Vietnam will be the biggest beneficiary of Southeast Asia's joint visa

Vietnam will be the biggest beneficiary of Southeast Asia's joint visa 

Thailand's proposal for a joint visa with five Southeast Asian neighbors will benefit Vietnam greatly as its visa policy is currently strictest among the bloc, readers said.

"I have no problem traveling Southeast Asia. Actually, the only problematic country is Vietnam where I have to get visa, pay and wait a week. In Thailand, I just land and go. So, only Vietnam needs to get easier on that, everyone else already did."

"I don't really understand why Thailand is pushing this because both Thailand and Malaysia offer better access through visa waiver programs than does Vietnam so it gives both countries an advantage for business and leisure travelers. That said if they do move it forward then Vietnam would be the biggest beneficiaries of the program." Khunhmi facebook posted.

"Just waive visas if your economy wants and needs to attract tourist dollars. Malaysia waives visas for 164 countries and they don't have major tourist-related problems. Vietnam has enough ways to crack down on anyone working illegally or committing crime. Requiring visas does zero to stop criminal behavior." Tim said.
 
"Malaysia got 90 days free visa, the most visited country in ASEAN, Malaysia doesn't need this ASEAN Schengen." commented by Mihaimihailescuro60

Anh Han Doan Le : "There should be an income requirement for foreigners like what Thailand has. If a foreigner doesn't have the minimum amount, no visa." 

And Lannyvn7 posted:  "Just exempt visa for 6 months for all countries with income over $50,000 per annum. Get rid of all applications and Vietnam will be leading the SEA in no time."

There are multiple ideas about the Schengen visa scheme for South East Asia, the Vietnamese Government is just now launching pilot programs some visa exemption for some nationalities. We need to wait quite long time more to get the new regulations as the Vietnam Government final decision.