Mild Weather Above 20°C Even in Midwinter, Only 2 Hours Time Difference
Early 1 Million KRW Range for 3 Nights 5 Days... Over 36 Holes of Rounding Daily
‘Daema’ Regulation Lifted Last June, General Food and Beverage Also Requires Caution
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] With the surge in golf enthusiasts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in overseas golf travel is growing as winter approaches. Among the many overseas golf destinations boasting affordable green fees and warm weather, Thailand is undoubtedly considered the best.
According to the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) on the 7th, Thailand is one of the representative golf travel destinations, to the extent that the government actively promotes golf travel as a policy. Jirani Punnayom, head of the TAT Seoul office, held a press conference last month at a hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, stating, "From October to February, when winter begins in Korea, we plan to focus our promotions on golfer groups enjoying golf in Thailand," emphasizing, "Thailand has many world-class excellent golf courses such as Bangkok Siam Country Club, Alpine Golf and Sports Club, Banyan Golf Club, and Phuket Blue Canyon Country Club."
The local conditions are also suitable for Korean golfers to enjoy golf. It is warm enough that even in midwinter, the lowest temperature is in the low 20s Celsius, and the time difference is only two hours.
The Thai government's determination to restore the tourism industry, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, also facilitates travel. In October, TAT lifted the state of emergency related to COVID-19 that had been in effect since March 2020. The "Thailand Pass," which was required for overseas travelers visiting Thailand, was also abolished in July. This means visitors can enter Thailand without submitting vaccination certificates or negative test results.
Under these conditions, Thailand is already well-established as one of the top travel destinations. The number of Koreans traveling to Thailand first exceeded one million in 2007, and in 2019, just before the spread of COVID-19, it recorded an all-time high of 1.89 million. This year, the number of Korean travelers is approaching 400,000 as of November. TAT forecasts that the number of Korean tourists visiting Thailand in 2023 will reach 1.3 million, which is 70% of the 2019 figure.
A typical golf trip to Thailand lasts 3 nights and 5 days. Although prices vary depending on airfare, the package generally costs in the low 1 million KRW range. The price includes airfare, accommodation, and food and beverages. Golfers can play up to 36 holes per day, typically totaling 108 holes over three days. If desired, one can play only 18 to 27 holes a day and then rest at the hotel or visit nearby tourist spots. However, green fees are non-refundable even if rounds are not played.
Thailand has over 270 golf courses nationwide. Among these, the area near Chiang Mai, which is easily accessible and relatively cheaper than Bangkok, is the most popular among Koreans. It is about an hour's drive from Bangkok. Chiang Mai, located in the northernmost part of Thailand, has a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for winter golf.
However, it is important to note that Thailand lifted regulations on marijuana in June. Local cafes, restaurants, and even street vendors display green marijuana leaf signs and sell food containing marijuana. Marijuana is added indiscriminately to local traditional dishes, beverages, ice cream, and snacks.
Even if one unknowingly consumes food containing marijuana ingredients in Thailand, they can face criminal punishment in Korea. Under Korean criminal law, regardless of location or country, if a Korean citizen consumes marijuana designated as a narcotic, they are subject to criminal prosecution.
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