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 view Thailand as unfriendly. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul revealed the discussion before a Cabinet meeting at Government House in Bangkok on 23 June.
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Surasak said he recently met with the Chinese ambassador, who raised the issue directly. According to the minister, the ambassador said that if Chinese tourists break the law, authorities should state that clearly, but should avoid using the term “grey Chinese” because China sees it as unfriendly.
The minister said the ambassador acknowledged that some Chinese nationals in Thailand have committed offences. However, he stressed that many Chinese visitors travel to Thailand and make significant contributions to the economy through tourism spending.
Surasak said the ambassador’s position was that there are both good and bad people within any nationality and that applying a label to an entire group amounts to branding or discriminating against a whole country. He quoted the ambassador as saying that wrongdoing by some individuals should not define all Chinese people.
The minister emphasised that Thailand would continue to enforce its laws equally, regardless of nationality. He said that anyone found breaking the law would face legal action through the proper procedures.
During the briefing, Surasak was also asked about reports that Chinese nationals were operating delivery service companies that catered exclusively to Chinese customers. He said such activities would already be illegal under Thai law.
The minister stated that authorities would take action against any unlawful operations. He said a crackdown would certainly take place if violations were confirmed.
Surasak added that successful enforcement would require cooperation between several government agencies. He specifically mentioned the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Transport as key organisations that would need to work together.
He warned that enforcement efforts would not succeed without coordination among the relevant authorities. The comments come amid continuing scrutiny of business activities involving foreign nationals and concerns over compliance with Thai regulations.
Khaosod reported that the government is expected to continue investigating reports of illegal business operations while maintaining law enforcement measures against offenders. At the same time, officials appear mindful of diplomatic sensitivities surrounding language used to describe foreign nationals involved in criminal or illegal activities.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 24 June 2026