Thai citizens are frustrated with South Korean immigration rules leading to frequent deportations, but Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin plans to address the issue. The Korea Tourism Organization and Thai netizens are also taking action and advocating for dialogue to resolve the situation. #ThaiKoreaRelations #VisaIssues #TravelFrustration #DialogueForChange #TourismAdvocacy.
PM Srettha Thavisin Responds to Travel Complaints
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to address the mounting issue of Thai nationals frequently being deported by South Korean Immigration. This commitment was made during a cabinet meeting, marking the first instance the Prime Minister has acknowledged this ongoing problem. He also plans to involve Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chakkraphong Saengmanee, in further discussions regarding the issue.
KTO Advocacy
The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) has stepped up to the plate regarding this matter. Reports have been dispatched to their headquarters, expressing the need for dialogue with the Korean Embassy in Thailand and other entities in charge of the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA).
The KTO reports that there has been a considerable number of Thai tourists visiting South Korea, with figures reaching approximately 250,000 between January 1 and August 31. This accounts for 70% of the pre-pandemic level.
Social Media Outrage
The issue gained significant attention on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. Several Thai netizens, including popular influencers, aired their grievances about being denied entry into South Korea, leading to the trending hashtag #BanTravellingtoKorea in Thai.
A post that garnered significant attention was from a female traveler who had previously visited South Korea four times. She was denied entry on her most recent trip despite possessing a return ticket, tour programs, and hotel bookings. The immigration officer allegedly questioned the frequency of her visits before denying her entry.
Speculation and Concerns
There are speculations that the deportations are due to several Thai nationals entering South Korea on tourist visas, only to end up working illegally in agriculture, accommodation, and manufacturing industries. This has raised concerns regarding potential discriminatory policies against Thai nationals by the Korean immigration office.
Thai rapper Apisit “Joeyboy” Opasaimlikit also weighed in on the issue by expressing sympathy for those denied entry into their dream destination after already purchasing their tickets. He suggested that South Korea should require Thais to apply for a visa and vet applicants at the beginning of the process, in order to find a solution to this escalating issue.
Keywords: South Korea, immigration, deported, denied, entry, Thai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the issue Thai citizens are facing regarding South Korean Immigration rules?
Thai citizens have been expressing frustration with South Korean immigration rules, which have been leading to frequent deportations. A significant number of Thai tourists have been denied entry into South Korea, despite having the necessary documents such as return tickets, tour programs, and hotel bookings. The situation has led to mounting social media outrage, with the hashtag #BanTravellingtoKorea becoming a trending topic amongst Thai netizens.
How are the Thai Government and the Korea Tourism Organization responding to the issue?
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has acknowledged the issue, pledging to address the situation during a cabinet meeting. Plans have also been made to involve the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chakkraphong Saengmanee, in further discussions regarding the issue. The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO), on the other hand, has expressed a need for dialogue with the Korean Embassy in Thailand and other entities in charge of the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA).
What are the potential reasons for the increased deportations of Thai citizens from South Korea?
There are speculations that the deportations might be due to Thai nationals entering South Korea on tourist visas, only to end up working illegally in various industries such as agriculture, accommodation, and manufacturing. This has sparked concerns about potential discriminatory policies against Thai nationals by the Korean immigration office.
