International
• 9 hours ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Chinese Embassy Calls for Investigation After Fan Incident at Bangkok Event
PHNOM PENH, July 30, 2026 — China's embassy in Thailand has called for an investigation after a Chinese fan was forcibly restrained by event staff during a fan meeting in Bangkok, an incident that has fueled online debate in both China and Thailand.
The confrontation occurred on July 25 at the International Novel Festival 2026, where Thai entertainment company GMMTV was hosting a fan event. Videos shared on social media showed a woman being escorted away before being pinned to the ground by staff, prompting widespread criticism and conflicting accounts of what occurred.
Some Thai attendees alleged the woman violated queue rules by removing another attendee's name marker and refusing to follow staff instructions. They also claimed she kicked a female staff member before being restrained. However, many Chinese social media users disputed those claims, arguing the woman acted in self-defense and had evidence supporting her place in line.
The woman later filed a police report and sought assistance from the Chinese Embassy. In a statement issued on July 27, the embassy said GMMTV had acknowledged that staff used "force beyond what was appropriate" and urged Thai authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation.
Chinese Embassy Bangkok
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister ordered a fact-finding inquiry on July 28, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly established to ensure fairness for all parties.
GMMTV said an outsourced security staff member had used excessive force beyond what was necessary, suspended the individual involved, and apologized for the incident. The company also rejected allegations of discrimination based on race or nationality.
Later the same day, Thailand's Tourism Authority expressed regret over the incident and pledged to strengthen event management measures. GMMTV subsequently announced that both parties had reached a settlement and withdrawn their complaints.
Sources:
Khaosod English
CNA News Report
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
The confrontation occurred on July 25 at the International Novel Festival 2026, where Thai entertainment company GMMTV was hosting a fan event. Videos shared on social media showed a woman being escorted away before being pinned to the ground by staff, prompting widespread criticism and conflicting accounts of what occurred.
Some Thai attendees alleged the woman violated queue rules by removing another attendee's name marker and refusing to follow staff instructions. They also claimed she kicked a female staff member before being restrained. However, many Chinese social media users disputed those claims, arguing the woman acted in self-defense and had evidence supporting her place in line.
The woman later filed a police report and sought assistance from the Chinese Embassy. In a statement issued on July 27, the embassy said GMMTV had acknowledged that staff used "force beyond what was appropriate" and urged Thai authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation.
Chinese Embassy BangkokThailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister ordered a fact-finding inquiry on July 28, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly established to ensure fairness for all parties.
GMMTV said an outsourced security staff member had used excessive force beyond what was necessary, suspended the individual involved, and apologized for the incident. The company also rejected allegations of discrimination based on race or nationality.
Later the same day, Thailand's Tourism Authority expressed regret over the incident and pledged to strengthen event management measures. GMMTV subsequently announced that both parties had reached a settlement and withdrawn their complaints.
Sources:
Khaosod English
CNA News Report
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
