Thai authorities confirmed Wednesday that a Chinese actor, Wang Xing, disappeared after traveling to Thailand, was found near the Myanmar border, and is a victim of human trafficking. He was discovered in an area notorious for online scam operations.
Wang was lured to the region with promises of a Thai acting role, but instead was taken to Myanmar, where police believe he was forced into a call scam operation targeting Chinese citizens. Photos show Wang with shaved head in custody of Thai authorities.
The border region, where criminal syndicates operate, has seen a surge in exploitation of individuals for online scams, including romance fraud, investment schemes, and illegal gambling. Wang's account of being forced into labor, and the presence of other similarly treated Chinese individuals at the location, is corroborated by a preliminary examination of chat logs on his phone.
Military conflict in Myanmar has contributed to a rise in criminal activity in border areas. While Chinese authorities have conducted joint operations in the region, targeting those exploited, ring leaders in Myanmar have not been apprehended. Chinese investments in casinos within Myanmar border regions further complicate the issue.
Wang’s disappearance sparked attention after his alleged girlfriend shared the news on Chinese social media, given his prominent role in popular Chinese TV dramas. Thai authorities responded swiftly to the incident and are addressing the potential reputational consequences for Thailand's image as a tourist destination.
