China Urges Thailand to Target Criminals, Not Nationalities
China Urges Thailand to Target Criminals, Not Nationalities
BANGKOK, June 24, 2026 – China’s ambassador to Thailand has urged Thai authorities to avoid using the term “grey Chinese” to describe Chinese nationals involved in criminal activities, saying the label unfairly stereotypes Chinese people and has contributed to perceptions in China that Thailand is unfriendly toward Chinese visitors.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul disclosed the ambassador’s remarks before a Cabinet meeting at Government House on Tuesday, saying the issue was raised during a recent meeting between the two sides.
According to Surasak, the ambassador said authorities should clearly identify Chinese nationals who commit crimes but avoid using the term “grey Chinese,” arguing that it unfairly brands an entire nationality.
The ambassador acknowledged that some Chinese nationals in Thailand had violated the law but stressed that many Chinese tourists contributed significantly to the Thai economy through tourism spending, the minister said.
Surasak quoted the ambassador as saying that every country has both law-abiding citizens and offenders, and that criminal acts committed by individuals should not be used to characterise all Chinese people.
The minister said Thailand would continue to enforce its laws equally regardless of nationality, adding that anyone found violating Thai law would be prosecuted in accordance with legal procedures.
Asked about reports that Chinese nationals were operating delivery service businesses catering exclusively to Chinese customers, Surasak said such operations would already be illegal under Thai law if found to violate existing regulations.
He said authorities would take action against any unlawful businesses, adding that enforcement would require coordination among several government agencies, including the Ministries of Commerce and Transport.
The comments come amid continued scrutiny of business activities involving foreign nationals in Thailand and government efforts to crack down on illegal operations while maintaining diplomatic relations with China.
