Bangkok (People’s Daily) - Thai authorities are being urged to investigate a clash involving a Chinese tourist, the Chinese embassy in Bangkok said Saturday after a video of the incident went viral and spurred debates over excessive force by airport security.

(Video: Internet)

The clash flared up after a Chinese man's visa application was denied at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport late on Thursday. The man was then removed to a boarding room awaiting deportation back to China.

The Chinese tourist was upset by the denial of his entry and raised the issue to a security officer. The argument soon escalated into a physical altercation and ended abruptly after the officer slapped the Chinese man’s face.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said he paid close attention to the incident and has ordered a suspension of the officer and president of the Don Mueang airport.

An airport manager offered a verbal apology at a media briefing Saturday afternoon and stressed that Chinese tourists are still welcome to Thailand despite the incident. The manager also pledged a series of improvements on the processing of arrival visas.

The Chinese embassy said it would keep close contact with relevant Thai agencies to deal with the incident properly and ensure all Chinese nationals' legitimate rights. 

(Compiled by Chen Lidan)