Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Over the last six months, there has been a significant reduction in the number of Thai tourists traveling to South Korea, largely due to stringent immigration policies. This trend has redirected many Thai travelers towards destinations that do not require visas, such as Japan and China. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization indicates a 19.
1% decline in Thai visitors to South Korea during the first half of this year, totaling approximately 168,300 individuals. Historically, Thailand has been a major feeder of tourists to South Korea, with the numbers peaking at over 572,000 in 2019. The surge in tourism during that period was largely fueled by the global craze for K-pop.
However, the recent downturn in visitors can be attributed to complications arising from the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization system, which was implemented in 2021. Reports from Nation Thailand suggest that these difficulties have played a significant role in dissuading Thai nationals from choosing South Korea as a travel destination. The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization system is designed to streamline the entry process for travelers from 112 countries and territories, enabling them to pre-register their details and obtain clearance to travel to South Korea through an online platform.
This system was intended to simplify the immigration procedure and boost tourism by facilitating easier access to the country. Despite these intentions, numerous Thai tourists have faced challenges at South Korean borders. According to reports from Nikkei Asia, several travelers, even those equipped with all necessary and valid travel documents, have been denied entry or subjected to intense inspections by South Korean immigration officials.
These incidents have marred the effectiveness of the system and have raised concerns among potential visitors. In light of these complications, neighboring countries like China and Japan, which have long-standing visa exemption agreements with Thailand, are becoming increasingly popular alternatives for Thai tourists. The ease of access and absence of stringent entry procedures make these countries attractive destinations.
The Thai Travel Agents Association has projected that visits to China by Thai nationals could reach 1.2 million this year, a figure that doubles the total from 2019, buoyed by the mutual visa waivers that became permanent in March. Japan continues to be a favored destination as well, having offered visa exemptions to Thai tourists since 2013.
Under this arrangement, Thai citizens can enter Japan for short stays of up to 15 days without a visa, promoting tourism and cultural exchange. This policy has solidified Japan’s position as a top travel choice among Thais, especially for those seeking hassle-free international travel experiences..
