A male model has been unaccounted for since late December while a young woman has been reported missing since earlier this week.

Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was rescued from a human trafficking operation in Myanmar, is set to return to China on Friday night, Thai authorities confirmed. The rescue, prompted by the Chinese government's intervention, highlights the growing issue of cross-border human trafficking and online scams in Southeast Asia.

An alleged leader from Japan’s Yakuza crime syndicate has pleaded guilty to trafficking nuclear materials from Myanmar as part of a global web of trades in drugs, weapons and laundered cash, according to the US Department of Justice.

Wang Xing, a Chinese actor renowned for his role in “Ip Man 3” and also known by his stage name Xing Xing, disclosed that during his kidnapping in Myanmar, he was coerced into learning scamming techniques.

A joint operation by China and ethnic insurgent groups back in 2023 did seek to shut down scam centres in Myanmar's Shan State. But those on the ground — NGOs and independent rescuers—tell the BBC the scams are still growing, with construction expanding into even more remote regions.

The 22-year-old was rescued from a human trafficking operation on Jan 7 after going missing near the Thai-Myanmar border on Jan 3.

Many Chinese travellers planning to visit Thailand for the upcoming Lunar New Year have expressed concerns on social media this week and posed blunt questions. Is Chiang Mai safe? How can I convince the travel agency to refund expenses if I want to cancel my trip to Thailand?

9 Jan - Chinese actor Wang Xing has revealed harrowing details of his detention at a scam compound following his rescue on January 7, describing how he was forced to train as a scammer after being lured under the pretence of a film project.

Actor who went missing near Thailand-Myanmar border confirms he fell victim to human trafficking scheme disguised as film casting call.