Men Tong Bangkok Concert Cancellation Raises Safety Concerns for Chinese Tourists
In a concerning turn of events, the recent cancellation of a concert in Bangkok, Thailand, has raised questions about the safety and treatment of Chinese tourists in the country. The incident, which involved a dispute over ticketing benefits, left some attendees feeling restricted and disrespected. This comes amidst growing concern over Thailand's tourism industry, which has been impacted by recent events, including the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing. As a result, some performers, such as Hong Kong singer Eason Chan, have canceled their upcoming concerts in Bangkok, citing safety concerns.
28 March 2025
The cancellation of the Men Tong concert in Bangkok, Thailand, was announced on March 10th, with the scheduled performance initially set for March 29th. This decision came following concerns about the safety of Chinese citizens and fans from various locations traveling to Thailand, as stated by the event organizers, Shanghai Shengfeng Cultural Performing Arts Ltd. The company, responsible for the Chen Yixin World Tour, noted that despite the tickets for the Bangkok station being completely sold out since December 2024, the safety of attendees was the priority. A detailed announcement explained that after thorough discussions with Chen Yixin, his management team, and the execution company in Bangkok, it was decided that the concert would be cancelled, with refunds to be processed within 10 working days for all ticket holders.
The news of the cancellation spread rapidly, with fans expressing their understanding and disappointment on social media. Some noted the quick turnaround in announcing the cancellation, highlighting the complexity and logistical challenges involved in such decisions. Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, with a mix of understanding and discontent in the comments section of the event's official social media announcement. Some fans have shown support for the organizers, acknowledging that cancellations can be unavoidable, while others have expressed speculation about the reasons behind the decision.
The primary concern cited is the safety of the audience, with the organizers stating that the safety of the spectators is their utmost priority. This indicates a proactive approach to addressing potential risks associated with the event. In a related incident, Korean boy group BOYNEXTDOOR's concert in Bangkok was also cancelled due to an earthquake, and some Chinese fans who attended the event have reportedly gone missing. One fan, named "周雨彤" (Zhou Yutong), was initially reported missing but has since been found, with her disappearance caused by a lost phone. However, other fans, including minors, remain unaccounted for, and online calls for help and information have been circulating.
The situation has sparked a wider discussion about the responsibility of event organizers and artists to prioritize fan safety, particularly in regions with elevated risk profiles. The cancellation of concerts due to safety concerns highlights the importance of considering the political and social climate when organizing large public events. It underscores the need for event organizers to be vigilant about potential risks and to take proactive measures to mitigate them, ensuring that the safety of attendees is not compromised. In response to the situation, some fans and netizens have come together to offer support and assistance to those affected, with some offering financial help to fans who are struggling to return home due to financial constraints. The incident may set a precedent for how event organizers and artists respond to safety concerns in the future, potentially influencing the way concerts and other large gatherings are planned and executed.
