In a sign that tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have spilled over to other countries, Thais in South Korea have been warned to avoid areas with large Cambodian communities after a bar brawl that left two men injured.
Four Thai men were attacked at a karaoke bar in the Mokpo Daebul district in South Jeolla province when they revealed their nationality to a group of around 15 to 20 Cambodian men, The Nation reported. It is not known when the incident happened.
The Cambodians reportedly entered a room where the Thais were in and asked them: “Which country are you from?” When they replied “Taegeuk-saram”, or people from Thailand, the group started assaulting them without warning.
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Two of the Thais sustained head injuries when they were struck with beer bottles. After the attack, the Cambodians fled, leaving behind a room in chaos with microphones strewn across the floor.
The Thai victims reportedly held employment visas for foreign skilled workers in highly specialised roles such as IT engineers, technical experts, professional chefs, interpreters, designers and other positions in South Korean sectors facing labour shortages. They have since filed a complaint with the local police.
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Referring to the incident, the Thai embassy in Seoul posted on social media asking “our Thai brothers and sisters” to “please avoid or be extra vigilant when travelling to areas with many Cambodian communities, especially at night”.
