BANGKOK — Thai aviation authorities say flights between Thailand and South Korea are operating normally and safely, even as officials acknowledge a sharp decline in South Korean visitors this year and roll out measures to revive demand.
The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI) said air traffic operations meet international safety standards and are fully capable of handling international services, including routes from South Korea. Chairman Pichet Kunathamrak said the agency has sufficient personnel, technology and safety measures to ensure smooth operations with no impact on tourists’ travel.
AEROTHAI data show 19,870 international flights to and from Thailand this year, averaging 54 flights per day. Incheon Airport in Seoul accounts for the largest share, with about 45 daily flights, followed by Gimhae Airport in Busan with seven and Daegu Airport with about two.
Flights between Thailand and South Korea rank eighth among all international routes in fiscal 2025, accounting for about 4% of total international traffic. AEROTHAI forecasts daily flights to rise to about 60 between December 2025 and January 2026, signaling sustained demand.
Despite stable aviation operations, South Korean arrivals have fallen markedly. Thani Saengrat, Thailand’s ambassador to South Korea, said South Korean visitors to Thailand totaled about 1.4 million in 2025, down significantly from about 1.8 million in 2024 — a drop of more than 400,000. Thai visitors to South Korea also declined to about 130,000.
Thani cited a slowing economy and negative foreign media coverage as key factors weighing on the market, particularly reports about tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border and transnational crime, which have raised safety concerns. The decline in Thai travel to South Korea, he added, is partly due to stricter immigration screening.
To reverse the trend, the Thai Embassy in Seoul is coordinating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and related agencies to accelerate promotional measures, especially during the remaining two to three months of the winter season. Planned initiatives include inviting South Korean influencers and content creators to Thailand to refresh the country’s image and highlight new travel routes beyond traditional destinations.
Thani said TAT’s appointment of K-pop star Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal of Blackpink as an Amazing Thailand Ambassador is expected to help attract South Korean travelers by showcasing fresh perspectives and experiences.
Separately, AEROTHAI said it is preparing for increased traffic during the extended New Year holiday from Dec. 29, 2025, to Jan. 7, 2026, when total flights are projected at 27,632, or about 2,763 per day, in line with Transport Ministry plans to facilitate travel and ensure safety.
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