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Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was abducted near the Thailand-Myanmar border, has been identified as a victim of human trafficking, according to Thai authorities. Lawyers representing Wang revealed on Thursday that Thai police are pursuing criminal charges against those responsible, while efforts to return Wang to China are underway.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the importance of preventing Thailand from becoming a transit hub for human trafficking.
Wang disappeared on January 3, sparking an extensive search effort. He was rescued and brought to Thailand on January 7. Thai police, working with the Chinese Embassy, arranged for his transfer to a specialized shelter in Bangkok, where he received medical and daily support. Wang is expected to return to China in the coming days, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
The Mandarin Law Firm (MDR) in Thailand, appointed by Wang and his family, has formed a five-person legal team to assist with his case. Kavin Guo, MDR's legal department manager, commended the swift cooperation between Thai authorities and Chinese diplomatic missions. The Chinese Consulate General in Chiang Mai had mobilized volunteers to provide leads, while the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok supported Wang’s family throughout the process.
Guo highlighted the proactive response by Thai authorities, who immediately transferred Wang to Bangkok after his rescue. MDR lawyers, who frequently travel to the Mae Sot district bordering Myanmar, conducted on-ground investigations to aid the operation. They noted heightened security measures, with police and military checkpoints meticulously screening vehicles near the border.
A key aspect of the case has been the growing sophistication of human trafficking schemes in Southeast Asia. According to MDR’s media department manager, Tawan Wang, fraud rings now target educated and high-income individuals, using promises of lucrative opportunities to lure victims. Wang Xing’s abductors posed as representatives of a reputable Thai entertainment company to deceive him into traveling to the airport. After being kidnapped, Wang was detained with at least 50 other individuals, subjected to physical control, and forced to undergo typing training for telecom fraud.
MDR’s online updates about Wang’s case have sparked widespread attention. Since sharing videos on Sina Weibo, the law firm has received five additional pleas for help from individuals with similar experiences. Many were lured to Thailand under false job offers and remain trapped.
The incident has also mobilized grassroots efforts in China. Over 400 netizens in a WeChat group are coordinating to rescue their relatives who are victims of similar trafficking scams. Among them, 174 members have submitted detailed information about missing loved ones, hoping to replicate Wang’s successful rescue.
Guo noted that the combined efforts of Thai authorities, the Chinese Embassy, and the legal community are crucial in combating cross-border human trafficking. MDR is developing enhanced legal aid plans to address such cases, including strategies for locating victims, expediting safe transfers to Thailand, and ensuring their return to China.
Source: Global Times
