Users on Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu asked if it was safe to travel to Thailand while a Hong Kong singer-actor canceled his Bangkok concert.

Hong Kong man has been rescued from Myanmar after being lured into forced illegal labour in Southeast Asia, according to a former district councillor who has been assisting victims. Andy Yu Tak-po revealed the development on Monday afternoon after accompanying a family member of a kidnapped victim to submit a petition letter at the Myanmar Consulate General in Hong Kong earlier that day.

Wang Xing was living in fear. His head had been shaved. He couldn’t sleep and was in a strange place where his captors were forcing him to type – the first phase of training for an unwanted role.

A total of 18 trafficking victims have been rescued, leaving 10 still held captive by Myanmar scam rings, chief executive John Lee said.

Situation returns to spotlight after rescue effort to save mainland Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was kidnapped along Thai-Myanmarese border.

Hong Kong officials held rare talks in Bangkok this week with Thai counterparts to find ways to bring home those lured from the Asian financial hub and trapped in illegal work in Southeast Asia, seeking to combat a growing trend.

Since the second quarter of 2024, more Hong Kongers are being trafficked into Southeast Asian countries to work in notorious online scam hubs, the city’s security bureau said.

Some residents previously held captive in Southeast Asia managed to return to Hong Kong after families paid ransoms.

THE Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro) has trimmed its 2025 growth projections for most of the 10 Asean member states, as well as China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea – a region that altogether contributes to more than 40 per cent of global growth.

Hong Kong singer Eason Chan Yik-shun has cancelled his coming concert in Thailand, with the organiser citing safety concerns for Chinese citizens and fans travelling to the country.

Security official Michael Cheuk expresses hope 12 Hong Kong residents stuck in Southeast Asia can be brought home before Lunar New Year.

The Hong Kong Chief Executive announced that a task force was dispatched to Thailand to rescue Hong Kong residents forced into illegal work.