2023-10-31 23:54:34
Recently, in Thailand, the two hashtags ‘Korea Travel Ban’ and ‘Korea Immigration Office’ took first place in trends on social media X (formerly Twitter) and attracted attention. This is because the number of cases of Thais who went on a trip to Korea but turned away following failing to pass an overly strict interview during the immigration process is increasing.
On the 31st, Thai media outlet The Tiger reported that enraged Thais accused Korean authorities of discriminating once morest Thais and demanded a ban on travel to Korea. Due to the influence of K-pop, Korean dramas, and movies, Korea is considered one of the most popular travel destinations for Thais. There is a visa exemption agreement between Korea and Thailand, so Thais visiting Korea for tourism purposes can stay without a visa for up to 90 days.
However, the number of cases of Thais being forced to return home at the immigration checkpoint is increasing, and it is said that this is because the number of Thais staying illegally in Korea is steadily increasing. On the 27th of last month, Thai media The Nation reported an article titled ‘From love to hate, the reason why Thai people are turning their backs on Korea.’ Thais are said to be fed up with the excessively strict screening by Korea’s immigration office, saying, “Korea is the most difficult country to enter in the world.”
One Thai woman said, “Even though I showed my credibility by presenting numerous documents, I was rejected during the entry process and ended up turning away.” She, who has visited Korea several times, said, “I prepared all the information regarding her trip because I knew the questions she would be asked at immigration, but she was refused entry because she was bringing too much money compared to my salary.” . She was outraged because she had been saving up money for five years for this trip.
Another Thai man said that following seeing his record of visiting Korea four times in the past, he was asked, “Why don’t you visit other countries?” and “I was constantly interrogated as if I was a criminal.”
A university professor in Thailand said, “I traveled to regarding 20 countries, but was denied entry into Korea.” Some Thais said that they prepared all the documents, including salary slips, bankbooks, travel plans, hotel information, and departure tickets, but were eventually refused entry. It has been reported that even Thai celebrities and influencers with clear status and financial capabilities have been denied entry.
There were many Thai netizens on social media (SNS) talking regarding similar experiences. Some Thais said, “We know that there are many Thais staying illegally in Korea, but it is unfair to deny entry to Thais who want to legally tour Korea.”
Meanwhile, at a press briefing on the 31st, reporters raised related issues with Thai Prime Minister Theta Tawisin. In response, Prime Minister Tawisin said, “I have never heard of the issue,” and promised, “I will discuss it with the foreign minister to resolve the related issue.”
Lee Jong-sil, Southeast Asia Correspondent litta74.lee@gmail.com
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