Thai couple disappearance in South Korea sparks debate on travel risks

[webfact]

 

A Thai couple travelling in South Korea has reportedly disappeared from their tour group, prompting fears that the tour company may face a 10-year ban from operating in the country.

 

The Thai couple’s disappearance has sparked significant debate online about the risks to Thai nationals travelling in South Korea, where stricter immigration controls have been implemented due to concerns over illegal labour. The couple, identified as Thanyaporn and Ekalak, vanished from their accommodation at 2am yesterday and have not been contactable since.

 

The news was shared by the Facebook page Happy Together, which urged anyone who knew the individuals to contact them. The post warned that if the couple did not return to Thailand within 90 days, the tour leader would be blacklisted from entering South Korea for 5 to 10 years. This is due to the fact that the tour leader had vouched for the couple to pass immigration controls, as they had shown marriage certificates, personal business information, photos, and bank statements showing a balance of over 300,000 baht.

 

The tour company has now reported the Thai couple’s disappearance to South Korean immigration officials, insisting they had no prior knowledge of the couple’s plans. As evidence, they have provided CCTV footage from the accommodation and are preparing to take legal action against the couple, reported KhaoSod.

 

by Nattapong Westwood

Photo: KhaoSod

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-15

 

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[bamnutsak]

Fairly common way for Thais to become "little ghosts" in Korea.

 

Tour companies keep a close eye on groups, and very tightly control luggage access when moving around the country.

 

But for those intent on working illegally, they just leave their luggage and do a runner at night.

 

Estimates are 100,000 -150,000 illegal Thais in Korea.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1311374-thailand-cracks-down-on-illegal-employment-in-south-korea/

 

 

 

 

[sammieuk1]

Hunt them down like dogs no farangs 🤔

[chuang]

2 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Hunt them down like dogs no farangs 🤔

What about those farangs who over-stayed their visas in Thailand, how do you intend to hunt them...

[sammieuk1]

34 minutes ago, chuang said:

What about those farangs who over-stayed their visas in Thailand, how do you intend to hunt them...

With a smart car vinyl board and pointing stick 🤔

[StayinThailand2much]

Risks?? To intentionally 'disappear' to take up illegal work? Good one!

[hotchilli]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

The couple, identified as Thanyaporn and Ekalak, vanished from their accommodation at 2am yesterday and have not been contactable since.

If they intend to stay in Korea and work they might find life more difficult than they first thought.