The Chinese ambassador to Thailand has a duty to help Chinese nationals understand Thai laws, customs and regulations, not merely defend China's interests, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said today.
He was commenting on an altercation between fans of a Chinese artist and Thai security officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport on July 29.
The Chinese fans, who were also passengers, caused chaos while following the artist, who was about to board a THAI Airways flight to Beijing. They failed to comply with security officers' instructions and, as a result, all 22 were barred from boarding.
A video clip later circulated on social media appearing to show a Thai security officer behaving inappropriately towards the passengers.
Sihasak said Thailand wants Chinese visitors to have a positive experience from the moment they arrive until they depart. While immigration and security regulations must be strictly enforced, authorities should also ensure that procedures are carried out smoothly and conveniently for visitors.
Asked whether more should be done to help Chinese tourists better understand Thai laws and regulations, Sihasak said this was primarily the responsibility of the Chinese ambassador to Thailand.
He noted that several incidents involving Chinese nationals had drawn criticism from the Thai public and that he had previously raised the issue directly with the ambassador.
"I told the ambassador that this is a sensitive issue. He should explain the situation, not simply defend China's interests, but also help build understanding," Sihasak said.
He stressed that an ambassador's principal duty is to strengthen bilateral relations and foster mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
"The Chinese ambassador is stationed in Thailand to promote good relations between our two countries. His public statements should reflect that responsibility and should not add fuel to these issues," he said.
Sihasak said he had already discussed the matter with the Chinese ambassador, who understood his concerns.
He added that the same principle also applies to Thailand's ambassador to China.
"The duty of our respective ambassadors is to preserve and strengthen the good relations between our two countries," he said.
