The ‘Eason Chan Fear and Dreams World Tour’ concert, scheduled to take place next month, has been called off, while several Chinese tour groups have also scrapped their trips to Thailand, citing safety concerns following the recent trafficking case of Chinese actor Wang Xing.
Wang Xing was duped by a Chinese-run human trafficking gang with a false offer of a casting session for a role in a TV series for a well-known Thai studio.
He ended up being smuggled into the Myawaddy township in Myanmar via Thailand. He was, however, rescued by Thai police the Border Guard Force of Myanmar and he has returned safely to China.
After reuniting with his girlfriend on Sunday night, Wang Xing posted a picture of them together on social media, offering his thanks to all the agencies and people who helped secure his safe return.
He ended his post with the short message: “Love can fight everything.”
The consequences of his ordeal are, however, far-reaching, especially for the tourism business in Thailand.
Chinese social media ‘Weibo’ was flooded with comments, expressing concern for the safety of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand. Many said that they had decided to cancel their planned trips.
The latest shock came from Chinese singer Eason Chan. The singer’s management has announced that the upcoming concert in Bangkok scheduled to be held on February 22 has been cancelled due to safety concerns.
Fans who have already purchased tickets for the concert can get a full refund via Thai Ticket Major.
Meanwhile, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said that the Chinese tourism market is very sensitive to safety issues and this will certainly affect tourism in Thailand.
He added that he has checked with Thai hotels in various regions and was told that a number of Chinese tour groups have cancelled their bookings adding, however, that visits by individuals, not in groups, are not expected to be unduly affected.
