Uproar among Thais on Twitter after social media attacks on Isaan people

The Thai “Twittersphere” is in an uproar after a group of users on the social media platform Clubhouse began a derogatory conversation about people from Isaan. This discussion gained attention after so many disparaging comments were made that the hashtag #ClubhouseToxic began trending on Twitter.

The Clubhouse users allegedly listed the negative stereotypes of those native to Isaan, such as teenage pregnancies and dark skin, amongst other discriminatory comments. Famous Thai pop star and member of the K-pop band Blackpink, Lalisa Manoban, was also referenced when a user commented “If Isaan is that great, Lisa would’ve come home. Lisa living there (South Korea) is much better than living in Isaan.”

One of the main contributors to the thread has publicly apologised, but the anger on the internet has not dissipated. In response, many online have been using Twitter and other social media to express their pride in being from Isaan.

The Isaan Record, a paper featuring the news and issues of the region, tweeted…

“The Clubhouse group insulting Isaan people and turning into #ClubhouseToxic reflects people’s lack of understanding of differences and that people still look down on others.”

Another user tweeted online…

“As an Isaan native, I don’t how you were raised to make you think this way. I’ve been raised pretty well, my family taught me to have good manners, to be respectful of others and never to discriminate against other people. What about you? Has anyone ever taught you that? #ClubhouseToxic”

Independent academic Kittitouch Chaiprasith posted on Facebook to explain how discrimination against Isaan natives is not a new phenomenon, and usually is representative of some political agenda at play.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World