Myanmar Scam Ring Impacts Thai Tourism Industry? Insiders Reveal the Truth.

In recent news, the ongoing scam involving victims lured to Myanmar has had a significant impact on Thailand’s tourism industry. Many victims, especially Chinese nationals, have reportedly been deceived and sold to Myanmar as “pigs” by human traffickers during their trips to Thailand.

According to reports from Bloomberg, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is planning to visit Beijing from February 5th to 8th. She stated on Tuesday (January 28th) that she would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to seek assistance in combating negative rumors regarding Thailand’s security and express concerns about the scam operations in neighboring countries.

Influenced by the incident involving actor Wang Xing, Thai tourism authorities estimate that tens of thousands of Chinese tourists have canceled their trips to Thailand. A study by Kasikorn Bank in Thailand, cited by Agence France-Presse on January 29th, suggests that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand during the Lunar New Year period may decrease by 17.5% compared to 2024.

Earlier this month, mainland Chinese actor Wang Xing was deceived into traveling to Thailand for a film shoot, went missing on the Thailand-Myanmar border, and was kidnapped to a scam compound in Myanmar. After being rescued, Wang Xing’s case prompted an outpouring of pleas for help from families of missing individuals, with reports of 1564 distress messages. It is estimated that at least 6000 people are trapped in the scam compound in Myanmar.

Insiders revealed to reporters that Wang Xing’s rescue was not associated with the Chinese authorities or any collaboration between Chinese and Thai law enforcement. The compound where Wang Xing was held captive, called Dongmei, is under the control of Yinguoju. Yinguoju contacted the responsible person at Dongmei, arranged for Wang Xing and the team leader to be bound, and handed them over to the Thai border guards, who then facilitated their return.

On the YouTube channel “Chinese People’s News,” a scam compound operator named “Taozi” confirmed the narrative, emphasizing that releasing individuals required approval from military warlords and property owners.

Taozi further exposed that several companies, including technology firms from Zhejiang, organized team-building trips to Thailand towards the end of the year. These trips typically included visits to Phuket and then Mandalay in Myanmar. Travel guides mislead tourists, directing them to buses operated by human traffickers after a transfer in Mandalay. Taozi warned against purchasing products sold by Thai anchors, as many were deceptive.

Thailand’s tourism industry contributed over $50 billion to the country’s GDP last year, with Lunar New Year tourism spending exceeding $1 billion, attracting many Chinese visitors for vacation and shopping.

Activist Duan Jingang, who had been stuck in Thailand for years working in the tourism industry, disclosed the prevalent extortion practices targeting Chinese tourists in Thailand and the similarities with scam operations in Myanmar.

Extortion from Chinese tourists has been a severe issue in Thailand for many years. The scenic beauty and attractions appeal not only to Chinese but also to tourists worldwide. However, some individuals exploit tourists, especially Chinese nationals, demanding exorbitant fees for services or goods with fake quality.

The unethical practice extends to tour guides who profit from deceptive schemes, building a vicious cycle of exploitation driven by greed. Duan elaborated on the vulnerabilities of Chinese tourists due to limited access to international news and a lack of solidarity in facing such challenges.

He emphasized how these tour guides, mainly of Chinese descent, colluded throughout the process, resembling the tactics employed in scam compounds. The recruitment strategies mirror each other, enticing individuals with promises of high wages but leading to exploitation.

Duan highlighted the prevalence of organized crime targeting Chinese tourists in both Thailand and Myanmar, indicating potential covert affiliations between Myanmar’s armed minority groups, backed by the Chinese Communist Party. The intricate network includes news reporting patterns and financial transactions resembling those in mainland China.

Critics argue that the situation presents a symbiotic relationship, suggesting that without collaboration from mainland China, the extensive scam operations in Myanmar would not thrive openly. The interconnected web showcases how Chinese influence and exploitation extend beyond borders.

As associations between their operations deepen, concerns about the exploitation and coercion of Chinese tourists persist, with the need for increased awareness and vigilance when traveling in the region.