(CTN News) – A Chinese influencer is facing deportation from Thailand after posting a video that allegedly tarnished the country’s image as a tourism destination.
A Douyin account belonging to Wang Ziyu, titled “Thailand 77Seven,” boasts about three million followers.
Authorities in her hometown investigated her for allegedly smearing Thailand after she said that tourists should avoid the Nana red light district in Bangkok.
A video shows Wang and a companion being interrogated by a group of Thai officials while seated at a conference table in a local police station.
Wang has shared many films documenting her travels since her November 2 arrival in Bangkok on a tourist visa. The video became viral on December 5, and the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau took notice after she uploaded it.
The world-renowned Nana red light area is a hive of activity, and Wang captured herself exploring it one night at around 11:30 p.m. Along with claiming the location was dangerous, she declared that “99 per cent” of tourists were “sleazy” and that ladies should never go there alone.
Wang was compelled to remove the video and issue a public apology in English, Thai, and Chinese when the Thai government took note of the online outcry against her comments.
“I am aware that my remarks could hurt feelings and I sincerely apologize to the people of Thailand and the Nana district,” Wang added to his Facebook post.
Additionally, she vowed to use her platform responsibly and sensitively moving forward.
According to the news source, Thai authorities have started legal action against Wang for violating visa requirements for another reason, notwithstanding her earnest apology.
Wang was discovered to be working in Thailand without a permit, which goes against the country’s visa regulations, according to Pol Maj-General Phanthana Nutchanart, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, who spoke with the media.
In addition to a fine of up to 10,000 yuan (about $1,400), Wang faces the possibility of deportation from Thailand and a ban on future entry into the nation.
On Chinese social media, people had mixed reactions to the tale.
“She’s just being honest, so she’s not guilty,” someone commented.
“Anything for traffic, she does. Guess who’s footing the bill now? Someone else typed.
In China, stories on the alleged controversial actions of internet celebrities often appear in the media.
Earlier this month, a woman in central China was criticized for filming herself doing yoga at a holy historical site. Critics called her actions “vulgar” and “inappropriate,” which started a discussion about proper public conduct.
Another incident occurred in August of last year when a travel influencer hired workers to push a sedan chair up a mountain for him, causing an internet uproar. His detractors said he was “paying money to humiliate others,” while his supporters stood by him.
