SEOUL: As of September, there have been 11 cases of South Koreans being kidnapped in Thailand, one of the most popular tourism destinations for people here, South Korean media reported on Wednesday (Oct 22).
According to South Korean media outlet The Korea Economic Daily, the number of kidnapping reports in Thailand rose from zero in 2021 to one in 2022 and five each in 2023 and 2024.
The report was based on South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs data submitted to Representative Kim Geon of the main opposition People Power Party.
Thailand has recorded an increase in the number of crimes involving South Korean victims or perpetrators.
In 2024, a 34-year-old South Korean tourist was kidnapped and killed in Thailand by three South Korean men who were each arrested in South Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia.
In July, Bangkok media reported that a criminal ring of 20 South Koreans and one Chinese national was busted in Thailand’s Chon Buri province.
A South Korean man who was reportedly kidnapped and forced to work for a call centre scam ring was rescued as a result of the operation.
“The government must establish a system for cooperation with not only Cambodia, but Thailand and other major countries in South-East Asia to protect our people,” Kim said, adding that the state must step up monitoring of illegal hiring notices that lure victims to South-East Asia.
Following recent news of a South Korean college student being tortured and killed in Cambodia, many South Koreans are raising concerns about the security in some South-East Asian countries, many of which are popular tourist spots.
About 1.86 million South Koreans visited Thailand in 2024, according to Thai media reports, with China, Malaysia and India logging more tourists throughout the year. - The Korea Herald/ANN
