The government will look into the controversial issue of Thai nationals consistently being deported by South Korean immigration, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Tuesday.
Over the past week, Thai netizens, including several influencers, posted their negative experiences on X, formerly known as Twitter, about being denied entry to Korea and deported, resulting in the hashtag #BanTravellingtoKorea (in Thai language) trending.
One viral post came from a female traveller who claimed she had been to Korea four times but was rejected on her latest attempt despite having a return ticket as well as tour programmes and hotel bookings.
The immigration officer allegedly asked her if she had been to the country enough times already before denying her entry. Her Oct 24 post has received 9.2 million views and 22,000 reposts.
Many speculate that the deportation results from the large number of Thai nationals who enter Korea with a tourist visa but end up working there illegally in the agriculture, accommodation and manufacturing industries.
The growing number of stories shared by deported tourists and those who were taken to the interview room has raised concerns about the Korean immigration office discriminating against Thais.
Thai rapper Apisit "Joeyboy" Opasaimlikit posted a comment on his Facebook account on Tuesday stating that those who are not admitted to the country will feel bad because they have already paid for their tickets to visit their dream destination.
Korea should ask Thais to apply for a visa and screen applicants from the start of the process, he said, adding, "Let's find a solution".
