Efforts on to find actor reported missing in Thailand

The Chinese Embassy in Thailand said Monday it is trying to locate a Chinese actor reported missing near the Thailand-Myanmar border.

The actor, identified as Wang Xing, lost contact with his family on Friday, according to a social media post by a user claiming to be his girlfriend.

The post on Sina Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, urged authorities and the public for assistance.

"Urgent! Actor Wang Xing lost communication near the Thailand-Myanmar border at noon on Jan 3 after joining a film crew in Thailand," the post read.

In a statement Monday, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand said it was working closely with Thai authorities and Wang's family to locate him.

The Chinese Consulate-General in Chiang Mai in Thailand is also involved in the efforts.

"We are actively providing necessary assistance and making every effort to locate the individual," the embassy said.

The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar also said it was monitoring the situation.

Wang, who has appeared in supporting roles in several films and TV series, including Ip Man 3, The Tale of Rose and Under the Skin 2, reportedly received a casting invitation from a Thailand-based film crew in late December.

According to his girlfriend's post, Wang departed Shanghai on Jan 2.

He arrived in Bangkok the following morning and got in a car arranged by the film crew.

Based on social media chat records with his girlfriend, Wang's last known location was near Myawaddy, a town in southeastern Myanmar, close to the Thai border.

She said Wang messaged her for the last time at 11:34 am to inform her about a vehicle change, stating he was en route to the film's opening ceremony.

Wang sent a signal for help at 12 pm before disappearing, she said in the post. Wang has not been heard from since.

Concerns over potential foul play have been raised, as the post alleged that other actors received similar casting invitations from the same agent but avoided possible danger by refusing to get in the car arranged for them at the airport.

Wang's brother has filed a missing persons report with the Baoshan branch of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, according to local Chinese media.

The incident has sparked concern among some of Wang's colleagues.

Chinese actor Gong Jun, who has worked with Wang, expressed his well-wishes on social media.

"He is a talented actor with a strong work ethic. I wish him safety and well-being," Gong wrote.