NEW visa regulations between Cambodia and Thailand will begin operation next month, providing a boost for tourism and trade, according to government officials.

From December 16, nationals from each country will be able to take 14-day trips across the border without needing visas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a press release.

Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, said yesterday that the agreement was a “good sign” which could help the tourism.

He added that about 100,000 Thai tourists come to Cambodia each year. He hoped that the numbers would double when the government agreement was put in place.

Chan Nora, secretary of state at the Commerce Ministry, said easing regulations would enable businesspeople to trade more easily.