Trafficked Chinese man survives Myanmar scam compound ordeal
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 38-year-old man from Mianzhu, Sichuan, says a business trip to Thailand turned into a 79-day captivity inside a Myanmar scam compound after he was allegedly abducted soon after landing in Bangkok. He said his knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine helped him survive the ordeal, while his sister spent weeks in Thailand and more than 300,000 yuan seeking his release before he was freed at the Mae Sot border checkpoint on Aug 26
Key Points
- Liu Xiuhong, 38, flew to Bangkok in June expecting to settle a business payment in person, but said he was abducted shortly after arrival
- He said armed men held a gun to his back, blindfolded him, taped his mouth shut and forced him across the Thai-Myanmar border
- Liu said he was sold to a cyber fraud group, ordered to memorize a script of more than 300 pages and impersonate a military officer targeting divorced women
- When he failed to memorize the script or refused to cooperate, he said he was repeatedly beaten with electric batons and fists
- Liu said he treated guards and captives with traditional Chinese medicine, later examining the boss and suggesting treatment for severe emphysema and a persistent cough
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case is a stark reminder that cross-border scam syndicates in the Thai-Myanmar border area can target Chinese-speaking travelers through seemingly routine business arrangements. It also shows how families may have to navigate police, consular channels and media pressure across jurisdictions before a captive is released