Missing Malaysian says she is safe and healthy but many doubt authenticity of videos

BANGKOK: A woman believed to be the Malaysian who was reported missing in Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai province has appeared in three online videos, saying she "safe and healthy".

The woman, believed to be Chong Sum Yee, a 22-year-old beautician, was last seen in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province.

It was reported that Chong flew to Chiang Mai on May 29 and travelled about 250km to the northernmost district of Mae Sai in Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand. The place is close to the neighbouring town of Tachilek in Myanmar, where incidences of human trafficking have been reported.

The videos were posted by a Facebook user named 'Moe Aye' in the comment section of a post made by her mother, Chee Choy Wen.

In two of the videos, the long-haired woman repeatedly says she is safe and healthy. She also pleads the police to stop bothering the driver who sent her there as he supposedly knew nothing about her situation.

In a 23-second video, the woman clad in dark-coloured shirt says: "Hello. I am currently working here and I am safe. Do not worry about me."

In anther 33-second video, the young woman repeats she is fine, healthy and had not been beaten.

"Friends, family members, and netizens, please don't worry.... Bye, bye. I am going to eat now," she says in the video with a bowl of food visible.

In another video, the woman stands at a merchandise counter and makes a peace sign gesture.

The videos sparked debate among netizens, with many expressing doubt and skepticism.

Netizens pointed out that Chong's uneasy expression as well as pauses when speaking seemed to indicate she was forced to record the videos.

Netizens also questioned why Chong did not call her mother directly instead of posting the videos via an unknown person on Facebook.

Earlier, Thai police said initial investigations found Chong had crossed the border into Tachilek, Myanmar on May 30.

Meanwhile, Chong's mother, Chee Choy Wen arrived in Mae Sai on Wednesday (June 7).

Accompanied by a translator, Chee met with police to provide information and documents.

Meanwhile, local media reported that Chee received a message on the Line app saying "Mom, don't worry."

She suspected that the message was written on behalf of her daughter by someone else.

Chee is currently staying at a hotel in Mae Sai to wait for her daughter's safe return. – Bernama