Yameen asks Thai PM to waive visas for Maldivians

President Abdulla Yameen has requested Thai Prime Minister to ease visa rules for Maldivians, according to the president’s office.

In a meeting with General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday, Yameen expressed hope for a visa waiver agreement between the two countries to facilitate trade and economic relations.

Ibrahim Muaz Ali, the president’s spokesman, in a tweet said today the meeting would ease travel to Thailand for Maldivian businessmen and tourists.

According to a statement by the president’s office, the pair spoke of supporting each other on the international arena and discussed boosting ties in fisheries, commerce, tourism, construction and security.

Yameen departed to Thailand in an unannounced trip on December 31. His departure was delayed after five young men were arrested from the first flight he was scheduled to travel on.

The president’s office has not revealed when Yameen is due back in the Maldives.

This is Yameen’s first visit to Thailand after assuming the presidency.

The opposition has criticised Yameen’s departure from the Maldives, noting the government is left without a second-in-command as the vice presidency is currently vacant.