China's embassy wades into Bangkok airport insult case

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China’s embassy to Thailand is handling the case of two Chinese tourists who say they were insulted at Bangkok’s international airport on Thursday.

The two women, who did not give their names, contacted the official Weibo account of Thailand’s Chinese-language newspaper Sing Sian Yer Pao Daily, complaining about their treatment at the airport.

From Weibo account of Sing Sian Yer Pao Daily

A local airport staff member who spoke neither Chinese nor English was rude to them when they asked for two immigration departure cards, and shouted obscenities at them when they said they were Chinese, one of the women, identified only by her user name @Huozhewenwendefighting, said.

From Weibo account of Sing Sian Yer Pao Daily

“I asked the female staff where I could get a departure card... She slapped one in my hand but I needed two. She threw the other one hard and began to swear at us,” the tourist wrote to the newspaper.

People nearby laughed, but the two tourists said they seemed to be mocking not them, but the poor service and conduct of the airport staff member.

“I need an apology. I am proud to be Chinese,” @Huozhewenwendefighting wrote.

From Weibo account of Sing Sian Yer Pao Daily

The two women have now submitted a complaint to the airport under the advice of Qunar, a Chinese online tourism service that they used to plan their trip, according to Sing Sian Yer Pao Daily.

China’s embassy to Thailand also intervened on Saturday after both Thai and Chinese media reported on the case, and urged Bangkok airport to investigate and avoid such incidents in the future.

/CFP Photo

Netizens on Chinese social networks meanwhile called for Thailand to better educate workers in the service industry.

“If people react like this, do not fight back. Use your cell phone to record it and send the video to their administration. All of Thailand is ashamed for you…” said @Xilujiangainiyou.

“Don’t be afraid. China is standing behind you,” added @Zhongqiyiguodexiaowei.

Thailand is a beloved destination for Chinese travelers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand predicted some 8.8 million Chinese would travel to the country last year.