Traveling to another country can always be a bit nerve-wracking, even for celebrities. This was the case for Thailand’s Muay Thai legend, Buakaw Banchamek, who recently found himself and his team at the center of an unexpected airport drama in Seoul. On October 6, 2025, Buakaw took to his official Banchamek Gym Facebook page to share a video recounting the tense moments his team experienced while entering South Korea for the 'Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival: Discover Thailand 2025.' According to reports from Post Today and Banchamek Gym, the event was held in the heart of Seoul from October 5 to 6, aiming to promote Thai culture and martial arts to an international audience.
Buakaw, widely regarded as a national icon in Thailand, had been invited to headline the festival with a Muay Thai demonstration. The festival itself was a vibrant affair, bustling with cultural activities, food stalls, and performances that showcased the rich tapestry of Thai traditions. But before the festivities could begin, Buakaw and his entourage had to make it through the airport—a process that proved more eventful than anyone anticipated.
In his video, Buakaw described the journey to Seoul as relatively smooth, with a flight time of about five to six hours—comparable, he joked, to a trip to Japan. Upon landing, he and his team checked into one of Seoul’s top luxury hotels, where room rates reportedly soared into the tens of thousands of baht per night. Everything seemed to be going according to plan, until a member of Buakaw’s team was stopped by South Korean immigration officers for further questioning.
Buakaw recounted, “At that moment, I was really nervous. I was afraid they wouldn’t let us in.” The immigration officials asked detailed questions about the team’s accommodation and travel documents, and even inspected some of their luggage. For a few tense minutes, there was genuine concern that the team member might be denied entry and sent back to Thailand—a scenario that, as Buakaw noted, can sometimes happen to high-profile visitors or celebrities traveling abroad.
“Often, famous people or important figures can run into tough immigration officers and might even be blocked from entering the country,” Buakaw explained in his video, according to Banchamek Gym. “This time, one of our team members was stopped.” The team member calmly explained that all necessary information was included in their documentation, and after a brief inspection of their bags, the officers allowed them to proceed.
Buakaw shared his relief and gratitude in the video, saying, “We were really lucky this time. It was a heart-stopping moment, but we made it through and were able to join the event as planned.” He even managed to inject some humor into the story, lightening the mood for his fans and followers.
The incident quickly gained traction online, with fans rallying to support Buakaw and his team. Many praised the Muay Thai champion for maintaining his composure and professionalism throughout the ordeal, and for continuing to represent Thailand with pride on the international stage. Social media was abuzz with encouragement, as well as admiration for Buakaw’s candidness in sharing the behind-the-scenes realities of international travel—even for celebrities.
The festival itself, once the team was safely through immigration, was a resounding success. According to Post Today and Banchamek Gym, Buakaw’s Muay Thai demonstration was a highlight, drawing large crowds and showcasing the athleticism and artistry of Thailand’s most famous martial art. The event was designed not just as a showcase of Muay Thai, but as a broader celebration of Thai culture, featuring traditional performances, culinary delights, and interactive exhibits. Visitors, both local and international, flocked to the festival to experience a taste of Thailand in the heart of Seoul.
The 'Sawasdee Seoul Thai Festival: Discover Thailand 2025' was more than just a cultural showcase; it was a diplomatic gesture, aimed at strengthening ties between Thailand and South Korea. Organizers hoped to foster greater understanding and appreciation for Thai heritage, while also promoting tourism and cultural exchange. The presence of a global sports icon like Buakaw certainly amplified the festival’s appeal, drawing attention from media and the public alike.
Buakaw’s participation was particularly significant given his status as a cultural ambassador for Thailand. His demonstration not only highlighted the technical prowess of Muay Thai, but also its deep roots in Thai history and identity. For many attendees, seeing Buakaw in action was a rare opportunity—one that bridged the gap between sport, culture, and international friendship.
Despite the initial airport hiccup, Buakaw and his team made the most of their time in Seoul. The festival was filled with moments of joy and connection, as people from different backgrounds came together to celebrate Thai traditions. According to Banchamek Gym, the event attracted significant attention from the public, with many expressing newfound interest in Thai culture and martial arts.
Looking back on the experience, Buakaw expressed gratitude not only to the South Korean immigration officers for ultimately allowing his team entry, but also to the festival organizers and attendees who made the event memorable. His story serves as a reminder that even seasoned travelers can face unexpected challenges, but with patience and a bit of good humor, those challenges can become stories worth sharing.
For Buakaw, the Seoul festival was another step in his ongoing mission to promote Thai martial arts and culture on the world stage. As he continues to travel and perform, his experiences—both exhilarating and anxiety-inducing—underscore the importance of cultural exchange and the human connections that make such events possible. And for his fans, both in Thailand and abroad, Buakaw’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of a warm welcome, wherever in the world it may come.
