30-9-2023 (YANGON) The military junta in Myanmar has voiced its dismay over a popular Chinese movie that delves into the dark world of scams and human trafficking in Southeast Asia, claiming that it has cast a negative light on Myanmar’s reputation.
The blockbuster thriller, titled “No More Bets,” takes viewers on a journey through a narrative that unfolds in the context of people being lured into working with a scam network operating in Southeast Asia. The film has enjoyed tremendous success, grossing a staggering 3.8 billion yuan (equivalent to $520 million) and ranking as the third most popular movie in China this year.
While the movie does not explicitly name Myanmar, its setting bears a striking resemblance to the lawless northern regions of the country, an area that Beijing has pointed out as a hotspot where Chinese citizens are often enticed into scams or human trafficking.
Recently, U Kyaw Soe Thein, the Myanmar consul-general in Nanning, engaged in discussions with officials from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region regarding the film, as reported by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. During these talks, U Kyaw Soe Thein voiced his apprehension about how the film has negatively impacted Myanmar’s image, underscoring that the Myanmar government has been collaborating with neighboring nations, including China, to combat online crimes.
Tourism authorities in Thailand have acknowledged that the film might make some Chinese travelers think twice about visiting Southeast Asia. They also acknowledged the genuine concerns about safety and security held by Chinese tourists, emphasizing the importance of addressing these concerns constructively.
A recent United Nations report highlights the disturbing fact that over 120,000 people are forcibly employed in the cyber scam industry in Myanmar alone. “No More Bets” has not been screened in cinemas within Myanmar.
