Bangkok airport apologises after clash with Chinese tourists at boarding gate
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport has apologised for “inappropriate behaviour” following backlash over an employee making a slant-eyed gesture towards reportedly disruptive Chinese nationals. The apology came soon after Thai authorities insisted that individual clashes would not harm bilateral relations. In a statement on Tuesday night, airport management expressed regret over the “inappropriate…
Bangkok’s international airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, has issued an apology for an incident involving staff making an offensive gesture towards Chinese tourists. The matter arose last Wednesday evening when a group of Chinese fans caused disturbance at a boarding gate, refusing to comply with security checks. The airport’s management disclosed on Tuesday night that the personnel involved engaged in inappropriate behavior, and subsequent disciplinary action had been taken.
The apology followed criticism from both Thai and Chinese authorities, as well as widespread condemnation on Chinese social media. The incident had occurred just days after a similar altercation between a Chinese tourist and airport security personnel at a GMMTV event in Bangkok. The Chinese embassy in Thailand had previously urged Thai authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, emphasizing that individual disputes should not harm bilateral relations.
Thai Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul stressed that while tourist money is valuable, it does not grant special privileges over Thai citizens. He urged for a resolution based on facts and accountability, rather than generalizations or conflict between the two nations.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
