File photo for reference only

 

Thai police are examining reports from South Korean media that 11 Korean nationals were allegedly kidnapped in Thailand, causing international alarm. Police Major General Chaturaphat Piromkaew, Deputy Police Spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, indicated on October 24 that these claims are under scrutiny. He stressed that, although unconfirmed, authorities are prioritizing the safety of tourists and have implemented measures against transnational crimes.

 

The details of the alleged incidents are uncertain, but Chaturaphat reassured the public of the strong collaboration between Thai and South Korean police forces. He stated that both agencies are in regular communication to investigate these claims thoroughly. No specific information regarding the timing or location of these purported kidnappings has been released by South Korean media, leaving many questions unanswered.

 

Thai police have initiated reviews of recent tourist data, such as arrivals and hotel records, as well as any relevant missing persons reports involving South Korean nationals. Immigration and tourist police have been alerted to assist in the probe. The safety of visitors is a central concern for Thai authorities, who are mindful of the potential diplomatic and tourism repercussions should these allegations prove accurate. They call for calm and caution the public against forming conclusions prematurely.

 

Amid global concerns about crimes targeting foreigners, the Royal Thai Police are reinforcing security at popular tourist destinations and maintaining close coordination with international counterparts. Efforts are ongoing to enhance safety assurances for tourists visiting the country. Updates will be shared as the investigation progresses and more facts become available.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thai police are investigating claims of kidnapped Korean tourists.
• Authorities are cooperating with South Korean police in the inquiry.
• Tourist safety and thorough investigation remain top priorities.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-10-24

 

 

It is widely reported stories like this that discourage people from visiting Thailand.

A friend of mine teaches in Korea and said this is a big story over there.  Apparently some of the victims were 'interfered' with and not just the females.  Too bad, because Thais are enamoured with Korean pop culture. 

Scary, this country is going down bad.

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai police have initiated reviews of recent tourist data, such as arrivals and hotel records, as well as any relevant missing persons reports involving South Korean nationals.

 

If they only had anything like arrival cards (e.g. digital), immigration records (with hotel and arrival info), registration reports from hotels, or visa extension records... Must feel like a real 'needle in a haystack search' there! 😆 

19 hours ago, DeaconJohn said:

It is widely reported stories like this that discourage people from visiting Thailand.

 

Yes, I always worry getting 'kidnapped' when travelling to Thailand... 😆 

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

He stressed that, although unconfirmed, authorities are prioritizing the safety of tourists and have implemented measures against transnational crimes.

Post event is as much use a a chocolate fireguard

52 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

If they only had anything like arrival cards (e.g. digital), immigration records (with hotel and arrival info), registration reports from hotels, or visa extension records... Must feel like a real 'needle in a haystack search' there! 😆 

 

2 minutes ago, Jonathan Swift said:

There are now digital arrival cards and kiosks at immigration to fill them out online

 

I know, so figuring out whether Korean tourists are 'missing' shouldn't be difficult...

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Amid global concerns about crimes targeting foreigners, the Royal Thai Police are reinforcing security at popular tourist destinations and maintaining close coordination with international counterparts. Efforts are ongoing to enhance safety assurances for tourists visiting the country.

 

Can rest easy now. I guess.  I do understand that reforms have been undertaken to remedy this situation making everyone secure and safe these days.

Quote

Two Thai police officers are among the 11 suspects who kidnapped five Chinese businessmen from a hotel in Bangkok on April 25 and extorted money from the victims, senior officers from Din Daeng police station said on Monday.   https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40037823

 

Quote

Two of the four policemen accused of kidnapping two Italian tourists for ransom turned themselves in to authorities on Friday, police said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/366082/two-police-surrender-in-tourist-kidnap-case.

 

4 hours ago, phuketlive said:

Scary, this country is going down bad.

It sure is.

Carnage on the highways.

Robbery and kidnapping on the rise.

Scams and con games everywhere.

Crooked foreigners and Thais competing for our hard-earned money by fair means or foul.

Much can be avoided if you stay away from the areas where tourists and rip-off artists congregate.

My experience has been that if you live among decent working-class Thais you can avoid most of the problems that clueless foreigners face on a daily basis.

 

10 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Yes, I always worry getting 'kidnapped' when travelling to Thailand... 😆 

Your snarky reply completely misses my point.

It is the mass of timid tourists who get spooked by these sensationalized and over-hyped stories that so often appear in their local media.

Savvy tough guys like you and me don't give a rat's...

In terms of personal safety and danger to Thailand's sovereignty, what is going on now is nothing compared to the situation here in the late 1970s and early '80s.

Large areas of the country were no-go zones due to Communist insurgency.

Much of the South was unsafe; even more so than it is today.

The big old wooden cinema in Nathon on Koh Samui was firebombed a few weeks before my wife and I arrived on our honeymoon on that once beautiful island.

In the North, the border region from Chiang Khong, south almost to Vientiane, was off-limits because of frequent armed conflicts, landmines, and booby traps of various kinds.

Samoeng, across the mountains and not far from Chiang Mai, was a Communist stronghold until counter insurgency forces drove them out in 1981 or '82.

Those were the "good old/bad old days" to be sure.

Any time is a good time to be here. You just have to know how to take care of yourself.

They are just partying at the BlackPink concert....

On 10/25/2025 at 2:55 PM, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Yes, I always worry getting 'kidnapped' when travelling to Thailand... 😆 

Me too, getting kidnapped by a bar girl in soi 6 is a real worry.

Thailand not safe place for Chinese or Koreans, following this report.