China · The Thaiger
Thailand told to drop ‘grey Chinese’ label over stigma concerns
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 outlet. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
China’s ambassador to Thailand has asked Thai officials to stop using the term “grey Chinese” when referring to criminal suspects, saying the label stereotypes all Chinese nationals and has made some in China view Thailand as unwelcoming, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on Tuesday.
Key facts
- Surasak made the comments to reporters before attending the weekly Cabinet meeting at Government House on June 23
- China’s ambassador to Thailand has asked Thai officials to stop using the term “grey Chinese”
- The minister said the ambassador had indicated Chinese authorities were willing to cooperate if their nationals were found breaking Thai laws, but requested the term “grey Chinese”
- not be used, as it unfairly grouped all Chinese people together regardless of conduct.
Summary
Surasak made the comments to reporters before attending the weekly Cabinet meeting at Government House on June 23. He said the ambassador acknowledged that some Chinese nationals had broken Thai laws, but stressed that many others travelled to Thailand and contributed significantly to the economy through tourism spending.
The minister said the ambassador had indicated Chinese authorities were willing to cooperate if their nationals were found breaking Thai laws, but requested the term “grey Chinese” not be used, as it unfairly grouped all Chinese people together regardless of conduct.