Thailand: AEROTHAI Confirms Normal Air Traffic, Unaffected By Border Incidents, Fueling South Korean Visitor Surge

Published on December 14, 2025

The operational status of Thailand’s airspace and the security of its premier travel destinations have been formally reaffirmed by the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI). A clear and decisive statement was recently issued, ensuring the global community that the ongoing situation concerning Thai–Cambodian border clashes has not resulted in any disruption to the schedules or safety protocols governing international flights entering or departing the country. This crucial announcement was made to safeguard the nation’s vital tourism sector during the most significant period for inbound travel.

The communication, which was delivered by Pichet Kunadhamraks, the respected chairman of the AEROTHAI board of directors, served to comprehensively dispel any concerns that might have arisen regarding regional stability affecting travel plans. The unwavering commitment to ensuring secure skies was articulated, emphasizing that aviation activities remain robust and entirely unaffected. This period of heightened travel, often referred to as the high season or winter tourism season, is considered paramount to the nation’s economic recovery, and confidence in the system is being actively maintained. Special attention has been paid to the strong and growing market of South Korea, whose citizens are being continuously encouraged to visit.

Assurance of Aviation Integrity and Safety Protocols

Detailed clarification regarding the geographical distance between the security operations and major civilian infrastructure was provided by the authority. It was explained that the reported border skirmishes are situated significantly far away from all major international airports, regional airports serving vital tourist destinations, and the primary attractions that draw millions of visitors annually. This substantial buffer ensures that the safety of air travel and the comfort of passengers are not compromised in any way. The meticulous planning and execution of flight paths are governed by international best practices, ensuring that Thai airspace remains among the most securely managed in the region.

The assertion was firmly made that air operations across Thailand are functioning in a manner that is completely normal and entirely safe. These operations are consistently executed in line with the most rigorous international standards, which govern civil aviation globally. Furthermore, the country’s infrastructure and operational framework possess the full capacity required to effectively manage the large volume of international flights anticipated during the peak travel months. This includes the substantial air services originating from key global markets, most notably the Republic of Korea, where travel confidence is deemed particularly high.

Unaffected Tourism and Economic Resilience

Beyond the skies, the operational status of the ground-level tourism infrastructure was also addressed. It was emphasized that all major business districts and tourist areas throughout the country are operating precisely as normal, with the vibrant activity expected of the high season being fully observed. Therefore, international tourists are able to visit Thailand as usual, experiencing its renowned hospitality and diverse attractions without impediment.

The broader context of national operations was also touched upon, reinforcing the concept that essential economic activity and the flourishing tourism trade can, and are, continuing successfully in parallel with necessary national security operations. This demonstrates the stability and established capacity of the nation to compartmentalize security efforts from daily life and commerce, ensuring that visitor experiences remain unimpaired by regional issues.

The Crucial Role of the South Korean Market

The significant and steadily growing relationship with the Republic of Korea, or South Korea, in the context of aviation and tourism, was given specific attention within the comprehensive announcement. Analysis of flight statistics confirms the importance of this bilateral connection. In the most recently concluded fiscal year of 2025, flights conducted between Thailand and South Korea were ranked eighth among all international routes, constituting a notable four percent of the total volume of international flights handled by the country’s airports.

Data reflecting year-round activity highlighted the substantial figures being managed. Over the course of the year, a total of 19,870 international flights were recorded, which translates to a daily average of 54 flights connecting Thailand with various international points. Within this structure, air traffic originating from South Korea’s major hubs accounted for the largest individual share of this daily average. Specifically, services from Incheon Airport (Seoul) averaged 45 flights per day. This was followed by a solid average of seven flights daily from Gimhae Airport (Busan), and a consistent average of two flights per day being operated from Daegu Airport. This consistent volume illustrates the deep connectivity that has been established between the two nations.

Positive Forecasts and Investor Confidence

The momentum observed in the South Korean market is not only expected to be maintained but is also confidently forecast to increase. AEROTHAI provided a detailed projection for flight volumes specifically between Thailand and South Korea for the period spanning December 2025 to January 2026. During these two crucial high-season months, the expected daily flight volume is predicted to rise from the established average of 54 flights per day to approximately 60 flights per day.

A Warm Invitation Extended to South Korean Visitors

In a move to further encourage and welcome travelers, Mr. Pichet Kunadhamraks extended a formal invitation to South Korean tourists. Thailand was eloquently described as a perennially popular destination, recognized globally for offering an immensely wide range of captivating attractions. This offering includes breathtaking natural scenery, deeply rooted cultural experiences, world-class gastronomy, and service standards that consistently meet or exceed international expectations.