Chinese travellers shunning Thailand after actor's abduction

The recent high-profile kidnapping of a Chinese actor in Thailand has dented the country's appeal among tourists just weeks before China's biggest annual holiday.

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Some Chinese travellers are opting to stay away from Thailand for the eight-day Chinese New Year holiday, which starts on Jan 29, because of safety concerns.

Cancellations of flights from China to Thailand jumped 155 per cent over the weekend compared with the same period in 2024, according to data from travel analytics company ForwardKeys.

The cancellations were triggered by the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing in a Thai town bordering Myanmar early in January. He was later rescued by Thai police from a scam centre which he had been lured to by human traffickers.

News of his plight spread on social media, with some saying they are now cancelling plans to visit the country.

Hong Kong singer Eason Chan cancelled a sold-out Bangkok concert originally slated to be held on Feb 22, citing safety concerns for Chinese fans travelling to Thailand.

Comedian Zhao Benshan also postponed a performance in Bangkok on the same day.

Mr Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, head of the local tourism association in Chonburi province, south of the capital Bangkok, said 30 per cent to 40 per cent of Chinese tour groups have cancelled hotel bookings in the east of the region.