As we move towards the end of the decade marking the bilateral relationship between the idyllic landlocked country of Kosovo, tucked in southern Europe and the vibrant kingdom of tropical paradise, Thailand, exciting news awaits the citizen of both nations. During the ‘Thailand-Kosovo Business Collaboration Dialogue and Networking Lunch’, held gracefully at the Embassy of Kosovo in Thailand’s capital Bangkok, Ulpiana Lama, the Charge d’affaires, let slip the echoing sound of change.
Lama hinted at future plans of a visa exemption scheme to mark the decade long liaison between these two strikingly different nations when speaking to the Bangkok Post. Indeed, finally dropping the curtains on ten spectacular years of diplomatic bonding surely deserves a celebration like no other – and the prospects of breaching barriers and inviting unfiltered immersion seem a fitting tribute, expressed Lama.
Since the inception of diplomatic ties that took birth on the 22nd of November 2013, Thailand and Kosovo have been forging closer relations. Today, they share more than just diplomatic relations; they share an enthusiasm for strengthened unity. Lama voiced, “We want more than just cordial ties, we crave connections that resonate amongst our people.”
The first move towards this direction was made in 2018 when both countries agreed on an MOU on a visa exemption scheme for diplomatic and official passport bearers. The proposed plan sees this service extending beyond diplomats and officials to the general public, a way to encourage direct interactions between the citizens of both nations.
Lama stated, “We are in collaboration with the Thai authorities and governmental agencies, seeking to exempt citizens of both countries from obligatory visa requirements.” She added, “Mutual respect for procedures and standards is still the key and we aim to provide a quick resolution to travel restrictions.”
Reflecting on the increased tourist influx from Kosovo to Thailand, a growth by thirty times since 2015, Lama sees Thailand gaining popularity among Kosovar tourists. As a result, the embassy plans to push Thailand as a primary, not third, travel destination for Kosovar travelers, capitalizing on Thailand’s array of attractions and the richness of its traditions and hospitable culture.
The duration to the fruition of this exemption plan is still in the air. Clearing bureaucratic hurdles have just started and remains the priority before announcing a pinpointed timeline. However, optimistically, Lama envisions it to be within the coming year.
With the dawn of the visa exemption program, bilateral relations between Kosovo and Thailand are expected to further bloom. Promoting travel between Kosovo and Thailand is not only about providing a gateway to Europe for Thais but also about encouraging Thai tourism in Kosovo, a stronghold of unique history and a prime location for winter tourism.
“The future holds promise,” said Lama, with a sparkle in her eyes, as she contemplated the benefits of this new plan, drawing us a vivid picture of a regional tour beyond Kosovo. With Albania just three hours away and the potential for extended tours, she proudly concluded, “Kosovo isn’t just an interesting country. It’s a journey of discovery.”
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