By Choe Chong-dae
Thailand demonstrated remarkable humanitarian support during the 1950-53 Korean War by contributing 11,786 soldiers and four tons of rice to aid the U.N. Allied Forces. Thai troops, known as the “Little Tigers” for their bravery, faced significant losses. However, they achieved brilliant results throughout the war, thanks to their outstanding combat skills. This commitment, rooted in camaraderie and patriotism, also reflected the influence of Buddhism on their sense of duty.
Despite a shared history, Thailand-Korea relations have recently faced challenges, particularly in tourism. The number of Thai visitors to Korea has declined sharply due to stricter entry regulations and reports of denied entries through the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system. While K-ETA aims to pre-screen visitors to prevent airport denials, its implementation has raised concerns, fueling fears of a Boycott Korea movement, spurred by negative attitudes spreading on social media.
However, the deep-rooted ties between Korea and Thailand offer hope for revitalizing their relationship. The designation of 2023-2024 as the Korea-Thailand Mutual Visit Year aims to strengthen tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations. A prime example is the Sawasdee Thai Festival 2024: T-Pop Story, held at Cheonggyecheon Plaza in Seoul on Oct. 5-6, to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Thailand. This vibrant showcase introduced Koreans to Thailand’s distinctive and rich traditions through music, dance, cuisine and more.
“Sawasdee,” embodying warmth, respect and hospitality, lies at the heart of Thai culture, resonating deeply with Korean society. The festival captured this spirit, blending Thailand’s diverse traditions with modern Thai culture. A highlight was the “T-Pop Story,” showcasing the rising popularity of Thai pop music, which has gained a global following. Performances of traditional Thai music on unique instruments provided an enchanting blend of ancient and contemporary sounds, while Muay Thai demonstrations thrilled martial arts enthusiasts with displays of skill and discipline.
The festival was a delightful immersion into Thailand’s vibrant heritage, reinforcing the enduring cultural ties between Thailand and Korea, despite challenges like the decline in tourism.
For me, the festival sparked nostalgia. Encountering Thai Ambassador Tanee Sangrat and his diplomatic team, including Colonel Itt Thippayachan, newly inaugurated defence attaché, brought back fond memories of two remarkable Thai figures: Major General Chote Klongvicha, former Thai ambassador to Korea and later to Sweden, and Colonel Akaphol Somloop, who was eventually promoted to four-star general and chief of staff of the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Both men served in Korea during the late 1960s to early 1970s and were close friends of my family.
In 1971, as a freshman at a university in Seoul, I had the privilege of attending the Thai Armed Forces Day reception at the U.S. Officers’ Club, Yongsan, invited by Colonel Somloop. This event gave me an unforgettable introduction to Thai culture and customs, deepening my appreciation for Thailand’s heritage.
Though more than half a century has passed, that experience still resonates with me today. Later, when Major General Chote Klongvicha served as Thailand’s Ambassador to Sweden, he graciously hosted my father, Choe Nam-ju, a pioneer in Korean archaeology, to dinner at his residence in Stockholm in 1975, during a visit to the Royal Palace of Sweden.
Despite recent setbacks, the Sawasdee Thailand Festival underscored the potential for renewed connections and strengthened the friendship between Korea and Thailand. While tourism faces challenges, events like this festival remind us of the lasting cultural exchange. Looking ahead, initiatives like the Korea-Thailand Mutual Visit Year offer hope for deepening ties and preserving our shared history and cultural appreciation.
As we work to revitalize the ties between Korea and Thailand, we should also never forget Thailand’s valuable and philanthropic contributions during the Korean War, which laid the foundation for the camaraderie and mutual respect our nations continue to share today. In this spirit, we should ensure that the Thai community in Korea is treated with the respect and care they deserve.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.
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