Chinese Embassy Demands Probe into Alleged Excessive Force at Thai Book Fair Incident

The Chinese embassy has called on Thai authorities to promptly investigate and resolve a fracas involving a Chinese citizen and security staff at a book fair in Bangkok, where alleged excessive force was used, Amarin TV reported on July 27. The embassy stated it had received a statement from GMM TV Co., Ltd., the organizer of the "International Novel Festival 2026," acknowledging that "excessive force was used." It urged for a prompt investigation into the facts and appropriate action, pledging to provide necessary assistance to Chinese citizens within its duties. The clash occurred during a special event for meeting artistes. According to the organizers, event rules stipulated one person per seat, with no seat reservation or transfer allowed. However, the Chinese attendee allegedly occupied a seat vacated by a Thai participant who was about to give it to a friend. Reports suggest this attendee had purchased a reservation from a booking service, a clear violation of the rules. Staff reportedly attempted to negotiate, presenting photographic evidence that she was not in the queue and repeatedly asking her to leave. The Chinese woman allegedly ignored them, remained engrossed in her mobile phone, and shook off a staff member's arm. After 10-20 minutes of negotiation, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation when staff tried to remove her and shielded her camera to prevent filming. The Chinese woman then kicked a female staff member, prompting other staff to intervene and restrain her, which organizers deemed a standard safety procedure in response to violent behavior. Chinese social media, however, claimed the woman had been waiting since 6 a.m. with evidence of her reservation, but was accused of queue jumping by a Thai participant. The Chinese side alleged that staff refused to verify the evidence and immediately resorted to violence, including snatching her phone, pressing her neck, and dragging her. They further claimed the woman kicked out of "self-defense" before being thrown to the ground by a "long-haired male security guard," resulting in damaged merchandise and torn clothes. This incident sparked outrage on Chinese social media, with hashtags protesting violence, threats to boycott Thai artistes, and demands for an apology and punishment. Rumors also circulated that the organizer was preparing to sue the woman for damaging the image of tourism. Conversely, Thai attendees present at the scene vehemently refuted these claims, presenting video evidence showing that all personnel involved were "female staff," not male security guards as misrepresented by Chinese media. Furthermore, the claim of waiting since early morning was invalidated, as the mall opened at 10 a.m. Full video footage allegedly shows that the staff member did not initiate a chokehold or use violence; instead, the Chinese woman resisted and kicked a female staff member, causing both to fall. The incident also drew criticism from Thai netizens regarding the provocative behavior of some foreign participants, such as queue jumping and rule-breaking. The conflict further escalated when some Chinese attendees hurled verbal abuse at Thai participants, increasing dissatisfaction on the Thai side. Information source: Thai Newsroom