Thailand has taken an innovative, albeit unconventional, approach to quell safety concerns among Chinese tourists by releasing an AI-generated video featuring a likeness of its prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking fluently in Mandarin. The video, posted to the Thai government’s official Facebook page on Wednesday, directly addresses Chinese travelers, emphasizing Thailand’s commitment to their safety despite alarming reports of kidnappings and trafficking near the Thai-Myanmar border.
The video begins with the AI-rendered image of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra introducing the clip by stating it was created using generative artificial intelligence. This is particularly significant as the real-life leader does not speak Mandarin, making the video a clear example of the potential of AI to transcend linguistic barriers.
“I understand that recent reports of Chinese nationals being lured to scam compounds around Thailand’s borders have triggered concerns among Chinese tourists,” the AI version of Paetongtarn says in impeccable Mandarin. She reassures viewers that “Thailand’s government puts the safety of all tourists as its utmost priority.”
While some viewers praised the innovative use of AI to address concerns in a relatable manner, others noticed occasional glitches, such as the AI model’s hands appearing distorted at times, which served as a reminder of the technology’s imperfections.
The video’s release comes amid mounting fears among Chinese citizens following reports that scam compounds—predominantly located in Myanmar’s lawless border regions—are involved in human trafficking and cybercrime. These compounds are reportedly operated by transnational criminal networks and staffed by victims coerced or trafficked into forced labor.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced alleging that two rising Chinese celebrities were trafficked into Myanmar from Thailand, fueling outrage on Chinese social media platforms. This has led to widespread concern about the safety of traveling to Thailand, with some netizens dubbing it a “dangerous” destination.
The Thai-Myanmar border, long known for its porous and loosely monitored crossings, has become a hotspot for these criminal activities. Analysts estimate that the fraudulent operations run out of these compounds are part of a billion-dollar illicit industry, exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit.
The Thai government has been working to address these concerns head-on. In the AI video, the digital likeness of Prime Minister Paetongtarn underscores Thailand’s efforts to enhance safety measures and combat transnational crime.
She states, “Thailand is committed to working closely with international partners to dismantle these criminal networks and ensure the safety of everyone who visits our country.”
These reassurances come as part of Thailand’s broader strategy to restore confidence in its tourism sector, which has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. The country saw 1.3 million tourist arrivals in the first two weeks of January, with Chinese nationals comprising nearly one-sixth of that total.
The timing of the video’s release is no coincidence. With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, Thailand is preparing for a significant influx of Chinese tourists. Officials are anticipating a 7% increase in Chinese arrivals during this festive period, which is expected to contribute approximately 8.8 billion baht (US$255 million) to the nation’s income.
Thailand’s tourism industry has been recovering steadily following the global pandemic, and the return of Chinese tourists—a key demographic—is crucial to sustaining this growth. To ensure a successful holiday period, the government has deployed additional security measures in popular tourist destinations and enhanced monitoring at border crossings.
While the use of AI to communicate with Chinese tourists has drawn attention for its creativity, it has also sparked debate about the role of artificial intelligence in official communication. Critics have raised questions about the ethical implications of using AI-generated representations of public figures, particularly in instances where viewers may not fully understand that they are not seeing the real individual.
The government was transparent about the video’s use of AI, but some viewers expressed unease about its uncanny realism. Others saw it as a practical and effective solution to overcome language barriers, enabling a direct and relatable message to a key audience.
Beyond tourism, the issue of trafficking and scam compounds remains a significant challenge for Thailand. Authorities have pledged to intensify cross-border cooperation with Myanmar and other regional partners to dismantle these criminal networks.
Recent high-profile rescues of trafficked individuals have highlighted both the scope of the problem and the efforts being made to address it. In one case, Thai authorities intercepted a group of trafficked workers being transported to a scam compound, leading to arrests and the repatriation of several victims.
As Thailand navigates these complex challenges, the government’s proactive measures—ranging from AI-generated public outreach to enhanced border security—illustrate its commitment to protecting both its citizens and visitors.
For Chinese tourists, the message is clear: despite the concerns raised by recent reports, Thailand remains a safe and welcoming destination. The government’s innovative use of AI to communicate this reassurance underscores its determination to restore confidence and maintain its reputation as a premier travel destination.
