GMMTV has suspended a contracted security guard following a confrontation with a Chinese fan during a gathering at the International Novel Festival 2026, after the company concluded the guard used excessive force during the incident.
The entertainment company issued a statement on 26 July acknowledging that the security guard’s actions “in some parts” of the confrontation went beyond what was appropriate. The decision has since sparked a backlash from many Thai fans, who argue the guard was responding after allegedly being assaulted first.
The incident has also sparked outrage and threats of a boycott of Thai tourism, from Hong Kong and Taiwanese media.
Company distances itself from use of force
The altercation, which quickly spread across social media, took place in an area where fans had gathered ahead of an appearance by artists.
According to accounts shared online by witnesses, the dispute began when a Chinese fan allegedly removed another person’s space reservation sign and replaced it with her own umbrella. Witnesses also claimed she ignored repeated requests from staff to move from an area obstructing the artists’ walkway.
Picture courtesy of Manager Online
Video circulating online appears to show the fan kicking a security guard before the situation escalated. The guard then restrained the woman on the ground, prompting criticism from some viewers who said the response was excessive.
In its statement, GMMTV said it does not support violence in any form and expressed regret over the incident and its impact on those involved.
The company stressed that the guard was employed by an external security contractor rather than being a direct employee of GMMTV. Nevertheless, it said it accepted responsibility for supervising personnel working at its events and had suspended the guard from future assignments pending the outcome of a full investigation.
GMMTV also denied reports circulating online that it had filed legal action against anyone connected to the incident, stating those claims were false.
The company further said it has no policy of discrimination based on race or nationality, describing the confrontation as an isolated dispute between individuals that does not reflect its attitude towards people of any particular nationality.
Fans question company’s response
The statement has generated strong criticism from many Thai fans on social media, with commenters arguing the company failed to support a worker who they believe was physically attacked before using force.
Critics also questioned why the company announced disciplinary action against the guard but made no mention of any measures against the fan accused of breaking event rules and causing the disturbance.
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27 July 2026
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