HK singer Eason Chan cancels Bangkok concert after Chinese actor’s kidnapping

Hong Kong singer Eason Chan’s world tour is titled Fear And Dreams, but it seems fear may have overtaken recently.

The 50-year-old singer cancelled the sold-out Bangkok leg of his tour, originally slated to be held at the Thai capital’s Impact Arena on Feb 22. This was following widespread concerns about safety in Thailand among Chinese netizens

after a Chinese actor went missing from a Thai town bordering Myanmar

, before he was rescued from a scam centre.

In a statement posted on Weibo on Jan 10, concert organiser SFEG explained the cancellation to Chan’s fans.

“Your warm support and patience gave us great motivation to put on a good show. All our staff have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure a memorable concert experience for all.

“But the safety of audience members is of utmost importance to Eason and us. Considering the recent safety concerns regarding travel to Thailand for Chinese citizens and fans from other countries, the concert stop in Bangkok has been cancelled after much internal discussion,” read the statement.

The organiser promised refunds to all ticket holders and offered a word of caution for those who are travelling.

“Be careful and discerning about information online, be cautious about strangers who approach you during your travels, opt for legitimate transport and lodging options and always keep your valuables by your side,” it said.

The announcement comes days after

small-time Chinese actor Wang Xing went missing

on Jan 3 in Mae Sot, a Thai town bordering Myanmar, after he was lured to Thailand with a fake acting opportunity. The Chinese embassy in Thailand confirmed that he was rescued from a scam centre on Jan 7.

Cybercrime syndicates are thriving in Myanmar. Many are reportedly run by Chinese fugitives, who lure and abduct other unsuspecting Chinese citizens to work under abusive conditions at scam centres with promises of job opportunities.

Wang’s case went viral in China and has sparked fears about travel to Thailand among Chinese citizens, with many reportedly cancelling vacation plans there.

Chan, known for songs like King Of Karaoke (2000) and Ten Years (2003), has not posted about the Bangkok leg’s cancellation on his social media accounts. The Fear And Dreams world tour stopped over in Singapore for a two-night gig at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in April 2023.