Photographer Han Shaojie returns to China after Bangkok kidnapping

Han Shaojie, a 34-year-old professional photographer based in Beijing, has safely returned to China after being kidnapped in Bangkok, Thailand.

Han arrived in Bangkok on October 5 for a week-long filming assignment. Although he initially checked in with his family via video call, he went missing later that night. His family subsequently received distressing voice messages in which Han reported being held at gunpoint, robbed, and sold to an unknown facility. Kidnappers demanded a ransom of 150,000 yuan, along with additional rescue fees.

The case prompted a joint investigation involving the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, Chinese police, and Thai local authorities. Following the incident, Han's family confirmed on October 11 that he had landed safely in China, ending a six-day ordeal. The Wuxiang County Public Security Bureau in Shanxi has officially filed a case regarding the illegal detention.