A 25-year-old Chinese model, Zhong Hao Bin, was rescued from the clutches of human traffickers in Myanmar after he was lured by a seemingly lucrative magazine modelling opportunity in Thailand. This shocking incident has once again highlighted the dangers of overseas scams promising financial freedom and high returns, which remain a major concern for aspiring talents across Asia.
According to VN Express, Zhong, who has been a professional model for four years, received an offer in early June to shoot for a luxury magazine cover in Thailand. Believing the promise of a high-paying assignment, Zhong flew from Guangzhou to Bangkok on 8 June, arriving at Don Muang Airport. He was then taken to the Thai province of Tak, which borders Myanmar — and that was when contact with his family was lost.
Zhong’s sister raised the alarm on Chinese social media platform Weibo, pleading for assistance from netizens and authorities. Days later, on 13 June, Zhong briefly contacted his family, revealing he had been deceived into crossing into Myanmar but was unable to disclose his exact location. His family immediately sought help from Chinese and Thai authorities, who began coordinated efforts to locate him.
International Efforts Lead to Rescue
After weeks of intense investigation, China Daily reported on 3 July that Zhong had been safely rescued in a joint operation involving multiple agencies from China, Thailand, and Myanmar. However, China’s embassy in Thailand declined to share further operational details for security reasons. Authorities emphasised that many criminals use enticing luxury lifestyle offers and promises of passive income to lure unsuspecting individuals into scams.
The embassy also reminded Chinese nationals that foreigners working in Thailand require proper permits and should verify any job offers through official channels to avoid becoming victims of trafficking or other crimes. The case of Zhong has been compared to that of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was similarly abducted in Thailand’s Tak province but rescued in a separate joint raid involving over 60 Chinese nationals.
Tourism Hit as Safety Fears Rise
The recent wave of scams targeting Chinese citizens has severely dented confidence in Thailand as a safe travel destination. The Pattaya Mail reported a significant and persistent decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, with numbers falling below 6,000 visitors per day in April 2025, down from the expected 15,000 to 20,000. Industry observers attribute this drop to widespread fears over scams and personal safety.
In response, Thai authorities have launched several initiatives, including dedicated mobile apps, to improve tourist safety and restore trust. China and Thailand have also announced plans to establish a joint coordination centre in Bangkok, aimed at cracking down on scam syndicates preying on vulnerable jobseekers with flashy promises of guaranteed income and luxury careers abroad.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for anyone considering overseas opportunities: always verify job offers with official sources and remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.