Eason Chan performs in Shenzhen on his “Fear and Dream World Tour”. - Photo: Facebook/Fear and Dreams World Tour
HONG KONG/BANGKOK: Hong Kong singer Eason Chan Yik-shun has cancelled his coming concert in Thailand, with the organiser saying safety concerns for Chinese citizens and fans travelling to the country prompted the move.
The Cantopop star’s Bangkok concert, scheduled for February 22, was axed just days after a mainland Chinese actor was reported missing while travelling in Thailand. Actor Wang Xing was later rescued from an online scam syndicate just across the border in Myanmar.
The decision on Chan’s show was made “in light of recent safety issues concerning Chinese citizens and fans travelling to Thailand”, organiser Sunfan Media Group said on Friday.
“After careful discussions with Eason Chan, his management team, and the relevant companies in Bangkok, we have made the cautious decision to cancel the Eason Chan Fear and Dreams World Tour Bangkok concert,” a spokesman said.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause you.”
Ticket holders would receive full refunds, the organiser said.
Singer Eason Chan's concert, the Bangkok stop of FEAR and DREAMS World Tour, originally scheduled to take place on February 22, 2025, has been canceled, the organizers announced on Friday in a statement. - Photo: screenshot of the statement via China Global Times
On top of that, there were speculation about the dangers facing fans intensified after disturbing screenshots circulated online, revealing a criminal group’s plans to exploit attendees of Chan’s concert.
The messages outlined a strategy to target young, affluent concertgoers, suggesting that members of the gang should pose as fans to lure victims.
The messages outlined a strategy to target young, affluent concertgoers, suggesting that members of the gang should pose as fans to lure victims.
In response to these safety concerns, Chan’s management team decided to cancel the concert to ensure the well-being of his audience.
All ticket holders will receive full refunds, and the organiser has urged the public to remain vigilant while travelling, especially in light of the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations. They advised fans to be cautious of unfamiliar individuals and to select reputable transport and accommodation options.
The cancellation has disappointed many fans, but Eason Chan’s team has prioritised safety above all else, expressing hope to reschedule the concert in the future when conditions are safer.
Thailand is a popular destination for concerts by Japanese and Korean artists.
Last year, South Korean superstar IU and the popular girl group (G)I-DLE held concerts there in June and October, respectively. This month and next, many K-Pop groups, as well as Japanese and international artists, are set to perform in Thailand.
The disbanded Korean girl group 2NE1 will reunite for their “WELCOME BACK 2024-25 ASIA TOUR IN BANGKOK” concert on 25th January, while the Japanese duo YOASOBI will have two performances on the 25th and 26th.
Next month, several K-Pop acts will also be heading to Thailand, including the popular group Seventeen, Big Bang member Taeyang, and NCT 127.
American rock bands Green Day and Maroon 5 are also scheduled to perform in Bangkok next month.
Many overseas fans had already secured tickets to see their idols but, following the Wang Xing incident, numerous attendees are now concerned about safety and are asking the organisers if they can get refunds. - Agencies
