Missing Chinese Actor Found In Human Trafficking Scam Compound In Myanmar

Wang Xing, a 31-year-old Chinese actor who went missing near the Myanmar-Thailand border on January 3 after travelling to Bangkok for work has been found.

On Tuesday (Jan 7), Thai media reported that Wang Xing had crossed the Thailand border to Myawaddy, a town in Myanmar known for being a massive cyber scam compound. A new picture of the actor was also circulated online and he was seen with his head shaved and bruised skin on his forehead.

He was found later in the day by Thai authorities.

The Chinese Embassy in Thailand confirmed that he was rescued at 7pm. He is currently safe in Bangkok, and will be returning to China soon.

Wang Xing is suspected to be a victim of human trafficking, and had been lured to Myawaddy under the pretext of an acting gig.

In a clip that has been posted online, Wang Xing was seen accompanied by a Thai official as he spoke to the media, expressing his gratitude for their rescue.

He emphasised that “Thailand is safe”, and said that he would “definitely return [to Thailand]” if given the chance.

According to Thai media, Wang Xing said he was locked in a factory with some 50 other Chinese nationals and made to shave his head.

He also said he was “asked to practice typing” and he believes he was made to work at a scam centre.

Earlier today (Jan 8), Chinese media outlets reported that the perpetrators behind Wang Xing’s capture have been arrested.

The authorities were said to have traced the scheme to a powerful labour outsourcing company named Apollo Glory. It is said to be led by a person from Guangdong known as “Golden Tiger”.

Wang Xing’s trip to Thailand was said to be arranged by Apollo Glory, a company known to provide local labour to assist production teams with scene set-up and the moving of props.

During police investigations, they found out that Apollo Glory was suspected to be involved in the illegal procurement of labour, luring unsuspecting individuals into Thailand under the promise of jobs.

Golden Tiger is said to be influential in the Thai labour market. A person working under Golden Tiger was found to have spoken to him on the phone thrice and has been arrested under the suspicion of kidnapping Wang Xing.

Thai police general Tatchai Pitaneelaboot has said there was no involvement of Thai nationals in Wang Xing’s case, adding that Wang Xing was likely a victim of a scam organised by Chinese nationals.

Wang Xing’s girlfriend of over three years has also been praised for staying level-headed throughout the ordeal, and for promptly providing key information to the Thai authorities which resulted in the actor’s quick rescue.

Investigation of Wang Xing’s case is currently still underway, with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra promising that authorities will “handle the issue with care to minimise the impact on tourism”.