"Vietnam and Thailand Also Feel Unsafe" Sudden Hesitation Among Koreans Who Used to Flock to Southeast Asia

Fear of Traveling to Southeast Asia Spreads After Cambodia Murder Case
"Employment Scam Crimes Are the Main Cause... Caution Against Excessive Panic"

Hoi An, Vietnam. Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

"They say people are being kidnapped in Vietnam and sent to Cambodia. All of Southeast Asia is dangerous. Do not go there under any circumstances."

Recently, as reports of crimes such as kidnapping, confinement, and torture targeting Koreans in Cambodia have continued to emerge, public anxiety is growing. In particular, the fear is spreading beyond Cambodia to the entire Southeast Asian region, including Vietnam and Thailand. Online communities are flooded with reviews from people who have canceled their trips and warnings urging others not to go.

"Vietnam and Thailand Are Also Dangerous"... Fear Spreads

On October 13, various online communities and social networking services were filled with anxious posts such as, "There are so many kidnappings and confinements. Is it safe to travel independently?" and "I was planning to go to Southeast Asia in December, but I'm scared I might be trafficked."

Grand Palace, Thailand Tourism Authority

In particular, the fear is spreading not only in Cambodia but also to neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Thailand. A post that read, "I booked a trip to Phu Quoc with my child, but I heard that kidnappings happen even at the airport. I'm considering canceling everything," received dozens of comments.

One user wrote, "I'm leaving for Bangkok, Thailand next month, but the current situation feels unsettling. I thought only Cambodia was dangerous, but now there are rumors that people are being kidnapped in Vietnam or Thailand and sent to Cambodia." In response, many commented in agreement, saying, "Now all of Southeast Asia is dangerous," and "You should never go to Southeast Asia." Posts warning people to "be careful with hotel welcome drinks" and "avoid night flights" are also spreading. In some communities, claims from victims' families that "someone was kidnapped during a trip to Vietnam and sold to Cambodia" have further fueled the atmosphere of fear.

However, there are also voices cautioning against excessive fear. Comments such as "Ordinary travelers don't need to worry too much," "Groundless rumors are fueling unnecessary panic," and "The news seems to be overly stoking anxiety" are appearing as well.

Most Kidnapping and Confinement Cases Are Employment Scams... Tourist Victims Are Rare

Most kidnapping and confinement cases are identified as online employment scam crimes using 'high-income overseas jobs' or 'investment leading rooms' as bait. Photo by Asia Economy DB

However, most kidnapping and confinement cases are identified as online employment scam crimes using "high-income overseas jobs" or "investment leading rooms" as bait. A representative from the Tourism Authority of Thailand stated, "There has been no official notice issued regarding security risks. Most cases are employment scam kidnappings, and there are almost no cases of tourists being kidnapped and taken to Cambodia." The representative added, "If there were frequent incidents involving actual travelers, an official notice would have already been issued. Usually, the victims are those who fall for SNS investment scams or high-income job offers, so the likelihood of ordinary tourists being at risk is low."

A representative from the Korean Association in Vietnam also explained, "In Hanoi, there are so many Korean residents, and the local atmosphere is not uneasy. There has never been a confirmed case of someone being kidnapped and taken to Cambodia, and there is no significant sense of alarm among travelers either."

Previously, after it became known that a college student surnamed A died in August after being tortured by a criminal organization in Cambodia and that the repatriation of the body was delayed, the seriousness of crimes targeting Koreans in Cambodia emerged as a major issue. In response, on October 11, President Lee Jaemyung received a report on the current state of such crimes and instructed authorities to "make every diplomatic effort to protect our citizens."