Swiss ambassador in Bangkok takes a stand for Swiss from Thailand: ‘We have no image problem’

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Several Swiss citizens abroad have made bad headlines in Thailand in recent weeks. Manfred K.* (45) is said to have kicked a Thai woman in the back because she was sitting on his steps. Beat L.* (60) allegedly beat a Thai woman until she was admitted to hospital because the woman, who was on crutches, pointed out to him that he had bumped into her. Wolfgang J.* (53) is said to have murdered his Thai wife during an argument. This leads to a real shitstorm against Switzerland. On local social networks, many police reports contain comments along the lines of: “Was it Swiss again?”

The reporting also led to strong reactions in Switzerland. Some posts in Blick’s comments column paint a bleak picture of Switzerland’s image. Someone writes: “I have often felt ashamed of having a Swiss passport in the presence of Swiss people.” But the majority of commentators believe that as Swiss they are being unfairly attacked. For example, it says: “Everyone in one pot”, “Every country has its white and black sheep” and “Because of three people, the Swiss are not the problem foreigners there”.

A swipe at the image of Swiss Sauber

Swiss-Thai dual national Soontorn Leoni (52) was born in Thailand, but spent the first half of his life in Switzerland. He emigrated to Thailand in his mid-twenties. He is raising a family and building his own business. In an interview with Blick, he says that the current headlines in his area are not a big problem. “It’s more of a small, funny comment on the pure Swiss image: ‘Oh, you have black sheep too.'”

Nevertheless, Leoni believes it is important that the incidents are taken seriously. “It happens that rich foreigners think they are above the law and behave arrogantly. Then you have to respond appropriately.” Yet he does not believe that Thais as a whole see the Swiss as a problem. “It could be that these incidents lead to a temporary negative perception. But it would be unfair to condemn all Swiss abroad based on the actions of a few.” The vast majority of the 11,000 Swiss in Thailand live exemplary and respectful lives. “We should focus on preventing such incidents and maintaining Switzerland’s positive image in Thailand.”

No general increase in problems

Christian Brunner, chairman of the Swiss Society Bangkok, warns against prejudice and specifically addresses the Manfred K. case: “He clearly misbehaved. But I don’t like that he is being condemned by the media and public opinion before he has had a chance to properly defend himself. He denies that he pushed the woman.” Brunner himself did not experience any hostilities because of the incidents. “I have already been asked about it, but I have certainly not been treated with hostility because of it.” On the contrary: “I have always felt very welcome here.”

The Swiss embassy also confirmed this to Blick upon request. “There is no general increase in problems between Swiss and Thais,” the embassy said. As far as one can tell, the events of the past few weeks were coincidental. And further: “So far we have no indications of a general image problem for Switzerland in Thailand.” The embassy has not been contacted by the authorities about this.

The fact that the Swiss in Thailand are likely to misbehave more and more may have to do with the fact that there are simply more and more Swiss. At the end of 2023, 10,748 Swiss were registered with the embassy. At the end of 2018, there were still 9,570, which represents an increase of more than twelve percent within five years.

Despite a red passport, Thai laws and regulations generally apply to Swiss citizens residing in Thailand. The embassy states: “You must answer to the Thai authorities if you commit an offense in Thailand.”

* Name changed

Source: Blick