17-1-2025 (BANGKOK) The disappearance of Chinese model Yang Zeqi has sparked a cross-border investigation, with both Thai and Myanmar authorities coming up empty-handed in their search efforts. The 20-something model was last heard from in late December near the Thai border town of Mae Sot, following what appears to be a suspicious film casting offer.
Thai security officials report that Yang arrived at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on 20 December after receiving what he believed to be a successful film audition notification via WeChat. The journey that followed took him from the capital to Thailand’s western frontier in a series of vehicle changes, with the final leg reportedly arranged by alleged film crew members.
Growing concerns about Yang’s safety intensified after a distressing message sent to friends on 21 December, in which he expressed feelings of depression. His last known contact was a video call with his mother on 29 December, after which all communication ceased.
Colonel Natthakorn Reuntip, who heads the Ratchamanu Task Force in Tak province, confirms that despite extensive coordination with Myanmar officials, no trace of Yang has been found. The case bears alarming similarities to recent incidents involving Chinese nationals being lured across the border for forced labour in fraudulent call centre operations.
The disappearance has prompted Yang’s father to file a formal missing person report with Thailand’s national police chief, Police General Kitrat Phanphet. The family fears Yang may have fallen victim to trafficking gangs, drawing parallels to the recent case of Chinese actor Xingxing, who was successfully rescued from a similar situation.
In response to the mounting crisis, Thai authorities have erected multilingual warning signs along the Tak border, cautioning potential victims about fraudulent job offers.
