In recent days, one of the most widely discussed topics across online media has been the moment when Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul performed Tian Mi Mi (Sweet Honey), the iconic song made famous by Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng, in front of Chinese Premier Li Qiang during an official visit to China earlier this week.
What might otherwise have been seen as a light-hearted cultural gesture quickly captured public attention, generating extensive discussion on social media and in political circles. Supporters viewed Mr Anutin’s performance as an example of using musical diplomacy to build rapport. Critics, however, questioned his choice of song, calling it a diplomatic faux pas.
One of them is veteran diplomat Russ Jalichandra, a former deputy foreign minister under a recent Pheu Thai-led government.
Mr Russ argued that Mr Anutin seemed oblivious to the fact that Tian Mi Mi was written by Taiwanese songwriter Zhuang Nu and made famous by Teresa Teng, whose music was once banned in mainland China during the Cultural Revolution. Indeed, Tian Mi Mi is believed to be an adaptation of the 1940s Indonesian folk song Dayung Sampan, whose lyrics are about the lives of fishermen and were popular in Indonesia and Singapore.
Leaving that background aside, Mr Russ argued that performing Tian Mi Mi at a state function in Beijing could have been poorly received by Chinese leaders, who often keep their emotions in check out of politeness. At the time, Teresa Teng was regarded as a symbol of anti-communism. The former ambassador also rebuked the prime minister’s aides for failing to properly research the song’s political and historical background.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek publicly clarified that Tian Mi Mi was included on a list of songs provided by the Chinese government for Mr Anutin to choose from. Ms Rachada also urged critics to remember that Beijing lifted restrictions on the song in the 1980s.
Indeed, Tian Mi Mi is a timeless classic that has been performed and enjoyed at countless concerts, cultural events and, of course, karaoke bars. Its lyrics celebrate romantic love, comparing the smile of a loved one to the sweetness of honey. By the 1990s, Tian Mi Mi had become one of the most beloved Chinese-language songs in the world.
For that reason, I do not believe we need to view every issue through a political lens or let prejudice cloud our judgment. Not every word, move, or gesture has to be turned into a political controversy that discredits those in a different political camp. Doing so risks overlooking the broader cultural and human significance of such moments.
If I were to compare it to a Thai song, I would say it is much like Ram Wong Loy Krathong. In Thailand, it is a song that everyone knows and sings during the annual Loy Krathong festival, regardless of age, background, or nationality. In a similar vein, Tian Mi Mi has become part of a shared cultural heritage that extends far beyond its origins, making it a song that people of many nationalities and languages can appreciate and sing together.
Critics, therefore, should refrain from commenting based solely on political bias. Regardless of what others may say, I prefer to judge the matter on its own merits and on what the prime minister was actually trying to achieve. From that perspective, I support what he did. To me, his performance was a gesture of goodwill rather than a political statement. If the intention was to foster friendship, create a warm atmosphere and strengthen ties through cultural exchange, then I see it as a positive example of diplomacy in action.
This approach is rooted in the idea that music transcends language, ideology and political divides. It can create shared emotional experiences that soften tensions and open channels of communication. I believe it can help build bridges between nations, ease political tensions, and foster goodwill and understanding on the international stage. Cultural gestures and musical performances can certainly help create a positive atmosphere and strengthen personal connections between leaders. Yet diplomacy must ultimately be measured not only by symbolic moments but also by concrete policy outcomes.
In particular, the prime minister should remain focused on his pledge to strengthen Thailand’s role on the global stage. His government has committed itself to pursuing a multidimensional foreign policy that goes “Beyond Thailand”, one that emphasises a more proactive and constructive role in international affairs.
Last but not least, Mr Anutin also needs to accelerate economic diplomacy through a “Team Thailand” approach, integrating efforts across domestic and overseas agencies to create greater opportunities for Thai businesses and citizens.