A small-time Chinese actor, Wang Xing, went missing in Thailand on January 3, 2025. His girlfriend turned to the internet for help, writing a desperate plea on the Chinese social media platform Weibo on January 5. She said, “We have no choice but to borrow the power of the internet to amplify our voices.” The message quickly went viral after being shared by some of China’s biggest celebrities, including singer Lay Zhang and actor Qin Lan. Wang’s case captured the attention of not just the public but also the Chinese government.
Wang’s disappearance shed light on the increasing danger of scam centres, illegal trafficking hubs that operate across Southeast Asia. These centres are known for exploiting individuals, particularly Chinese nationals, and forcing them into cybercrime.
How Was Wang Xing Rescued?
Two days after the initial plea, on January 7, Wang was rescued from a scam centre across the border in Myanmar. His disappearance had caused a wave of panic, and news of his rescue brought a sense of relief. However, his swift and mysterious rescue led to more questions regarding the fate of the others still trapped in these scam centres. Wang’s case is a stark reminder of the thriving criminal operations that continue to exploit people, forcing them into cybercrime.
Following Wang’s rescue, families of other Chinese nationals who might still be trapped in these scam centres began circulating a petition, urging the government to assist them as well. The petition document, which anyone could fill out to report their missing relatives, quickly gained traction. The number of reported cases surged to over 600, up from the initial 174, and it continues to grow.
Wang, in his statement to the police, said that there were around 50 other Chinese nationals being held at the same centre as him. “We are desperate to know if the remaining Chinese nationals who were with him have been rescued,” read one of the most liked comments on Weibo. “Other people’s lives are also lives.”
How Did Wang End Up in Myanmar?
Wang, 31, had flown to Bangkok for an acting job offered to him via WeChat. The individual who contacted him claimed to represent a major Thai entertainment company. Wang had previously worked in Thailand around 2018, and thus, did not suspect anything unusual. However, upon arriving, he was picked up in a car and taken to Myanmar. There, his head was shaved, and he was forced to undergo training on how to scam people through phone calls.
Wang’s girlfriend and his brother attempted to track him down and get the authorities involved, but the search had yielded little progress. Chinese police had not registered the case, and the Chinese embassy in Thailand advised the family to approach the local police in Mae Sot.
As discussions surrounding Wang’s disappearance gained more attention on Chinese social media, the authorities were forced to act. The case was officially registered, and the Chinese embassy issued a statement saying they had attached great importance to Wang’s case. The next day, Thai and Chinese officials announced that Wang had been rescued.
Why Are the Details of Wang's Rescue So Scarce?
Wang’s first public appearance after his rescue was alongside Thai police, though he did not provide many details about his ordeal. Officials, however, were quick to explain what happened. The exact details of the rescue remain unclear, and authorities have been tight-lipped about which scam centre Wang was held in.
There have been conflicting versions of the story, and one reason for this could be the sensitive nature of the operation. According to a source familiar with rescues from such scam centres, the authorities may have withheld information to avoid drawing attention to the operation that could risk its success. The source explained that these centres prefer to avoid attention, and releasing Wang was a safer option than letting the case jeopardize the operation.
How Serious is the Threat of Scam Centres in Myanmar?
The Chinese government has been eager to downplay the significance of scam centres, especially after Wang’s case was resolved. In 2023, a joint operation by China and ethnic insurgent groups sought to shut down scam centres in Myanmar’s Shan State. However, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Despite these efforts, NGOs and independent rescuers report that the scams are still growing and expanding into more remote regions.
The area along Myanmar’s border with Thailand has become a major hub for international scams, with various armed groups exploiting the situation for their gain. New scam centres continue to be built south of the town of Myawaddy, near the Thai border. These centres are notorious for forced labour, abuse, and other crimes, and reports suggest that the worst cases of exploitation are occurring there.
How Does This Impact Thailand?
The presence of these scam centres has placed significant pressure on Thailand, a country that relies heavily on tourism, particularly from China. Wang’s case has made many Chinese citizens wary of travelling to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand. “It feels like after this Wang Xing incident, there will be fewer people going to Southeast Asia, including Thailand,” a popular Weibo post reads.
While Thai authorities are eager to emphasize that the country is a safe destination for tourists, the issue of human trafficking and exploitation remains a serious concern. Thai police have been investigating similar disappearances, with one Chinese model recently reported missing at the Thai-Myanmar border after being promised work in Thailand.
What Are the Risks for the Chinese Entertainment Industry?
The Chinese Federation of Radio and Television Association has expressed concern over the rising number of actors and models who fall victim to these scams. In a statement, the association said that many actors have been duped into travelling abroad for fake film shoots, only to end up suffering severe personal and financial damage. “We are very concerned about this,” the statement added.
Wang’s girlfriend, in her Weibo post, had urged authorities to “save [Wang] from danger and bring to life the story of No More Bets,” a reference to a 2023 movie in which protagonists were rescued from similar situations after being trafficked into scam centres. Wang, however, is one of the lucky few to escape such an ordeal. Hundreds of thousands of victims from China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore remain trapped in sprawling scam centres with little hope of rescue.
Will Wang Return to Thailand?
Despite the harrowing experience, Wang has expressed no concerns about returning to Thailand. A Thai police officer revealed on January 10 that Wang has promised to come back to Thailand. This statement has provided some reassurance, but it also highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing the issue of scam centres and the danger they pose to foreign nationals.
As Chinese tourists are expected to flood into Thailand for the Lunar New Year, the Thai government remains under pressure to ensure the safety of its visitors. However, while Wang’s rescue is being hailed as a success, the deeper issue of human trafficking and forced labour in Myanmar’s scam centres continues to demand urgent attention.
