‘Make It Difficult to Breathe’: Thailand’s Former Prime Minister Slams African Women for Their Dark Skin and ‘Flat Noses’ While Praising ‘Natural Beauty’ of Thai Women In Racist Tirade

The former prime minister of Thailand, whose daughter now serves in the same position, is under fire for comments comparing Thai and African women. Speaking at a political rally last week, Thaksin Shinawatra said Thai women should be getting modeling jobs currently going to Africans. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra reacts as he arrives at Don Mueang International Airport on August 22, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. Self-exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was due to return to Thailand on Tuesday, the same day that parliament holds a vote on who will become Prime Minister after nearly three months of political deadlock, wire reports said. The recent general election saw Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the biggest vote-winning Move Forward Party, barred from seeking the post after the constitutional court declined to review a complaint over his being rejected as a prime ministerial candidate, local media reported. (Photo by Sirachai Arunrugstichai/Getty Images) “African people, who have black skin and flat noses that make it difficult to breathe, are hired for millions of baht to be models,” he reportedly said at last Sunday’s campaign event supporting a candidate running in the Chiang Rai provincial election set for next month. Baht is Thai’s...