The task force is expected to work closely with officials from Hong Kong’s Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Bangkok as well as Chinese embassy officials in the Thai capital.
“The ETO alone may not have enough political power, manpower or security expertise to handle these cases so the task force, which consists of officers from the Immigration Department, policemen and bureau staff, can help in coordination and communication,” Chan said.
CHINESE TOURISTS SPOOKED
Wang’s disappearance and his subsequent rescue, spooked Chinese tourists with travel plans to Thailand.
Thai police have since launched investigations into the disappearances of two more Chinese nationals amid human trafficking concerns.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has addressed concerns about reports of safety fears among Chinese tourists, which has affected Thailand’s tourism sector.
She also attributed fears to online misinformation about Thailand’s reputation, describing such claims as “baseless and damaging”.
“(We are) now working to ensure the dissemination of accurate information to international audiences and to curb the spread of harmful misinformation,” she told Thai media outlets, adding that her government was working to rebuild trust among Chinese as well as international tourists.
In a statement posted on their official WeChat account, Chinese embassy officials in Bangkok reminded citizens to be wary of recruitment offers offering high salaries or suspicious perks like “air tickets, food and accommodation”.
Chinese visitors must adhere to visa regulations and not work abroad illegally, officials said.
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan last Friday cancelled his upcoming concert in Bangkok, slated to take place on Feb 22, with organisers citing safety concerns for Chinese citizens and fans travelling to Thailand.
Source: CNA
