The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok called on further investigation from Thai authorities, accusing a Thai security guard of using excessive force against a Chinese woman during the International Novel Festival 2026, after footage of the incident circulated widely online.
The International Novel Festival 2026 is being held at Samyan Mitrtown from July 24 to August 2, featuring book exhibitions and fan meetings with Thai performers whose performances are based on popular novels.
The incident occurred on July 25 during a fan meeting, when a Chinese fans was accused by other attendees of cutting the queue and failing to follow event rules.
According to videos shared on social media, event security approached the Chinese woman, who was wearing an orange shirt, and attempted to escort her from the queue.
The footage appeared to show her remaining seated while looking at her mobile phone and resisting efforts by security staff to remove her.
Another video showed the woman being escorted away from the venue by male and female security personnel. During the escort, the Chinese woman kicked a female Thai security guard. Moments later, the guard moved in front of the Chinese national, wrapped her arms around her and took her to the ground.
Following the incident, GMMTV, which organised the fan meeting and manages the participating artists, announced that the security guard had been temporarily suspended while the incident was reviewed.
The decision drew mixed reactions online. Some people supported the security guard, arguing she had been carrying out her duties after the Chinese woman allegedly violated event rules and initiated physical contact.
Others criticised GMMTV’s event management, calling on the company to review its queuing system and security procedures to better protect attendees and staff.
The incident also attracted attention on Chinese social media, where some users argued the Chinese woman was subjected to excessive force.
The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok later issued a statement condemning what it described as excessive force against a Chinese citizen and called on Thai authorities to investigate the incident and clarify the circumstances.
The embassy’s statement prompted thousands of responses from Thai social media users, receiving more than 14,000 comments and 16,000 reactions.
Many urged officials to review all available footage before reaching conclusions. Some commenters argued that the woman had initiated the physical confrontation.
On July 28, GMMTV released a second statement confirming that both the security guard and the Chinese woman had filed complaints against each other following the incident. The company said both parties later attended mediation and agreed to withdraw their complaints.
GMMTV also announced that the temporary suspension of the security guard had been lifted and that she had returned to work.
The company urged the public not to disclose the personal information of either party or post comments containing threats, insults or hate speech that could escalate the situation.
GMMTV apologised to fans affected by the incident, reaffirmed that it treats all participants equally regardless of nationality and said it would improve event management procedures for future activities.
The incident continued to generate discussion online, with the hashtag #bangmmtv remaining among the trending topics on the Thai X platform.
The story GMM TV insists Chinese woman, security guard withdraw complaints after fan meeting dispute as seen on Thaiger News.
