BANGKOK — China’s ambassador to Thailand has expressed concern over the use of the term “grey Chinese,” saying it unfairly stereotypes Chinese people and has led some in China to perceive Thailand as unfriendly, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on Tuesday.
Speaking before a Cabinet meeting at Government House on 23 June, Surasak said he recently met with the Chinese ambassador, who raised the issue during their discussion.
“The ambassador told me that if Chinese tourists break the law, we should say so, but not use the term ‘grey Chinese’ because China feels that Thailand is being unfriendly,” Surasak said.
According to the minister, the ambassador acknowledged that some Chinese nationals in Thailand have committed offences, but stressed that many others travel to Thailand and contribute significantly to the economy.
“He accepted that some Chinese people have done wrong, but many Chinese visitors spend money in Thailand. There are both good and bad people,” Surasak said.
“The term ‘grey Chinese’ labels an entire group. It is like branding or discriminating against a whole country by lumping everyone together, even though there are both good and bad people.”
The minister said Thailand would continue enforcing the law against anyone found committing offences, regardless of nationality.
“If people break the law, we must proceed according to legal procedures,” he said.
Asked about reports of Chinese nationals operating delivery service companies catering exclusively to Chinese customers, Surasak said such activities would be illegal under Thai law.
“That is already against the law. There will certainly be a crackdown,” he said.
He added that effective enforcement would require cooperation among several government agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Transport.
“If we do not work together, it will not succeed,” Surasak said.