Missing Chinese actor Wang Xing has been located safe and is currently meeting with Thai officials, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Tuesday.
Ms. Paetongtarn revealed that Mr. Wang, also known as Xingxing, was returned from Myanmar to the Mae Sot district in Tak province and is now engaged with representatives from Provincial Police Region 6.
In remarks following the weekly cabinet meeting, the prime minister emphasized that the government is approaching the situation with caution to avoid any adverse effects on tourism. She noted that rumors and exaggerated claims about the actor’s disappearance had circulated on social media, misrepresenting Thailand as a dangerous place to visit.
The government is collaborating closely with the Chinese embassy to address and clarify the situation, according to the prime minister.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong confirmed that the Chinese actor was located in Myanmar on Monday and was safely returned to Thailand on Tuesday.
Earlier reports indicated that the 31-year-old actor had arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport early Friday morning and proceeded directly to Tak, after which all contact with him was lost.
Mr. Sorawong acknowledged that this incident could negatively impact tourism in Thailand and has requested assistance from the Chinese embassy to counteract rumors circulating in China about Thailand’s safety as a travel destination.
He expressed hope that any impact on tourism would be minimal and short-lived. “It is fortunate that he was found. The government and tourism ministry must work to rebuild trust among tourists. I firmly believe that those who have visited Thailand understand the situation well,” the tourism minister stated.
Pol Gen Thatchai Peetaneelabut, inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police Office, noted that a chauffeur had transported the actor from Suvarnabhumi Airport to a border area in Mae Sot, where another individual guided Mr. Wang across a natural border into Myanmar. He has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, as it appears to involve a human-trafficking operation.
No further details have been provided.
