Actor and Model 'Kidnapped and Missing' in Thailand... Chinese Embassy Issues Warning Notice

"Beware of False Promises Such as High-Paying Job Offers," Authorities Advise

Chinese actor Wang Xing (stage name Xingsing, 31), who was kidnapped by a human trafficking organization after receiving a casting offer and going to Thailand, has returned to China.

Chinese actor Wang Xing (left), who had gone missing in Thailand, was found in Myanmar with a shaved head. Wang Xing claimed that he was kidnapped by a Chinese criminal organization. Screenshot from the Hong Kong South China Morning Post website.

On the 11th, Chinese media including China Central Television (CCTV) reported that the passenger plane carrying Wang Xing arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 12:55 a.m. local time. Immediately after arrival, Wang Xing sent greetings on China's social networking service (SNS) Weibo, expressing gratitude to the Chinese government, Chinese and Thai police, and netizens who supported him. He especially thanked his girlfriend, who played a crucial role in the rescue process, adding the phrase "Love can fight everything."

The Chinese Embassy in Thailand issued a warning on the same day to Chinese nationals traveling to Thailand. The embassy advised, "Beware of traps such as high-paying job offers," and cautioned against easily believing false promises like "high-paying jobs," "airfare and accommodation provided." Additionally, the embassy added, "If entering Thailand visa-free, do not engage in activities that violate visa-free regulations such as illegal labor."

China and Thailand have implemented a visa exemption system allowing mutual visa-free entry for 30 days, but travelers entering the other country for employment, study, or other purposes must obtain the relevant visa.

Previously, Wang Xing, who appeared in the movie "Ip Man 3" and the drama "The Story of Rose" (Mae Gwae Jeok Go Sa), went to Thailand after receiving a casting offer for a drama. He disappeared after being taken to the Thailand-Myanmar border by a person posing as a drama production staff member. The disappearance was revealed on the 5th when his girlfriend requested help on Weibo. On the 7th, he was found in Myanmar looking emaciated with a shaved head. Thai police announced initial investigation results identifying Wang Xing as a victim of human trafficking. Wang Xing also testified that he was kidnapped by a Chinese criminal organization.

Myeik, Myanmar, where Wang Xing was taken, is known as a base for criminal organizations involved in online scams. These groups reportedly imprison personnel in call centers and force them to participate in crimes.

After news of Wang Xing’s rescue spread, the family of Chinese model Yang Zheqi (25) claimed that Yang Zheqi lost contact at the Thailand-Myanmar border on the 20th of last month and that the circumstances were similar to Wang Xing’s case. Additionally, families of 174 other missing persons in Myanmar have come forward asking for help to find their younger brothers, sons, husbands, and fathers.

Meanwhile, due to the Wang Xing incident, China's "national actor" Zhao Benshan postponed a performance scheduled for the 22nd of next month in Bangkok, Thailand, and Hong Kong singer Chen Yixun also canceled his Bangkok tour concert next month. The Thai Travel Association forecasted that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand during the Lunar New Year holiday would decrease by 10-20% compared to the previous year due to safety concerns.