Chinese ambassador says travel warning is not aimed at Thailand

Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei has clarified that a safety warning issued by his embassy for Chinese nationals travelling to Thailand was intended as a precautionary measure to protect citizens, not as a warning targeting Thailand.

His clarification followed a report by the South China Morning Post on October 17 that the Chinese Embassy in Thailand had issued a fresh travel advisory on October 16, urging Chinese nationals to exercise greater caution amid concerns over job recruitment scams, kidnappings and transnational criminal networks.

The warning highlighted risks associated with unusually high-paying job offers circulated on social media, invitations to work in the entertainment industry or conduct business, and transport arrangements that could take travellers to remote areas along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

The report raised concerns among Thai tourism businesses that the advisory could affect visitor arrivals, particularly during the Chinese New Year holiday period early next year.

Speaking to reporters from the Nation Group, Zhang acknowledged the concerns among Thai media and the public, stressing that China and Thailand shared longstanding bonds of friendship.

"China and Thailand are connected by mountains and rivers, and share the same blood. China has always supported close people-to-people exchanges between the two countries," he said.

Thailand remains one of the most popular overseas destinations for Chinese travellers, while China has been one of Thailand's largest sources of tourists for many consecutive years, he noted.

He also pointed out that increasing numbers of Thai people were travelling to China. With exchanges growing in both directions, ensuring that everyone travels safely and returns home safely is a shared responsibility, he added.

Zhang explained that the embassy issued the advisory following several recent cases in which Chinese nationals went missing or suffered harm in Thailand, prompting widespread concern in China.

"In fact, the embassy receives more than 10 telephone calls a day from families of missing people or those stranded in Thailand seeking assistance.

"Protecting the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens is an unavoidable responsibility of the embassy. We therefore issued the warning to remind Chinese nationals to remain vigilant and take precautions to avoid falling victim to criminals. This is a preventive and protective measure and is in no way directed at Thailand," he said.

The ambassador acknowledged that the cases involved complex transnational criminal networks.

He also praised the Thai government and police for their considerable efforts in assisting Chinese nationals stranded in the country, as well as Thailand's firm commitment and decisive action against transnational crime, including telecommunications fraud.

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Thailand to combat cross-border criminal networks, maintain a positive tourism environment and safeguard the security of people in both countries, he said.

Zhang expressed confidence that joint efforts would enable the two countries to crack down on criminal activities effectively, allowing Chinese tourists to continue visiting Thailand in large numbers.

China remains supportive of more Chinese travellers visiting Thailand and also welcomes increasing numbers of Thai tourists to China, he added.

"I am confident that close exchanges between the peoples of our two countries will deepen mutual understanding and friendship, while ensuring that the special bond captured in the saying 'China and Thailand are as close as one family' is passed down from generation to generation," the ambassador said.