Grey Chinese Trend on Thai TikTok: From Criminal Networks to Digital Aesthetic

Grey Chinese Trend on Thai TikTok: From Criminal Networks to Digital Aesthetic

In Thailand, criminal networks run by Chinese nationals are a subject of concern. Their portrayal on social media is not only framed as a societal problem but also reimagined as a cultural reference. Instead of simply reporting on criminal activities, social media users reinterpret them in digital spaces, turning crime into a stylised narrative where aesthetics, humour, and performativity intertwine. While similar content appears across platform…