Thailand strengthens security measures for foreign tourists after disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is strengthening security measures for foreign tourists, especially in an effort to restore the confidence of Chinese tourists after the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing.

The actor Wang Xing disappeared on January 3 after arriving in Mae Sot district in northern Thailand to film a movie. His case quickly went viral, sparking concerns among Chinese citizens about their safety in Thailand.

Wang Xing was rescued by Thai and Myanmar authorities on January 7, and initial investigations showed that a Chinese criminal gang had scammed him through WeChat to lure him to a third country via Thailand to film a movie.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, acknowledged that the incident had an impact on the Chinese, but said it had not yet affected the Thai tourism industry.

She said the TAT’s five offices in China were closely monitoring the situation.

She added that the TAT was working with Thai police to reassure tourists about safety, especially as Chinese tourists planned to come to Thailand to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand aims to attract 9 million Chinese tourists by 2025, up from 6.73 million last year, with an eventual goal of attracting 10 million visitors and generating 500 billion baht ($14.4 billion) in revenue.