Thailand's Chiang Rai province is a popular entry point for North Korean defectors into the country.

Thailand is the easiest route to access and the most accommodating, compared to Mongolia and Vietnam, where border security is tighter and in some cases, those fleeing have been sent back to North Korea to face harsh punishment.

[4] A variety of factors have drawn South Korean expatriates to Thailand including the country's golf courses, as well as the cuisine, the weather, and business opportunities.

[6] There has been controversy over South Koreans working as tour guides without holding proper employment visas.

[5] Thai martial arts film The Kick follows a family of South Korean Taekwondo experts who move to Thailand.