Taiwan · China · Khaosod English
How Far Should Thailand Go to Accommodate China?
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The Chinese Ambassador to Thailand is apparently not happy about Thais using the term “grey Chinese” to refer to Chinese nationals who engage in criminal activities in Thailand and has made it known. Ambassador Zhang Jianwei feels the term made Thais appear “unfriendly” to Chinese visitors.
Key facts
- The Chinese Ambassador to Thailand is apparently not happy about Thais using the term “grey Chinese”
- His message was not directly delivered to the Thai public earlier this week, not even through Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, but through Thai Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, as if to hint that non-compliance
- In 2023, Thai public broadcaster Thai PBS deleted an interview with Taiwan’s foreign minister after a protest from China
- Earlier this week, China’s Vice Justice Minister Hu Weilie defended a provision in China’s new ethnic unity law, which takes effect on 1 July, saying China has the right to hold individuals and groups outside its borders legally
Summary
His message was not directly delivered to the Thai public earlier this week, not even through Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, but through Thai Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, as if to hint that non-compliance could see the loss of Chinese tourists coming to Thailand. China did that to Japan not long ago, and it may try to use tourism as leverage here if Thais do not comply.
Ambassador Zhang’s additional argument was that the term unfairly stereotypes Chinese people. What’s more, Tourism Minister Surasak added that the Chinese envoy said those who break the law should be referred to as offenders instead. Ambassador Zhang reportedly also acknowledged that some Chinese nationals have committed crimes, but said many more contribute positively to Thailand’s economy and tourism industry.