# China’s Interference at Bangkok Art Venue Sparks Debate Over Sovereignty and Censorship

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/china/238678-chinas-interference-at-bangkok-art-venue-sparks-debate-over-sovereignty-and-censorship
- Published: 2025-08-11T15:52:26+07:00
- Author: Xi Balba

A provocative art exhibition at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), titled _Complicity_,
curated by exiled Myanmar artist Sai, has become the focus of a diplomatic controversy.
The show explores authoritarian regimes and their transnational collaborations, 
including those of Myanmar, Iran, Russia, Syria—and China, whose name was obscured
by black tape after intervention by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.

Chinese officials reportedly requested the removal of politically sensitive symbols
such as the Tibetan and Uyghur flags, video works by Tibetan artist Tenzin Mingyur
Paldron, and references to Xi Jinping. Postcards and literary works highlighting
repression in Xinjiang were also taken down. Notably, these demands were made directly
to BACC officials without consulting the Thai government—a breach of protocol that
has sparked concerns about foreign overreach.

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Artistic figures, including Suchart Sawadsri, have publicly criticized the censorship,
viewing it as a threat to Thailand’s cultural autonomy. Sai affirmed that BACC initially
resisted the embassy’s demands but eventually succumbed to relentless pressure. 
Despite censorship, some of Sai’s critical works remain on display, revealing Chinese
arms sales to Myanmar’s military regime.

The article’s author, journalist Pravit Rojanaphruk, urges Thai institutions to 
safeguard freedom of expression and avoid becoming a “Chinese vassal state.” He 
recommends that BACC release a transparent public statement and formulate protocols
for future diplomatic confrontations.

The incident has turned _Complicity_ into a symbol of resistance and a live case
study in transnational repression. Ironically, the censorship may have amplified
its message more than any uncensored display could.

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The exhibition runs until October 19, 2025—viewers are encouraged to visit before
further restrictions may arise.

Source : [Because I don’t Want Thailand to become a Chinese Vassal State, I Must Record This: Chinese Embassy Censoring BACC Art Exhibition in Bangkok](https://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinion/2025/08/10/because-i-dont-want-thailand-to-become-a-chinese-vassal-state/)