Chinese travelers are canceling plans to visit Thailand during the Lunar New Year holiday, as fears over human trafficking reverberate across the country.

Thailand is stepping up security for tourists to restore the confidence of Chinese visitors, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Friday after an alleged kidnapping of a Chinese actor sparked concerns about the safety of travellers.

Chinese tourists visiting Thailand for Lunar New Year are worried about being kidnapped by gangsters to work in hellish scam centres, despite efforts to reassure them.

Chinese interest in Thailand as a vacation destination has taken a hit during the annual Lunar New Year holiday. Bookings have declined by 15.6 percent from January 13 to 20, compared to the previous week.