Last week, reports emerged that Chinese actor Wang Xing (王星) went missing after travelling to Thailand for a film shoot. After days of growing concern, the star has been found safe in Myanmar.
According to reports, the 31-year-old went missing on 3rd January (Friday) after travelling from China to Thailand for what he believed was a film shoot. Wang Xing’s girlfriend was the one who alerted the public about his disappearance after she lost contact with him. His last known location was at the Tak province in Thailand, bordering Myawaddy in Myanmar. The area is notorious for large-scale criminal enterprises and human trafficking by organised gangs.
A report dated 6th January (Monday) revealed no formal records of Wang Xing at Thai immigration checkpoints, leading authorities to speculate that he may have left the country through unofficial routes. Thankfully, officers were able to locate the actor in Myanmar. He was brought back to Thailand on 7th January (Tuesday), where he reunited with his girlfriend and brother.
Both Thai and Myanmar police have questioned Wang Xing regarding his disappearance. After their initial inquiry, the authorities believed the star was a victim of human trafficking. According to the actor, he went to Thailand after being told about a film casting by a Chinese compatriot who claimed to represent a well-known Thai entertainment company.
However, upon reaching Thailand, Wang Xing was brought across the border to Myanmar via a boat, bypassing immigration checkpoints. By then, the 31-year-old knew he was getting scammed but was afraid to resist his captors. While in captivity, Wang Xing was forced to scam other Chinese people, but he said he was not assaulted or abused. However, photos and videos of the actor surfaced on social media, showing him looking haggard with a shaved head.
Police will continue to question Wang Xing about his experience and the people behind his disappearance. Meanwhile, the Thai government is handling the issue carefully to prevent any negative impact on tourism. We’re glad that Wang Xing has been found safe and sound, and we hope the perpetrators will receive apt punishment.
Here’s a look at Wang Xing arriving in Thailand after he was located by authorities in Myanmar:
Sources: Oriental Daily, Bangkok Post
