Wang Xing Detained to Practice Typing; Ransom Rumored to be 1.22 Million

Chinese actor Wang Xing (Star) flew to Bangkok, Thailand on the 3rd to join a film crew, but went missing at the Thai-Myanmar border. Fortunately, his girlfriend reported the case immediately and disseminated the information online, gaining the attention of both Chinese and Thai authorities. After confirming his presence in Myanmar, the Thai immigration and police engaged in negotiations on the 7th and successfully brought him back to Thailand.

Wang Xing revealed in an interview with Thai media that he was deceived into coming for acting work. Upon arrival, he was shaved bald and detained in a building with 50 other Chinese people and made to practice typing, believing it to be preparation for work at a scam center. A ransom of 2 million RMB (approximately 1.22 million MYR) was rumored.

Wang Xing was transferred into Thailand from Myanmar on the afternoon of the 7th, in good physical condition but visibly tired. In an interview accompanied by Thai police, he stated, “I thank the Thai government and local immigration for safely bringing me here. I want to say that Thailand is quite safe, everyone don’t worry, I will have opportunities to come again in the future.” 
 

Initial investigations by the Thai police revealed that someone picked Wang Xing up by boat at the Mae Sot border to facilitate his crossing. Wang Xing stated that he realized he was deceived after being taken across but did not dare to resist. The case requires further investigation and questioning. Wang Xing will enter Thailand’s national referral mechanism, and if confirmed as a victim of human trafficking, he will be placed under protection procedures. Arrangements will be made by the Thai immigration bureau to send him back to China and contact his family for reception; if any criminal engagement is involved, legal procedures will continue.

The Thai police stated that they did not find any involvement of Thai citizens, indicating the situation occurred between Chinese nationals. Simultaneously, Chinese netizens spread screenshots of simplified Chinese conversations, discussing an actor recently sent out from Myawaddy, with a ransom of 2 million RMB, “hit on the first day, then given a shaved head,” due to the widespread attention on Chinese social media alarming the embassy and pushing communication, "the property and supporting military couldn’t handle it, and the company turned the person over.”

Red Patch on Left Leg Raises Concerns of Abuse

When Wang Xing appeared on the 7th, a large red patch was visible on his leg, leading netizens to speculate whether he was abused. However, past photos of him in shorts show that the red patch was a birthmark he has had, not a result of being hit or burned.

His girlfriend later posted expressing gratitude for all the concern expressed, noting she learned about many news regarding her boyfriend from the media. “As the case progresses, being Star’s girlfriend, I am more anxious than anyone to reunite with him as soon as possible. Star’s whole family has placed all their hopes on me and his brother. Until I see Star in person, I dare not relax at all.” She also urged the public to protect the privacy of those involved to minimize secondary harm.

Source: Apple Daily News + ETtoday Starlight Clouds