MMNN News | July 6, 2025
BEIJING – A young Chinese model who vanished after accepting what he thought was a modelling assignment in Thailand has been rescued from human traffickers in Myanmar, following a desperate online plea by his sister that quickly went viral.
The 25-year-old model, Zhong Hao Bin, had been working in the fashion industry for over four years. In early June, he received an offer to pose for a magazine shoot—what seemed to be a promising opportunity. He flew from Guangzhou to Bangkok on June 8, and was then taken to Tak province near the Thai-Myanmar border.
It was there that his family suddenly lost all contact with him.
Deeply worried, Zhong’s sister posted a heartfelt appeal on Chinese social media platform Weibo, describing her brother as “kind and trusting,” and a devoted son who had taken care of the family since their father’s passing. Her plea quickly drew widespread attention online, prompting public concern and formal appeals to authorities in China and Thailand.
On June 13, Zhong briefly managed to contact his family, informing them he had been deceived and trafficked across the border into Myanmar, but was unable to identify his exact location.
After weeks of effort and close coordination between international agencies, China Daily reported on July 3 that Zhong had finally been rescued. China’s embassy in Thailand confirmed the successful operation, though details remain scarce due to the sensitive nature of the case.
Zhong’s experience is sadly not unique. Earlier this year, Chinese actor Wang Xing fell victim to a similar scam, also being abducted in Thailand’s Tak province and rescued alongside 60 other trafficked Chinese nationals.
These incidents have fueled rising concern in China, with Thai tourism taking a hit. According to Pattaya Mail, Chinese tourist arrivals dropped to under 6,000 per day in April 2025—far below the usual 15,000–20,000 daily visitors.
In response, Thai authorities have stepped up security efforts, including the rollout of emergency mobile apps to help tourists quickly request help if needed.
Zhong Hao Bin is now safely back with his family and recovering from the ordeal. His family has expressed profound gratitude to all who helped bring him home.
