Former #Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is facing widespread criticism after making controversial comments about Thai and African women during a political rally last week. 

Thaksin, whose daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra currently holds the prime ministerial position, suggested Thai women should be securing modeling jobs that, in his view, are disproportionately going to African women, Scmp.com reports.

“African people, who have black skin and flat noses that make it difficult to breathe, are hired for millions of baht to be models,” he reportedly made during a speech aimed at promoting Thailand’s global competitiveness, have been condemned as racially insensitive and dismissive of diversity in international industries.

“Thai women are beautiful, elegant, and refined,” Thaksin reportedly said to a crowd of supporters. “It’s disappointing to see modeling jobs go to Africans when our women could represent Asia with pride.”

Critics have been swift to respond, with activists and public figures calling the comments inappropriate and out of touch.

“This kind of rhetoric is harmful and rooted in outdated stereotypes,” said Nontawat Chaiwut, a #Bangkok-based political analyst. 

“It damages Thailand’s reputation as a nation that values diversity and equality.”