The abduction of a young Chinese actor, who was trafficked from Thailand to Myanmar, prompted an unusually powerful public-pressure campaign and official actions.

Human rights advocates are demanding to know why the UN’s refugee agency hasn’t done more to secure the Uyghurs’ right to asylum.

United Nations human rights experts have urged Thailand not to send 48 Uyghurs in its custody back to China, warning they are at risk of torture, ill-treatment and "irreparable harm" if returned.

By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng BANGKOK - Thailand's visa waiver programme for Chinese nationals has come under scrutiny after the high-profile alleged kidnapping of a Chinese actor and similar crimes stoked worries over tourism and security.

BANGKOK: Thai authorities denied on Wednesday (Jan 22) there was an immediate plan to send back to China 48 Uyghurs held in the country's detention centres, after UN experts warned the group could face torture if they return.

US President Donald Trump's incoming secretary of state is among those calling for Thailand not to deport a group Uyghurs to China, where it is feared they would face persecution.

Officials from China, Myanmar, Thailand reached consensus on eradicating telecommunication fraud centres in Myanmar on Tuesday during a meeting in the Chinese city of Kunming, said China's national broadcaster.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to assure Chinese President Xi Jinping of the safety measures in place for Chinese tourists.

Escaped elephant in Phuket, PM2.5 crackdown, Indonesia floods, and more! Top Thailand & SEA news in today's update.

Abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing sent shock waves through Thailand’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on travellers from China.

In a year that saw China import US$7 billion of the fruit – a record – upstarts Vietnam and Malaysia are eyeing Thailand’s top spot.