Sihasak asks Chinese Embassy to keep travel warnings proportionate

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has called on the Chinese Embassy to ensure its travel warnings are proportionate and do not cause unnecessary panic. Responding to the embassy’s October 16, 2026 advisory about Chinese nationals being lured to Thailand through fraudulent job offers, he stressed that both countries must cooperate to prevent such crimes and protect those affected.

Sihasak argued that warnings should reflect the situation rather than create alarm that would benefit neither country. Travellers nevertheless needed to remain cautious because criminals used various methods of deception, he added.

Sihasak proposes talks to restore visitor confidence

Sihasak proposed discussions between Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Chinese Embassy on how to restore confidence among visitors. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was ready to cooperate, he confirmed.

Addressing the underlying causes of the problem, rather than dealing only with its consequences, should be the priority, Sihasak argued. If Thailand and China considered the incidents a cause for concern, both sides should work together to find solutions.

Sihasak calls for investigations and joint prevention

Sihasak maintained that Thailand placed a high priority on tourist safety and that visitors from many countries felt secure when travelling in the country. However, anything that made tourists feel unsafe needed to be addressed, and Thai authorities could not ignore the reported incidents: investigations and action against those involved were necessary.

Cooperation was essential because the criminal schemes did not involve Thai nationals alone, Sihasak noted. He also called for careful examination of which groups were being deceived into travelling to Thailand.

Asked about reports that Chinese nationals were involved in kidnapping operations, Sihasak declined to elaborate, while acknowledging that this was what the information indicated. Thailand and China already possessed relevant information and should focus on preventing further incidents, he added.

Sihasak stressed that Thailand could not be complacent about threats to personal safety or breaches of the law. Cases involving foreign victims required particular attention, and those affected should receive the best possible care.

Chinese Embassy reports disappearances and unlawful detention

The Chinese Embassy’s advisory, issued on Friday (October 16), reported several recent cases involving Chinese nationals who disappeared or lost contact after entering Thailand, were unlawfully detained or were deceived into travelling onwards to areas along the Thailand–Myanmar border.

According to the Chinese Embassy, offenders had used promises of highly paid employment, business visits, investment partnerships and invitations to participate in projects to lure Chinese nationals to Thailand before committing crimes. The embassy described these activities as serious threats to the personal safety and property of Chinese citizens.

Recent scams had also targeted people in China working in livestreaming and entertainment, using invitations to take part in filming or performances, the Chinese Embassy reported.

The Chinese Embassy called on Chinese nationals travelling to Thailand to remain alert to deception and take practical steps to protect themselves.

Chinese Embassy outlines five precautions for travellers

The Chinese Embassy’s advisory set out five precautions for Chinese nationals to follow before and during a visit to Thailand.

1. Scrutinise overseas job offers

The Chinese Embassy advised particular caution over highly paid overseas jobs advertised through online platforms, social media or personal referrals. Warning signs included salaries substantially above industry standards, unclear duties, unusually relaxed recruitment requirements, offers of free flights, accommodation or meals, and no requirement for relevant experience.

Applicants should verify the recruiting company’s credentials and reliability, the workplace, job responsibilities and contract terms, the embassy advised. Promises of “easy money” or highly paid employment should not be accepted at face value, while instructions to report to an unidentified location could expose applicants to fraud, unlawful detention or human trafficking.

2. Question promises of high investment returns

The Chinese Embassy cautioned against investment projects and business partnerships offering unusually high returns, particularly opportunities presented as guaranteed to make money without any risk of loss. Prospective participants should check the authenticity of the project, the credentials of business partners and the details of financial transactions.

Claims about “inside channels” or “special opportunities” should not be trusted simply because they came from an acquaintance rather than a stranger, the embassy warned. The prospect of high pay or substantial returns, or an assumption that nothing would go wrong, should not override an assessment of the risks or personal safety limits.

3. Check transport arrangements carefully

Chinese nationals should plan journeys in advance and use reputable transport services operated legally, the Chinese Embassy advised. Caution was needed when accepting free transport from strangers or acquaintances, when vehicles were changed unexpectedly or when travellers were invited to unfamiliar locations.

Sudden changes to a destination or a refusal to disclose the route were reasons to reject an arrangement and inform trusted relatives or friends, according to the embassy. Travellers should also avoid readily handing passports, mobile phones, bank cards or other important belongings to another person for safekeeping.

4. Avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk border areas

The Chinese Embassy advised travellers to assess security conditions and the necessity of visiting the Thailand–Myanmar border or other remote areas, and to avoid high-risk locations unless travel was necessary.

Arrangements to visit border areas under the pretext of tourism, business visits, recruitment or investment should be firmly rejected, the embassy warned, as should demands for sudden itinerary changes or travel through unofficial border crossings. Anyone whose freedom of movement was restricted, who was forced towards an unknown destination or who encountered other suspicious circumstances should promptly seek help from local police and contact the Chinese Embassy or a Chinese consulate in Thailand.

5. Stay in contact and share travel plans

Before travelling to Thailand, Chinese nationals should give relatives or trusted friends their flight details, accommodation information, itinerary and details of accompanying travellers, the Chinese Embassy advised. Passport information, airline tickets and hotel reservations should be retained securely, while mobile phones should remain reachable during the visit and any sudden itinerary changes should be communicated promptly.

Suspected disappearances or loss of contact should be reported to Thai police without delay, the embassy added. Reports should include the person’s identity, entry records, the date and time of the last contact, their last known location and other relevant clues, while families should also seek assistance from the Chinese Embassy or a Chinese consulate.

The Chinese Embassy reiterated that citizens should study their destination’s security conditions, laws and regulations before travelling abroad, assess potential risks and avoid activities with unclear origins or insufficient information. Anyone facing an emergency in Thailand should promptly seek assistance from Thai police and contact the Chinese Embassy or a Chinese consulate.