Koh Kong provincial authorities are evaluating a request from a tour company to permit Thai tourists to use Thai identity cards instead of passports for short-term visits to key tourist sites in the province.

Deputy governor On Sothearith announced on August 10 that during a meeting the previous day, a private tour company requested the special provision for Thai tourists.

The authorities are currently gathering input from various stakeholders and assessing the request, and a report is being prepared for submission to the Ministry of Tourism.

Sothearith emphasised that no decision has been reached, and the proposals will be subject to further meetings and discussions.

If approved, this would mark the first such case for the province. Current regulations mandate that all international tourists must possess passports.

“If the proposal meets with our approval, it could potentially augment the influx of tourists, boosting the province’s economic growth,” said Sothearith.

However, he underlined the fact that a decision has not been finalised, as more input from relevant members is essential before a comprehensive report is sent to the tourism ministry.

He noted that the request came at a time when the provincial authorities are actively engaged in enhancing tourism efforts to attract a greater number of domestic and international visitors to Koh Kong.

“The proposal may end up contributing to our promotion efforts and therefore boost the growth of the provincial economy,” he said.

He explained that given the current relatively modest numbers of Thai tourists to Koh Kong, the authorities are exploring the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding with provinces in neighbouring countries – Thailand and Vietnam – to enhance visitor numbers.

This initiative not only seeks to increase visitor numbers, but is expected to foster closer regional tourism collaboration, he said.