8-6-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) A woman believed to be Chong Sum Yee, the Malaysian who was reported missing in Mae Sai District of Chiang Rai province, has appeared in three online videos, stating that she is “safe and healthy.” Chong, a 22-year-old beautician, was last seen in Mae Sai district, located in northern Thailand.
According to reports, Chong flew to Chiang Mai on May 29 and then traveled approximately 250 kilometers to Mae Sai, which is situated close to the town of Tachilek in Myanmar. The region has previously experienced incidents of human trafficking.
The videos were posted by a Facebook user named ‘Moe Aye’ in the comment section of a post made by Chong’s mother, Chee Choy Wen. In the videos, the woman with long hair repeatedly assures viewers of her safety and well-being. She also requests that the police stop bothering the driver who transported her, as he supposedly had no knowledge of her situation.
One of the videos, lasting 23 seconds, shows the woman wearing a dark-colored shirt and saying, “Hello. I am currently working here and I am safe. Do not worry about me.”
In another video, lasting 33 seconds, the young woman reiterates that she is fine, healthy, and has not been harmed. She addresses friends, family members, and netizens, asking them not to worry. The video shows her holding a bowl of food as she says, “Bye, bye. I am going to eat now.”
Another video depicts the woman standing at a merchandise counter while making a peace sign gesture.
The videos have sparked debate among netizens, with many expressing doubt and skepticism. Some netizens have pointed out that the woman appears uneasy and has pauses while speaking, suggesting that she may have been coerced into recording the videos.
Questions have also been raised as to why Chong did not directly call her mother instead of posting the videos through an unknown person on Facebook.
Earlier, Thai police stated that initial investigations revealed Chong had crossed the border into Tachilek, Myanmar, on May 30.
In the meantime, Chong’s mother, Chee Choy Wen, has arrived in Mae Sai on June 7. Accompanied by a translator, Chee met with the police to provide information and documents.
Local media reported that Chee received a message on the Line app, stating, “Mom, don’t worry.” However, she suspects that the message was written on behalf of her daughter by someone else.
Chee is currently staying at a hotel in Mae Sai, anxiously awaiting her daughter’s safe return.
