Chinese Nationals in Thailand Speak Out: 'We Feel Safe Despite Scare Tactics!'

CHIANG MAI: Amid rising fears over scam trafficking in Thailand sparked by alarming online posts, many Chinese nationals are stepping forward to share their experiences, confirming that they feel secure in the country. Qin Zi, a 64-year-old semi-retiree from Suzhou, is visiting Chiang Mai for the seventh time and expressed her tranquility, stating, “Personally, I feel safe here. I can decide to fly over anytime because I have friends I’ve known for over a decade that I can trust.

Xu Weihong, a 57-year-old retiree from Shanghai currently living in Chiang Mai, echoed Qin’s sentiments, saying, “My friends and relatives are concerned, but their views are not objective since they have never visited Thailand.” Yulin, another retiree from Beijing, has lived in Chiang Mai for over a year and affirmed, “I’ve never felt afraid here; people are warm, friendly, and always willing to help.”

These personal stories starkly contrast with the heightened anxiety caused by the case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who went missing near the Thai-Myanmar border. Wang, who believed he was joining a film project, was taken to a scam center in Myanmar’s Myawaddy town before being rescued. While he has reassured the public that Thailand remains safe, the incident has triggered a wave of cancellations for flights and hotel bookings, particularly poignant ahead of the lucrative Chinese New Year travel period.

Travel experts report that up to 40 chartered flights from cities such as Ningbo, Hefei, and Jinan were canceled. Concurrently, major events like a concert by Hong Kong singer Eason Chan were pulled for safety concerns among potential attendees, highlighting the ripple effect of the incident on Thailand's tourism industry.

Social media platforms have ignited fears further, with users posting alarming warnings about increased abduction rates in Thailand. One Xiaohongshu user warned others against traveling to Thailand, garnering thousands of likes and comments as they echoed concerns about safety. Similarly, clips with ominous music shared on Douyin urged viewers to think twice about their travel plans, including group trips and company retreats.

In response to the misinformation, figures like Chu Cancan, a public relations professional living in Phuket, implore fellow Chinese nationals to speak out. 'If we truly love Thailand and consider it our second home, we should all advocate for its image,' he said, stressing the importance of not letting one negative narrative dominate online discourse.

As the tourism industry strives for recovery after the setbacks from the pandemic, officials are optimistic. The Tourism Authority of Thailand targets a return of 8 million Chinese tourists this year, up from 6.73 million in 2024. However, they acknowledge that misinformation can heavily impact perceptions and deter potential visitors.

The emergence of various media narratives, particularly Chinese films depicting dangerous scenarios overseas, has only complicated matters. Recent blockbusters featuring abduction-themed plots have fed into the anxieties of viewers, distorting how potential travelers perceive Southeast Asian destinations.

'Misleading representations in movies that highlight crime in countries like Thailand or Cambodia can significantly influence public sentiment and travel decisions,' explained Xu Deya, a communication associate professor at East China Normal University.

Despite the fear tactics circulating online, many Chinese nationals in Thailand emphasize that their personal safety—supported by strong communities and welcoming locals—remains intact. Their voices provide a counter-narrative to the fears being propagated online, rallying support for a more balanced view of safety in Thailand.