‘Ban Korea’ movement drives Thai tourists to China, Japan

BANGKOK — Thai tourists appear to be acting on the grassroots social media hashtag “Ban Korea,” with the boycott campaign appearing to have manifested a travel preference for Japan and China over South Korea.

From the Thai perspective, problems with South Korea’s strict immigration checks have festered since last year. After landing in the country, some Thais with electronic preapproval are being turned back by immigration agents, costing the would-be tourists hundreds or even thousands of dollars.