Thailand launches police app to safeguard tourists after Chinese actor Wang Xing kidnapped

By Phong Ngo January 26, 2025 | 04:05 pm PT

Thailand has launched the "Thailand Tourist Police" app for tourists to report incidents and seek assistance via messages, photos and location data.

It integrates with the "1155" 24-hour tourist police hotline that available in eight languages and the emergency "191" hotline for rapid responses.

In emergencies, users can press a red "SOS" button to connect directly with the local police.

Since its launch a month ago on Dec. 12 the app and hotline have already received nearly 1,000 complaints, including 200 emergency calls on Jan. 13 alone.

The reports were related to accidents, crimes and immigration-related issues.

No cases of tourists being kidnapped in Thailand or neighboring countries have been reported, Travel Weekly Asia said.

Chinese tourists take pictures in downtown in Bangkok, Thailand, March 31, 2024. Photo by Reuters

The app was introduced amid growing safety concerns that are affecting Thailand’s popularity as a destination for Chinese tourists, particularly ahead of the Lunar New Year travel season.

Many Chinese travelers are reconsidering their plans following the brief disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was rescued in a joint operation by Thai and Myanmar authorities.

Wang was reported missing from Mae Sot, a Thai town bordering Myanmar, earlier this month after arriving in Thailand for a film shoot. After being forcibly taken across a river, he found himself in Myanmar where he was coerced into learning scamming techniques. He was rescued on through a joint operation by Thai and Myanmarese authorities.

The Thai police have confirmed that he was a victim of human trafficking.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed relief over the safe return of Wang, admitting her government is handling the situation carefully to prevent any fallout that could affect the tourism industry.

The incident came at a critical time for Thailand, which hopes to attract at least eight million Chinese tourists in 2025, up from 6.73 million in 2024.

Tourism is a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, with the country receiving over 35 million foreign visitors last year, a 26% increase from 2023.