence in Northern Europe for a smaller cost.”

The Estonian foreign minister stated that there is also potential for co-operation in aviation. “We can support potential bilateral interest from aviation companies by concluding an aviation agreement,” he added.

Paet said that Estonia is prepared to share its experiences in developing an information society with Thailand as well. Estonia and Thailand also plan to conclude an agreement for cultural and educational co-operation.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met with chairman of the Estonian parliamentary group of Thailand Kasemsak Plooksawat, senator Ongart Klampaiboon, senator Thavorn Leenutaphong, senator Jetn Sirathranont, senator Witawad Boonyasatid, and senator Vichuda Rattanapian.