Southeast Asia’s second largest economy pledges to ensure tourism safety following Chinese actor’s missing

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is coordinating with relevant agencies to rebuild trust among Chinese tourists, who represented the largest group of international arrivals to Thailand last year, The Nation Thailand reported.

TAT will continue collaborating closely with police and other departments to ensure the safety of tourists traveling in the country, according to Global Times.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed relief on Jan. 7 over the safe return of Xingxing, whose real name is Wang Xing.

She said the government was handling the situation carefully to mitigate any potential negative impact on the country’s tourism industry.

Xingxing was reported missing last Friday after arriving in Tak’s Mae Sot district for a film shoot. His case gained widespread attention in China, sparking concerns about the safety of Chinese tourists in Thailand.

The actor was rescued on Tuesday through a joint operation by Thai and Myanmar authorities.

Initial investigations revealed that a Chinese gang had lured him via Chinese social app WeChat, offering a film role in another country through Thailand.

Wang has been identified as a victim of human trafficking, said Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, an inspector-general with the Royal Thai Police, according to the Bangkok Post.

This incident has occurred at a critical time for Thailand, which aims to welcome at least 8 million Chinese tourists in 2025, after recording 6.73 million in 2024.

Tourism is a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, with the country receiving over 35 million foreign visitors last year, a 26% increase compared to the previous year.