Chinese Model Rescued From Human Traffickers Myanmar After Job Scam

A 23- to 25-year-old Chinese model surnamed Zhong was trafficked to Myanmar under the pretense of a modeling job in Thailand, prompting a coordinated rescue effort by Chinese and Thai authorities. Zhong had accepted an offer to shoot for a magazine cover and flew from Guangzhou to Bangkok, but was later taken to Myanmar without his consent, losing contact with his family. His sister's appeals on social media and to police in both countries helped spur the search, culminating in a video call from Zhong confirming his situation before his eventual rescue. The Chinese embassy in Thailand warned citizens about the dangers of high-paying job scams and emphasized the necessity of proper work permits for foreign employment in Thailand. In response to this and similar cases, China and Thailand agreed to establish a coordination center in Bangkok to investigate and combat trafficking and scam syndicates active along the Thai-Myanmar border. This incident highlights an ongoing issue where criminal networks lure Chinese nationals abroad with false job offers, often forcing victims into illegal activities or exploitation.