Chinese Female Fan’s Idol-Chasing Causes Diplomatic Incident – Thai GMM: No Nationality Discrimination

Thai GMMTV held a signing event for Junior and Mark in Bangkok on the 25th. A Chinese female fan was accused of cutting in line, and as staff escorted her away from the venue, a physical altercation broke out: the Chinese fan kicked a staff member, who responded by putting her in a headlock and throwing her down. Afterward, the Chinese fan protested her innocence, claiming she did not cut in line and instead accused Thai fans of bullying and Thai staff of violent conduct. Reports initially stated that police and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand mediated, but GMMTV refused settlement, claiming the Chinese fan had spread footage online “harming Thailand’s tourism industry” and insisted on pursuing legal action. In response, nationalistic netizens criticized GMMTV for “profiting off Chinese fans while discriminating against them,” and were also angry that Junior and Mark looked on without intervening. Later, GMMTV issued a statement saying the staff member involved was from an external agency and has now been suspended. GMMTV also clarified that no lawsuit has been filed against the Chinese fan.

The Chinese fan claimed that she queued early in the morning and reserved her place with an umbrella, but when she returned, she was reported for cutting in line. She said the staff did not properly verify the situation and forcibly removed her; she only kicked in “self-defense” because her bracelet was pulled off. However, in Thai culture, feet are considered the lowest and most unclean part of the body, so kicking someone is a major taboo. After footage of the incident circulated, the crowd was seen applauding.

Addressing rumors that GMMTV refused settlement and filed a lawsuit against the Chinese fan for harming tourism, GMMTV issued a clarifying statement emphasizing that it has not initiated legal proceedings against anyone. The statement noted that the staff involved were externally hired and that their employment has been suspended due to excessive handling. The company reiterated that it does not support any form of violence, and absolutely does not have any policy of discrimination based on race or nationality, stating this was purely a personal dispute.