BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has launched an urgent response to contain potential damage to Thailand’s tourism sector following the high-profile cross-border trafficking case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was safely rescued from Myanmar on January 7.
“We must manage this situation effectively to prevent any impact on our tourism industry,” Shinawatra said, addressing growing concerns about social media rumors portraying Thailand as unsafe. The Prime Minister has tasked the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society with monitoring and managing online narratives surrounding the incident.
The case has prompted immediate diplomatic action, with the Thai government establishing direct communication with the Chinese embassy. “This isn’t just about tourism,” Shinawatra noted. “It highlights broader concerns about technological security and transnational scam operations, including call center fraud.”
Wang, known to fans as Xing Xing, fell victim to an elaborate scam that began with a WeChat message from someone falsely claiming to represent GMM Grammy, a major Thai entertainment company. After arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on January 3, he was transported to Mae Sot district and subsequently crossed into Myanmar through an unofficial border point.
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, director of Thailand’s anti-trafficking center (TICAC), revealed that Wang admitted during questioning that he realized he had been deceived after crossing the border but felt powerless to resist. GMM Grammy has since issued a statement in Chinese categorically denying any involvement in the incident.
Based on Wang Xing’s account, investigators believe he fell victim to a Chinese-on-Chinese scam operation with no Thai nationals involved. He initially came voluntarily, intending to travel to a third country for a casting job, with Thailand as his transit point.
After crossing into Myanmar, he realized he had been deceived when he was forced to train as a scammer, learning to type fraudulent messages targeting Chinese people. He underwent training for about 2-3 days but had not yet been trained in voice calls or conversations. While he was in a state of fear, he was not physically harmed. Regarding the red mark on his left leg that many netizens questioned, it was identified as a birthmark.
When Thai authorities conducted the rescue operation, they coordinated with Myanmar ethnic minority groups. The operation targeted two locations – the first site held 10 Chinese nationals, while the second location, where Wang Xing was rescued, contained 50 Chinese nationals.
Opposition member Rangsiman Rome, who chairs the parliamentary committee on state security and border affairs, emphasized that Wang’s case is not isolated. “We’ve seen numerous trafficking cases involving both Thai and foreign nationals. This high-profile incident should serve as a catalyst for stronger border security measures,” Rome stated. His committee is scheduled to discuss border trafficking issues on January 9.
When questioned about potential changes to the free visa policy for Chinese tourists, the Prime Minister maintained support for the current system while remaining open to refinements. “We continue to support visa-free travel, but we’re willing to consider proposals that could enhance security without compromising tourism,” Shinawatra said.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surang Theenthong stated that he has engaged with the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand regarding the incident, expressing concern over rumors circulating in China about Thailand’s safety.
“While we acknowledge this sensitive case might affect tourism, the impact won’t be long-term. Finding Wang Xing safe is positive news,” Theenthong stated. “The government and Tourism Ministry’s role is to build confidence among tourists. I’m confident that those who have visited Thailand understand the situation.”
The stakes are particularly high given that China represents Thailand’s largest tourism market. Ministry of Tourism data shows that Chinese visitors topped the country’s foreign arrivals in 2024, with 6.7 million Chinese tourists among the total 35.32 million international visitors.
Thai authorities are now processing Wang’s case through the National Referral Mechanism to determine his status as a trafficking victim, which will guide subsequent protection and repatriation procedures. The incident has become a crucial test of Thailand’s ability to balance its tourism ambitions with growing security challenges along its borders.
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