Over 10 Calls a Day: China Embassy Faces Growing Concerns Over Missing Citizens in Thailand

Over 10 Calls a Day: China Embassy Faces Growing Concerns Over Missing Citizens in Thailand

Bangkok, November 2, 2026 — China’s Embassy in Bangkok receives more than 10 calls every day from families seeking information about Chinese nationals who have gone missing or become stranded in Thailand, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei has revealed.

The figure comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Chinese citizens travelling to Thailand following a Chinese Embassy advisory issued on October 16, urging nationals to exercise extra caution when visiting the country.

China Says Travel Warning Was Preventive

The embassy’s advisory warned Chinese nationals against suspicious job offers promising unusually high salaries on social media, invitations to work in entertainment or business, and transport arrangements that could take them to remote areas along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

The warning followed several reported cases of Chinese nationals going missing or suffering harm, prompting concern among families in China.

Speaking about the advisory, Ambassador Zhang said it was intended as a preventive measure and was not directed against Thailand.

He described the two countries as being “connected by mountains and rivers” and sharing “the same blood”, while praising Thai authorities for assisting Chinese nationals who had become stranded or encountered difficulties.

Zhang also expressed confidence that Chinese tourists would continue visiting Thailand in large numbers.

Thailand Calls for Cooperation Against Criminal Networks

The advisory nevertheless raised concerns within Thailand’s tourism industry, with businesses worried that negative perceptions could discourage Chinese visitors ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday period.

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow asked the Chinese Embassy to ensure its safety warnings remained proportionate to the actual situation and did not create unnecessary public panic.

Sihasak also called for stronger cooperation between Thai and Chinese authorities to identify and dismantle criminal networks allegedly involved in cases targeting Chinese nationals.

He argued that general travel warnings alone would not address the underlying problem and urged both governments to work together against organised groups responsible for scams and other alleged criminal activities.

More Than 10 Calls a Day Highlight Continuing Concerns

Zhang’s disclosure that the embassy receives more than 10 calls daily from families of missing or stranded Chinese nationals highlights the continuing concerns behind Beijing’s travel advisory.

While the ambassador emphasised that the warning was not intended to damage Thailand’s reputation, the number of daily inquiries suggests that many Chinese families remain worried about the safety and whereabouts of their relatives in the country.

Both governments have expressed support for cooperation, with Thailand seeking to protect its tourism reputation while addressing the criminal networks that have raised concerns among Chinese travellers.