Archive · 17 Aug 2025
Artist Seeks Asylum After China Forces Censorship in Bangkok
An artist and his wife, who are from Myanmar, put on an art show in Thailand.
But the Chinese government didn't like some of the art, especially pieces about Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.
China pressured the art gallery to censor the show, removing or covering up some of the artwork.
The artist and his wife were worried about being arrested or sent back to Myanmar, so they fled to the UK and asked for asylum.
They say they were targeted because of their art.
Other people are also speaking up against China's actions and supporting the artists.
Burmese artist Sai and his wife fled to the UK after their art exhibition in Bangkok was censored.
The exhibition, featuring exiled artists, faced pressure from the Chinese embassy, leading to censorship of certain artworks.
Chinese officials reportedly complained about works by artists from Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.
The couple, fearing repercussions and potential deportation to Myanmar, sought asylum in the UK.
Human rights advocates and UK officials have condemned the censorship and supported the couple's asylum request.
- Who
- Burmese artist Sai and his wife, along with artists from China, Russia, and Iran. The Chinese government pressured the exhibition.
- What
- An art exhibition featuring exiled artists from several countries was censored in Bangkok, leading the artist and his wife to seek asylum.
- When
- The exhibition opened on July 26, and the couple fled to the UK shortly thereafter.
- Where
- Bangkok, Thailand, and now the UK.
- Why
- The exhibition was censored due to pressure from the Chinese government, which objected to artwork referencing Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. The couple feared repercussions for their activism.
Human Rights Advocates/Artists
Chinese Government
Censorship of Art
Human Rights Advocates/Artists
Censorship is a violation of freedom of expression and human rights.
Chinese Government
China's actions are a defense of national interests and political dignity.
- Exhibition Title
- 'Constellation of Complicity: Visualising the Global Machine of Authoritarian Solidarity'
- Location of Exhibition
- Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre
- Artists featured
- Exiled artists from China, Russia, Iran, Tibet, and Hong Kong
- Reason for Censorship
- Pressure from the Chinese Embassy regarding artworks about Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
- Couple's Current Status
- Seeking asylum in the UK
- Nationality of artist
- Burmese