Thai PM creates Mandarin AI video to assure Chinese tourists following border kidnapping concerns

BANGKOK - 22 JAN - Thailand has released an AI-generated video of its prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking fluent Mandarin to reassure Chinese tourists about their safety despite recent reports of kidnappings along the Thai-Myanmar border. Posted on the government’s Facebook page, the video features an AI likeness of Paetongtarn, who does not speak Mandarin in real life, addressing concerns over Chinese nationals being lured into scam compounds near the border. The AI video stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all tourists, particularly ahead of the Lunar New Year travel season.

Reports of scam compounds operating in Myanmar's borderlands, often staffed by trafficked foreigners forced into cyber-fraud operations, have heightened fears among potential Chinese visitors. Concerns escalated after allegations that two rising Chinese stars were trafficked from Thailand into these centres, sparking criticism on Chinese social media. Despite these fears, China remains Thailand’s largest source of tourists, with over 1.3 million arrivals in the first two weeks of January. The Thai government expects a seven percent rise in Chinese visitors during the Lunar New Year, potentially generating 8.8 billion baht (RM1.13 billion) for the economy.