The Chinese Embassy in Thailand has issued a cautionary statement urging Chinese citizens to beware of deceptive “high-paying recruitment” schemes, following the recent rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing from a human trafficking operation.
Wang Xing, a well-known actor in China, traveled to Thailand on January 3, 2025, after receiving a lucrative job offer. Unbeknownst to him, the promise of a high-paying position was a trap. Upon his arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, he was picked up by a vehicle arranged by his supposed “recruiter.”
Ever vigilant, Wang took photos of the vehicle’s license plate and notable landmarks, sending them to his girlfriend in China. His journey took an unexpected turn as he was transported towards the Thailand-Myanmar border. It wasn’t until he was taken across a river into rural Myanmar that Wang realized he had been deceived. He found himself in a remote area devoid of any recreational facilities, far from the glittering job opportunity he had anticipated.
Concerned over his sudden loss of contact, Wang’s girlfriend alerted authorities. The Thai police, utilizing various technical means, tracked Wang’s movements. Their investigation revealed that after leaving the airport at 3:40 a.m., Wang’s route passed through Chainat and Kamphaeng Phet provinces before he lost contact around 11:00 a.m. in Mae Sot, Tak province.
Senior Inspector General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot detailed the rescue operation, noting that Wang’s direct journey from the airport to the border aided in tracking his whereabouts. “Identifying where he crossed and locating the driver provided us with more accurate information,” Thatchai explained.
On Tuesday, the Thai authorities successfully rescued Wang, identifying him as a victim of human trafficking. He returned to China on Friday night, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Thai and Chinese governments. The Chinese Embassy expressed gratitude to Thailand for prioritizing Wang’s case and acting swiftly to ensure his safe return.
The incident has sparked widespread concern in both China and Thailand, highlighting the pervasive dangers of transnational scam syndicates. The Chinese Embassy’s warning implores citizens to be cautious of false promises such as “high-paying jobs” and “free air tickets and accommodation.”
Thatchai emphasized the importance of vigilance among travelers, particularly those transiting through Thailand to third countries. “More complex cases involving changes of vehicles, personnel, or directions present challenges for tracking,” he said. “We advise Chinese visitors to remain alert to avoid falling victim to scam syndicates.”
Thai authorities are strengthening cross-border cooperation and preventive measures, including educating the public about the risks of traveling under false pretenses and the dangers of human trafficking. The incident underscores the need for awareness and caution in the face of increasingly sophisticated recruitment scams targeting unsuspecting individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
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Chinese Embassy in Thailand warns of 'high-paying recruitment' trap
cgtn.com
