Thai tourists pivot to Japan, China amid South Korean travel boycott

Japan and China have recently become increasingly popular travel destinations for Thai tourists, driven by attractive travel costs and appealing attractions.

In recent months, a grassroots social media movement in Thailand, encapsulated by the hashtag "Ban Korea," has significantly impacted travel trends, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

The boycott campaign reflects growing frustration among Thai travelers over South Korea's stringent immigration policies. Since last year, issues have arisen with South Korea's immigration process, leading to some Thais with electronic preapprovals being turned away upon arrival. This has resulted in substantial financial losses for many would-be tourists and a deteriorated perception of South Korea.

The situation has been exacerbated by allegations from South Korea that illegal workers from Thailand are to blame for the complications. Thai traveler Eve Khokesuwan, who was sent back to Bangkok after being denied entry last year, recounted her distressing experience, expressing a strong aversion to visiting South Korea in the future.

The impact of this discontent is evident in recent statistics: in the first four months of this year, the number of Thai visitors to South Korea plummeted by 21 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Korea Tourism Organization. This decline has driven a notable shift in Thai travel preferences, with many opting for Japan and China instead.

In the wake of South Korea's stringent immigration policies and a growing boycott campaign, the landscape of Thai travel preferences has shifted significantly. In 2019, just before the pandemic disrupted global travel, 572,000 Thai tourists navigated South Korean immigration with relative ease. However, recent frustrations, fueled by the grassroots "Ban Korea" movement, are now driving a marked decrease in Thai visitors to South Korea.

The "Ban Korea" hashtag, while carrying negative connotations in English, represents a protest against the perceived injustices rather than a cultural slight. The movement reflects deep-seated dissatisfaction with South Korea's handling of travel and immigration, which has intensified since the country began easing travel restrictions before the pandemic. The introduction of the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) visa allowed Thai citizens to stay for up to 90 days, but it inadvertently encouraged some to overstay and seek employment, leading to complications and stricter inspections by South Korean immigration officials.

The backlash has been profound. Thai travelers who were denied entry and faced financial losses due to non-refundable travel expenses and negative passport stamps have propelled this movement. The situation has been exacerbated by reports of 2,601 Thais expressing a desire to return home through a Thai government initiative for those staying illegally in South Korea.

For the first time, the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) has observed a tangible impact of this movement on travel trends, with many Thais now choosing destinations like Japan and China over South Korea. This shift highlights the broader implications of diplomatic and bureaucratic conflicts on tourism and underscores the challenges faced by South Korea in managing its international relations and travel policies.

The "Ban Korea" movement, which has recently surged in popularity, reflects growing Thai discontent with South Korea's immigration policies and travel costs. Yuttachai Suntornrattanavert, Vice President of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), highlights that the decline in Thai visitors to South Korea is not solely due to the immigration issues but also because South Korea’s tourist attractions, many of which were popularized through films and Netflix shows, are seen as fleeting.

In contrast, China and Japan are emerging as more attractive alternatives for Thai travelers. Both countries offer compelling advantages, including visa-free entry for Thai citizens and more affordable travel options. Yuttachai notes that China, in particular, provides "amazing views and good vibes" at a lower cost compared to South Korea. For instance, a four-day tour in China costs around 22,000 baht ($620) per person, significantly cheaper than a similar trip to South Korea, which costs about 30,000 baht.

The impact of these factors is evident in shifting travel trends. Suthana Sombutsatien, a 30-year-old office worker, cited the weak yen and a negative experience faced by a friend with South Korean immigration as reasons for switching his travel plans from South Korea to Japan. Similarly, the easing of entry visa requirements by China, effective from March 1, has led to an expected surge in Thai visitors, with estimates predicting 1.2 million trips this year, nearly doubling the 693,818 trips in 2019.

As Thai Airways boosts its flights to China to accommodate rising demand, the shift in travel preferences underscores the broader impact of geopolitical and economic factors on tourism.

Japan is emerging as a top travel destination for Thai tourists, buoyed by the historically weak yen and its vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. This economic advantage, combined with Japan's allure, has led to a notable increase in Thai visitors.

In contrast, South Korea is grappling with the impact of the "Ban Korea" movement, which has influenced Thai travel preferences. Despite these challenges, South Korea's tourism industry has not yet seen a drastic downturn from the boycott, according to a manager at the Korea Association of Travel Agencies.

In an effort to maintain its appeal, South Korea has introduced the Hallyu visa, aimed at attracting fans of Korean pop culture. This new visa allows non-citizens to stay in the country for up to two years while enrolling in local performing arts academies, seeking to bolster South Korea's position as a major tourist destination in Asia.