While immigrant Asian communities abroad continue to fight against racism, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has faced international criticism after making racist remarks about African women during a political rally.
According to Black Enterprise, Mr. Shinawatra described African women as “black with flat noses” and suggested that Thai women were naturally more beautiful.
During the rally on January 5, Mr. Shinawatra claimed that African models were often preferred over Thai women despite their appearance. “Africans, who have black skin and flat noses that prevent them from breathing, are hired for millions of baht to be models,” he said, according to Black Enterprise. He also expressed a desire to promote Thai women, including ethnic minorities like the Karen, in the international modeling industry.
“It is time to encourage more Thai women, including those from ethnic groups like the Karens, who possess natural beauty, to become international models,” he stated.
These remarks sparked numerous reactions, even in his own country.
Thai Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit demanded an apology.
“Discrimination against a person because of the color of their skin is a serious issue. I want Thaksin to apologize for his remarks,” she urged.
Ms. Angkhana also called on Mr. Shinawatra’s daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to address the matter. “I hope the Prime Minister will not ignore the issue and let it slide,” said the senator, unaware that the Prime Minister was just as racist as her father.
In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn defended her father, insisting that his comments had been taken out of context. “I am 100% sure that he didn’t intend to make a racist comment. Dad has always said that Thai women don’t need plastic surgery because we have our own style of beauty,” she explained.
Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized that her father’s remarks were aimed at discouraging plastic surgery among Thai women. “Here, teenagers are more beautiful. They don’t need cosmetic surgery for their nose or chin,” Thaksin reportedly said, according to Black Enterprise.
Despite the controversy, Thaksin retains the support of the Pheu Thai Party. Many members welcomed his return to Thai politics after 15 years of voluntary exile. “We are waiting for his confirmation. We want him to take part in the election campaign as he did in Chiang Rai,” said Hotrawaisaya Wiwatchai, a candidate in the Sisaket provincial elections (Black Enterprise).
This incident has sparked a broader debate about racism, beauty standards, and the responsibility of political leaders to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Calls for an official apology from Thaksin remain strong as the debate continues.
However, it is very unlikely, if not impossible, that the former Prime Minister will issue an apology.
Incidents of racism by Asians against Africans are common. Yet, these same Asians seek allies in the United States to fight against racism directed at them.