Zhang Jianwei
Zhang Jianwei | |
|---|---|
张建伟 | |
| Chinese Ambassador to Thailand | |
| Assumed office 29 July 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Han Zhiqiang |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Chinese Communist Party |
Zhang Jianwei (Chinese: 张建伟) is a Chinese diplomat, serving as Chinese Ambassador to Thailand since 2025.[1][2] Zhang previously served as Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait.[3]
Career
In May 2026, Zhang wrote an opinion piece in the Bangkok Post titled "China reunification is an inevitable historical trend", where he appealed to Thai society to "Uphold the One-China Principle and Support China's Reunification".[4]
"Grey Chinese" comments
In June 2026, Zhang asked Thais to refrain from using the term "grey Chinese" (Thai: จีนสีเทา or ทุนจีนสีเทา) during a meeting with Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul.[5][6][7] The term has been used to describe Chinese nationals in Thailand who violate Thai laws.[5][8] Zhang claimed the term stereotypes and labels all Chinese people, as if the whole counter were blamed for the criminal actions.[6]
Zhang's comments came during a widespread crackdown on illegal businesses, including foreign nationals using Thailand's tourism industry to conduct unlawful activities.[6][9]
In a 25 June 2026 opinion piece in Khaosod titled "How Far Should Thailand Go to Accommodate China?", Pravit Rojanaphruk criticized the ambassador's comments, writing, "If we allow the situation to continue as it is, one day we may have a dictionary listing terms that should not, or cannot, be used in Thailand when discussing China."[10]
On 10 July 2026, Zhang subsequently urged the public to avoid stereotyping all Chinese business activities in Thailand as "grey" at an seminar titled 'China’s Economic Development Plan and New Energy Hopes for Environmental Sustainability'.[11]
Thai foreign minister comments
In August 2026, Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow urged Zhang to promote mutual understanding, and not just one-sided protection of Chinese interests.[12][13] In a statement given at Government House on 5 August 2026, Sihasak said, “I have told the ambassador that on sensitive matters he must come out and explain instead of speaking only to protect Chinese interests," adding, "Understanding must be created. While he is here, the ambassador’s main duty is to promote international relations and good understanding among people."[14]
Sihasak's statements came after an incident at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 29 July, where 22 Chinese travelers were barred from boarding a flight after failing to comply with safety regulations.[15][16]
References
- ↑ "Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei joins humanitarian aid handover ceremony in Bangkok". nationthailand. 2026-01-31. Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- ↑ "Ambassador's Biography". th.china-embassy.gov.cn. Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- ↑ "Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Pays a Farewell Call on H.E. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait Sheikh Jarrah_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China". www.fmprc.gov.cn. Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- ↑ Jianwei, Zhang (2026-05-27). "China reunification is an inevitable historical trend". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2026-06-26.
- 1 2 Reporters, Online (2026-06-23). "Don't describe criminals as 'grey Chinese', it stigmatises us all, says ambassador". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- 1 2 3 "Chinese envoy asks Thais not to use "grey Chinese" term". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- ↑ Rapeepan, June (2026-06-23). "สุรศักดิ์ชี้เลิกฟรีวีซ่าคัดกรองนักท่องเที่ยวแฝงได้ เผยทูตจีนขออย่าเหมารวมเรียก 'จีนเทา' ทั้งหมด ชี้เหมือนถูกเหยียดทั้งประเทศ". THE STANDARD (in Thai). Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ ""สุรศักดิ์" เผย ทูตจีนขอคนไทยอย่าเรียก "จีนเทา" เหมือนเหมารวมตีตราทั้งประเทศ รู้สึกคนไทยไม่เป็นมิตร". mgronline.com (in Thai). 2026-06-23. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
- ↑ English, Khaosod (2026-06-23). "Chinese envoy concerned over 'grey Chinese' label, Thai minister says". Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- ↑ Rojanaphruk, Pravit; Writer, Senior Staff (2026-06-25). "How Far Should Thailand Go to Accommodate China?". Retrieved 2026-06-25.
- ↑ "Chinese envoy pushes EV ties, urges fair view of 'grey' capital". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
- ↑ "Chinese envoy urged to understand Thai sensitivities". Bangkok Post. 2026-08-05. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
- ↑ "Sihasak urges Chinese ambassador to address 'sensitive cases' involving Chinese nationals". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 2026-08-11.
- ↑ "Thai FM says Chinese envoy should explain Suvarnabhumi row, not inflame tensions". Khaosod English. 2026-08-05. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
- ↑ "Bangkok airport apologises after clash with Chinese tourists at boarding gate". South China Morning Post. 2026-08-05. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
- ↑ Reporters, Online (2026-08-04). "Suvarnabhumi airport apologises for handling of Chinese fan frenzy". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2026-08-06.