Chinese actor rescued in Thailand after reported missing, timeline unveiled

(ECNS) -- Chinese actor Wang Xing, who went missing on the border of Thailand and Myanmar last week, has been safely located by local authorities.

At a press conference held in Bangkok, Wang expressed gratitude to the Thai government and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for their effective assistance.

Known as Xing Xing, the actor arrived in Bangkok last Friday under a non-immigrant visa valid until March 3. Shortly after his arrival, he lost contact while traveling through the Thai-Myanmar border region. The case sparked widespread concern in both Thailand and China, with the Chinese embassy closely monitoring the situation.

Sequence of Events

The Thai Immigration Bureau released a detailed timeline of Wang's movements:

January 3, 2:00 a.m. (local time): Wang landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, and later departed in a gray Toyota Altis.

January 3, 7:00 a.m.: He arrived in Chai Nat Province.

January 3, 11:00 a.m.: Wang lost contact near Mae Sot District, Tak Province.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Wang was picked up by another vehicle, a gray Toyota Hilux Revo, registered to a Thai national identified as "Ravi." The vehicle did not pass through the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge checkpoint, raising suspicions of irregular activity.

Thai police worked with the Myanmar Border Guard Force (BGF) to locate Wang. On Monday, Myanmar authorities confirmed his whereabouts, leading to his safe handover to Thai police the following day. At 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wang was escorted to Bangkok aboard a police aircraft.

Statements from authorities and the actor

Upon arrival, Wang thanked the Thai government and the local police for their efforts. Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, the Thai National Police Inspector General, emphasized the high priority given to such cases, noting the efficiency of the investigation.

Pitaneelabutr confirmed that Wang was unharmed during the ordeal. Reports of injuries were debunked, with a birthmark on Wang's leg initially mistaken for a wound.

The case has reignited discussions about transnational scams and human trafficking. Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, acknowledged that these crimes are often driven by organized cross-border syndicates, highlighting their systemic nature. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation to address these issues and mitigate public concerns over safety.

The Chinese embassy expressed appreciation for Thailand's efforts, urging closer collaboration to combat cross-border crime. Thai officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding tourists and residents, emphasizing the need for raising public awareness about evolving scam tactics.

As investigations continue, authorities aim to determine whether Wang’s travel was connected to legitimate employment or if it was part of a fraudulent scheme from the outset.