Thai FM urges China to keep tourist warnings proportionate to situation

Thailand’s foreign minister has urged the Chinese Embassy to ensure its travel warnings are proportionate to the situation and avoid causing unnecessary panic, following a recent warning to Chinese nationals about suspected kidnapping schemes involving fake job offers and alleged trafficking to the Thai-Myanmar border.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow made the remarks after the Chinese Embassy in Thailand advised its citizens to exercise caution following reports of people going missing after entering Thailand, being held against their will and allegedly lured to areas along the Thai-Myanmar border.

The embassy cited several methods used to deceive victims, including fake job offers promising high salaries, fraudulent investment opportunities and invitations to fake filming or performances targeting livestreamers and entertainers. It also advised Chinese nationals to verify employment offers, avoid suspicious transport arrangements and exercise caution when travelling to high-risk border areas.

Sihasak said on Wednesday that Thailand took the safety of foreign visitors seriously and would investigate incidents and take action against those involved. However, he stressed that warnings should reflect the circumstances rather than create public alarm, which would benefit neither country.

He said tourists from many countries felt safe visiting Thailand, but authorities needed to address any circumstances that could undermine that confidence.

Sihasak also called for cooperation between Thailand and China to tackle the criminal networks behind the schemes, noting that the problem did not involve Thai nationals alone.

Asked about reports of Chinese nationals being involved in kidnapping operations, he said he did not want to make a definitive statement but stressed that both countries should focus on preventing further incidents and share information to address the problem.

He suggested that Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Chinese Embassy discuss ways to reassure visitors, adding that the Foreign Ministry was ready to cooperate.

Sihasak said both countries needed to tackle the problem at its source rather than merely respond to incidents after they occurred.