Thailand has responded to concerns from some South Korean tourists about high travel costs. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officials said the problem comes from exchange rate volatility, not a rise in inflation. "Our inflation rate is not that high. In fact, Thailand’s internal prices haven’t surged," said Sirigesanong Trirattanasongpol, TAT's executive director for East Asia. "The cost of living in Thailand remains stable. The only real problem for travellers might be the exchange rate," she added, as quoted by the Korea JoongAng Daily. Data from Thailand’s commerce ministry shows that inflation stayed negative for the 10th month in January 2025, mainly due to lower energy prices. Thailand’s popular sandy beaches drew 32.9 million foreign tourists last year, including 1.55 million South Koreans. The government aims to attract around 36 million visitors by the end of this year.