Sihasak seeks facts after embassy raises Chinese fan case

Thailand has ordered a fact-finding inquiry into a confrontation involving a Chinese fan at a Bangkok event after the Chinese embassy called for prompt action, while GMMTV has suspended an external staff member pending its own investigation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said at Sanam Luang on Tuesday (July 28) that he had instructed the authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The confrontation took place during an artists’ gathering at the International Novel Festival 2026 at Samyan Mitrtown on July 25. It subsequently prompted widespread debate on Thai and Chinese social media.

Sihasak described it as the kind of incident that could occur, but stressed that the circumstances must be examined before any conclusions were drawn.

“The facts still need to be investigated. The different reactions are understandable, but it would be better to establish the facts and ensure fairness for all sides,” he said.

Asked about the large number of critical comments posted by Thai users on the Chinese embassy’s social-media page, Sihasak said the embassy had to explain its position.

He added that the government would wait for the inquiry’s findings before discussing the case with the embassy.

“We should establish the facts first and then decide how to proceed. Once the investigation is complete, we can discuss the matter,” he said, again calling for fair treatment of everyone involved.

Chinese embassy seeks prompt action

The Chinese embassy in Thailand announced on July 27 that it had received a report from the Chinese citizen involved in the confrontation.

The woman alleged that security personnel used excessive force against her and removed her from the venue while she was attending the Bangkok book event on July 25.

The embassy noted that the event organiser had issued a statement acknowledging that force beyond what was appropriate for the situation had been used.

It called on the relevant Thai authorities to investigate the facts promptly and take appropriate action to resolve the case.

The embassy also said it would provide the Chinese citizen with necessary assistance within the scope of its responsibilities and protect her lawful rights and interests.

Online accounts give conflicting versions

Accounts circulating on X alleged that the Chinese fan breached rules governing the reservation of spaces by removing another attendee’s name sign and placing an umbrella over the spot to claim it.

The fan who had originally reserved the area reportedly had photographs showing that she had marked the space earlier.

Staff members were then reported to have asked the Chinese fan to leave, but she allegedly refused to cooperate. The accounts maintained that the dispute affected safety arrangements and the artists’ schedule.

According to Thai attendees’ accounts, staff later attempted to escort the woman from the area. She raised her phone to record the encounter, while a female staff member held up her hand to block the camera.

The Thai accounts alleged that the Chinese fan then kicked the female staff member in the leg, prompting female staff members to restrain her on the floor.

Chinese social-media accounts presented a different version of events. They alleged that staff did not examine the woman’s evidence before immediately using force against her.

Those accounts characterised the kick as an act of self-defence and alleged that a long-haired male staff member threw the woman to the ground.

Thai fans who said they witnessed the confrontation disputed those allegations. They maintained that video footage showed that all the staff members involved in restraining the woman were female, rather than a male staff member as some Chinese accounts had reported.

They also said the footage did not show staff rushing towards the woman, pinning her by the neck or initiating the violence. Their account maintained that she resisted and kicked a female staff member before being restrained.

GMMTV suspends external staff member

GMMTV said its preliminary examination of the confrontation found that, at certain points, a staff member had used force beyond what was appropriate for the situation.

The company expressed regret over the incident and its effects on those involved, stressing that it did not support violence in any form or under any circumstances.

It clarified that the staff member concerned was an external worker hired for the event and was not a permanent GMMTV employee.

GMMTV nevertheless acknowledged its responsibility for supervising personnel assigned to its activities. It suspended the staff member’s engagement pending the completion of the fact-finding investigation.

The company also denied reports that it had filed a lawsuit against anyone involved in the confrontation.

GMMTV said it had no policy or practice of discriminating against anyone on the grounds of race or nationality. It described the incident as a specific confrontation between individuals that did not reflect its attitude or policy towards people of any nationality.

The company said it would review and improve the measures used to supervise personnel at its activities to prevent similar incidents in the future.