11th January 2025 – (Bangkok) Many Chinese travellers planning to visit Thailand for the upcoming Lunar New Year have taken to social media to express their concerns, particularly regarding safety. Questions such as “Is Chiang Mai safe?” and “How can I convince the travel agency to refund my trip if I cancel?” have been prevalent this week.
The anxiety stems from the recent disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who went missing shortly after arriving in Thailand for work last Friday. Wang, previously less known in China, quickly gained notoriety as news of his case went viral. He was reported missing after travelling to a popular tourist destination for a film shoot.
Thai authorities acted promptly amid public scrutiny, rescuing Wang from an online scam operation in a city in Myanmar bordering Thailand on Tuesday. Considered a victim of human trafficking, Wang appeared disoriented and had been shaved bald, according to authorities’ images.
This incident has dampened enthusiasm among Chinese tourists as the Lunar New Year travel rush approaches, with concerns further exacerbated by the ongoing investigations into the disappearances of two more Chinese nationals. A male model, Yang Zeqi, has been unaccounted for since late December, while a young woman, Wu Jiaqi, was reported missing earlier this week.
Yang’s disappearance parallels Wang’s case. He reportedly received an audition notice for a film in Thailand and travelled there on 20th December. After sending a distress message to friends, Yang lost contact but later managed to video call his mother, during which she noted concerning signs of his wellbeing. His friends have since sought assistance from both Chinese and Thai authorities.
Wu, a 21-year-old university graduate, lost contact with her family shortly after arriving in Thailand on 6th January. Travelling with a friend she had recently met online, she contacted her mother upon arrival, stating her plans to stay in the Don Mueang area. However, communication ceased later that day, prompting her father to travel to Bangkok to seek police assistance.
The recent events have reignited concerns about scam operations in the region, where Chinese nationals are often lured to Southeast Asian countries with promises of high-paying jobs, only to find themselves trapped in exploitative situations. Wang explained to police that he had been lured with the promise of work in the Thai entertainment industry but was instead taken to Myanmar for a call scam operation targeting Chinese citizens.
In response to the growing safety concerns, a representative from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) stated they are closely monitoring developments and discussions on Chinese social media in light of the upcoming travel season. The TAT aims to ensure the safety of tourists and is coordinating efforts with the Tourist Police and other relevant departments.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomed the news of Wang’s safe return and reiterated that the government is committed to managing the situation to prevent any negative impact on tourism. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has been tasked with monitoring online narratives surrounding the incident.
Despite the promotional efforts to attract at least 8 million Chinese tourists this year, concerns remain. Experts suggest that Thailand’s tourism authorities must take further steps to enhance the safety of Chinese visitors, particularly in light of increasing reports of scams and extortion.
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