Chinese influencer at risk of Thailand ban over criticizing Bangkok red light district

Chinese influencer Wang Ziyu. Photo from Wang's Facebook

Operating the 2.68-million-follower account "Thailand 77Seven" on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, Wang uploaded a video of herself in Nana district on Dec. 5, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Captured around midnight, the video shows her describing the area as "unsafe" and frequented by "sleazy" visitors. She thus advises women to steer clear of the area.

The Thai police, viewing her remarks as harmful to Thailand’s image as a tourist destination, called her in for questioning. Authorities discovered during this process that Wang was also allegedly engaged in online sales within Thailand without a work permit, violating her tourist visa conditions, according to CNN.

Despite her removing the video and offering a public apology in English, Thai, and Chinese, Thai officials are moving forward with legal proceedings. Wang could face a fine up to 10,000 yuan (USS$1,400), a possible deportation and ban from ever returning to Thailand.

The incident has sparked varied reactions among Chinese social media users. Some defend Wang’s freedom of expression, while others accuse her of damaging Thailand’s reputation for personal gain.

"She’s simply telling the truth, so she has done nothing wrong," one netizen wrote.

"She does anything for traffic. Now she’s paying for that, right?" said another.