Chinese influencer faces charges in Thailand over visa violation following controversial video on women's safety
Thai police charge Chinese influencer for visa violations after controversial video on women's safety in Bangkok raises concerns and draws attention on Chinese social media Thailand's reliance on Chinese tourist revenue adds complexity to the situation
A Chinese social media influencer is facing legal action from Thai police for violating visa rules. This comes just days after she received criticism for her video portraying a popular Bangkok nightlife area as unsafe for women. Police Major General Phanthana Nutchanart stated that Ziyu Wang, a Chinese national traveling in Thailand, was found to be selling goods online while in the country, which is a violation of visa laws.
Wang, 28, had arrived in Bangkok on November 2 on a tourist visa, Thai police told CNN.
"She worked here without a work permit and police are processing her," Nutchanart said.
"We have summoned her and informed her of the charge of violating (her) visa."
Chinese social media influencer Ziyu Wang issued an apology for her video after it sparked a backlash in Thailand
Ziyu Wang/Facebook
Thailand's attempt to attract Chinese tourists after the Covid-19 pandemic is complicated by this case, which also demonstrates the potential legal consequences for social media influencers when their content sparks public outrage abroad.
Wang has over 3 million followers across various social media platforms, primarily on Douyin, China's equivalent of TikTok, as well as on non-Chinese social media platforms. On December 5, she posted a video on Douyin while strolling near Nana Plaza, known for its risqué adult entertainment venues.
The video depicts Wang suggesting that the area is unsafe for women as she captures footage of several Western men appearing to look at her. The video quickly went viral and was interpreted by many in Thailand as being critical of the country's image and exaggerating the level of danger.
After being summoned by the police a few days later, Wang admitted to creating the video. She later issued a public apology, with officials stating that she denied any intent to harm Thailand's reputation.
In a video posted on Facebook, the 28-year-old influencer expressed her regret for any unintended offense and misinterpretations caused by her words. She deeply regretted any negative impact on Nana District and the Thai people. She emphasized her utmost respect for the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of Thailand, stating that she has always intended to promote a positive and accurate portrayal of Thai culture to a broader audience.
CNN has contacted the Tourism Authority of Thailand for comment.
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Reputational damage
Thailand's attempts to regain the valuable Chinese tourist market have been hindered by safety worries that have circulated on Chinese social media, suggesting that travelers could be abducted and forced to work in scam operations in neighboring countries. These concerns have been amplified by the release of two Chinese films, "No More Bets" and "Lost in the Stars", which portray fictional Southeast Asian nations as hotbeds of criminal activity.
In October, a Chinese citizen was killed in a shooting at a well-known Bangkok shopping mall. Despite introducing several incentives in the past year, such as visa-free travel for Chinese tourists, the number of Chinese tourist arrivals remains significantly low, according to Gary Bowerman, an expert in Asia travel and consumer trends, who spoke to CNN.
After three years of the pandemic, traveler confidence takes time to rebuild, especially with recent unhelpful Chinese movies," he stated. Millions of Chinese tourists are now taking holidays, with many heading to Thailand.
Video spreads on Chinese social media
Wang's video, originally taken down from her accounts but now circulating on other platforms, shows her navigating the streets of Nana and captures numerous instances of her being ogled or approached by foreign men and local street vendors.
She talks to the camera in the video, expressing her concern about the lack of safety standards in Bangkok. At one point, she stops on the side of the road to use her phone and is approached by a foreign man, whom she dismisses quickly.
"He approached me to say hello and inquire about my well-being. Wang predicted that if he had tried to take me away, I wouldn't have been able to escape," she stated. "That's why I believe women should not come here (to Nana) alone," she added. "It's very risky because you never know who you might encounter... the majority of people lingering around are not good people."
Wang's video is surfacing at a time when there is a growing awareness of security and personal safety among Chinese travelers, as noted by Bowerman. He states, "We are seeing a younger, more security-conscious demographic, moving away from larger tour groups and instead opting for customized travel plans that give them more freedom to select their activities."
According to him, Chinese travel influencers are exceptionally influential due to the unique dynamics of China's tech industry. They have control over apps and social media platforms that are not widely used outside of China, allowing them to reach large audiences that have been relatively isolated for years. This gives them considerable power to shape public perceptions of destinations, whether positively or negatively.
Thailand is collaborating with Chinese influencers to boost tourism by signing an agreement with Chinese tech firms in November for launching campaigns and travel promotions.
Chinese travellers are greeted by members of the Thai media upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Jack Taylor/AFP/Getty Images
Thailand needs Chinese tourist money
Thailand has some of the worlds strictest criminal defamation laws and tourists have previously found themselves in trouble for posting unvarnished views online.
In 2020, an American man was arrested and held for two days following a negative review he posted on a travel site, sparking significant media attention. The man was later released after reaching a resolution with the hotel, including issuing an apology, according to Reuters.
Prior to the pandemic, Thailand welcomed 11 million Chinese tourists in 2019. Despite the reopening of borders in 2022, there was a significant decline in numbers, with only 273,567 arrivals from mainland China. The country aims to boost this number to 5 million by the conclusion of 2023.
"According to Greg Raymond, a researcher in Southeast Asia and senior lecturer at the Australian National University's Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Studies, Thailand's government is eager to attract Chinese tourists and is very sensitive about the tourism industry's reputation. The government is concerned about the impact of a Chinese tourist creating a viral vlog that could potentially damage the country's image and deter other Chinese travelers from visiting."
The potential harm may have already been inflicted.
According to Bowerman, "2023 has shown countries like Thailand and the rest of the region that governments need to seriously reconsider their approach to the Chinese tourist market - they cannot assume a return to the travel levels or behaviors of 2019, as we are now in a new era."
"The pandemic has changed the Chinese market and destinations now have to be very, very aware of the new challenges."
