Concern About Chinese Tourism Impact Following Abduction and Rescue of Chinese Actor

[misskit]

As the Chinese New Year approaches, Thailand, faces a new challenge that could cast a shadow over its festive season. The recent high-profile case of a famous Chinese actor, Wang Xing, being abducted and trafficked into Myanmar to work in a call center scam operation has sparked widespread concern not just in China but globally.

Wang Xing, known affectionately as Xingxing, was lured to Thailand under the guise of an acting opportunity but was instead kidnapped and taken across the border into Myanmar. There, he was forced to participate in a scam targeting Chinese nationals. His eventual rescue by Thai authorities was met with relief.


There have been major concerns that this incident might deter Chinese tourists, who constitute the largest group of visitors to Thailand, from traveling during the Chinese New Year festivities. Tourism officials and industry stakeholders in Thailand are now bracing for potential impacts, fearing a decrease in tourist numbers due to heightened safety concerns. Early estimates say it may deter 10 to 20 percent of tourists during the Chinese New Year.

In response to these fears, Thai authorities have been quick to reassure both the public and potential visitors. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling human trafficking and scam operations, promising stringent measures to ensure tourist safety. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has also initiated campaigns aimed at restoring confidence among Chinese travelers, emphasizing the safety measures in place and the beauty and hospitality of Thailand. They have also stressed that almost all the abductions were around people traveling to possibly dangerous border areas near Myanmar impacted by the ongoing Myanmar civil war looking for employment and not genuine tourists visiting the bulk of Thailand and tourist hotspots.


However, the challenge is not just about managing perceptions but also about addressing the real risks posed by criminal networks operating near Thai borders. The government has been in talks with its Chinese counterparts to mitigate any long-term damage to Thailand’s image as a safe travel destination.


While the immediate reaction might lead to a temporary dip in tourism numbers, the long-term impact could hinge on how effectively Thailand manages this crisis.

Thailand Concerned About Chinese Tourism Impact Following Abduction and Rescue of Chinese Actor at Myanmar Border - The Pattaya News

[harrybarracuda]

This will be hitting the chinky newswires too.

A Chinese man on Wednesday asked the Royal Thai Police to search for his 21-year-old daughter who went missing during a trip in Thailand.

Wu Weidong submitted his letter to the national police chief Pol Colonel Kittirat Phanpet at the national police headquarter in Bangkok, asking the police to search for Wu Jiaqi, his daughter who lost contact with her family since Monday.

He also expressed his concern whether his daughter may have fallen victim to human traffickers similar to a recent case of Chinese actor, Xingxing.

According to him, a college graduate Jiaqi travelled to Thailand for her first time with a Chinese friend she had known less than a month through social media, noting that she hadn’t informed her parents of her plans beforehand.

Upon arrival around 4am, Jiaqi contacted her mother via WeChat application by sharing her location and plan to stay in a hotel in the Don Mueang area.

Despite her mother’s warning that she should not travel to Myanmar, Jiaqi responded, “I’m not stupid,” and assured, “I would not dare to go to Myanmar.”

However, the parents lost contact with Jiaqi at 4pm, so her father flew to Thailand on Tuesday and filed complaints to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station.

Investigation of CCTV footage showed that a white Toyota Alphard picked up Jiaqi at Suvarnabhumi Airport and transported her to a hotel in the Lat Krabang area - not in Don Mueang as she informed her mother.

Lat Krabang hotel records showed she checked in at 5am and checked out at 9am Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the hotel to track her movements, though their efforts are hampered by some non-functional cameras.

Weidong noted that Jiaqi had never shown any interest in acting. He thanked Thai authorities for their efforts in searching for her daughter.

Chinese father seeks Thai police help in search for missing daughter

[DrWilly]

Early estimates say it may deter 10 to 20 percent of tourists during the Chinese New Year.

silver lining.