Missing Chinese actor found safe in Myanmar

Chinese actor Wang Xing was located after four days of lost communication, the Chinese Consulate-General in Chiang Mai said on Tuesday.

Wang, an actor known for supporting roles in various films and TV series, had been reported missing after losing contact in the border region between Thailand and Myanmar on Friday, which aroused attention from the public as his girlfriend called for help on her Weibo account.

The Weibo post by Wang's girlfriend revealed that he had traveled to Thailand for a casting invitation but lost contact en route to the film's opening ceremony.

According to the post, Wang's last known location was near Myawaddy, a town in southeastern Myanmar close to the Thai border.

As news of Wang's disappearance spread, several actors came forward, claiming they had received casting invitations from the same agent, which appeared to be fraudulent.

Thai PBS News reported that Thai police located Wang in Myanmar.

Wang was retrieved safely through a natural border crossing point from Myanmar to Thailand on Tuesday afternoon, according to Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, director of Thailand's anti-trafficking center, as reported by the Thai media.

The Immigration Bureau of Tak, Thailand, informed the consulate that officials had met Wang and are currently conducting relevant inquiries according to regulations, the consulate said in a statement on its official website.

Earlier on Tuesday, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed that Wang was found and sent to the border in Mae Sot, Thailand. Thai authorities have pledged to ensure his safe return, as reported by Thairath News.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday in Beijing that Chinese embassies and consulates in relevant countries have been in close communication with Wang's family, and verification and follow-up efforts are underway.

In response to these developments, the Actors Committee of China Federation of Radio and Television Associations issued a statement on Tuesday, acknowledging concerns about fraudulent activities targeting actors.

Several actors reported being misled into traveling abroad under the pretense of filming opportunities, it said, urging actors and entertainment companies to carefully verify any invitations before engaging in cross-border work.

Li Shangyi contributed to this story.