The latest revelation in South Korea’s bustling scene of foreign arrivals comes with a curious twist. While the nation continues to beckon international students and trainees with open arms, an unexpected decline has emerged from a once-thriving contingent. Thai students and trainees, once flocking to South Korea in notable numbers, have taken a nosedive, leading many to scratch their heads in wonder. Statistics Korea reports unveiled a significant reduction in 2024, with only 21,000 Thai nationals entering on student and training visas — a dramatic 40% decrease from the previous year’s tally. This fall is starkly contrary to the broader trend showcasing a 19% increase in overall foreign entries for study or training, totalling 99,000. The statistics agency hasn’t shed light on this drop-off, leaving experts and pundits to draw their own conclusions. Some theorize that South Korea’s economic challenges could be a contributing factor. A sluggish growth rate is…