Chinese actor Wang Xing details forced scammer training after Thai-Myanmar border rescue
9 Jan - Chinese actor Wang Xing has revealed harrowing details of his detention at a scam compound following his rescue on January 7, describing how he was forced to train as a scammer after being lured under the pretence of a film project.
The actor was rescued through joint efforts of authorities after his family and girlfriend raised concerns about his disappearance upon arriving in Thailand.
Wang Xing recounted how his ordeal began with what seemed to be a legitimate casting opportunity received on 24 December. Despite initial hesitation, he accepted the overseas filming offer, hoping to expand his career internationally.
"It was not until the armed men pushed me into the car that I realised that I may not be in Thailand anymore, but in another country," Wang revealed, describing the five-hour journey from Bangkok to where he was told to be the location of the film project's launching ceremony.
The actor described being held in a facility where at least 50 people were detained in one building, with another building housing even more individuals from various countries. Wang was forced to shave his head along with other detainees. "Others shaved my head for me. I couldn't do it myself (because) this is my hair," he recalled, explaining that fear prevented him from resisting.
When questioned about visible red patches on his left leg, Wang denied experiencing physical abuse, attributing the marks to a birthmark. His girlfriend, Jia Jia, had initially raised the alarm on January 5 after losing contact with him near the Thai-Myanmar border, despite his precaution of using a real-time tracking device upon arrival in Thailand.
The Chinese Embassy in Thailand and the Consulate-General in Chiang Mai worked closely with Thai authorities to secure Wang's rescue. The actor is currently cooperating with Thai authorities as investigations continue.
(Photo Source: Bangkok Post)
