30-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Teochew diaspora has a role to play amid Thailand-Cambodia conflict
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Gaginang – Teochew for 'our own people' – is how we Teochew or Chiu Chow people refer to ourselves. Originally from the Chaoshan region of China, we are now a global diaspora, with many living in Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia and other parts of Southeast Asia. Our presence in the region is not new; much of the migration stretches back over generations.
Teochew contributions have shaped the histories of our adopted homes. One of Thailand's most beloved kings,
Taksin , had a Teochew father. Hong Kong's Li Ka-shing, once the richest man in Asia, is Teochew.
Across many countries, Teochew have shown deep national loyalty. I was born in the United States to Teochew-Cambodian refugees. Like many minority groups, we hold complex views of our home country. The US has its flaws – particularly now, with its more aggressive foreign policy under the Trump administration. Still, I am proud of the country's historical strides in civil rights and social progress. As a former US federal employee, I took seriously the responsibility of public service.
Yet my Teochew identity remains central. When gaginang meet, especially by chance, there is a special excitement. Our dialect is rare and, some would say, fading. The older generation keeps tradition alive through formal Teochew associations. The younger generation stays connected online, often informally but with no less enthusiasm. Many of us also share memories of hardship. In Cambodia, Teochew were targeted during the genocide. In Indonesia, many suffered during
anti-Chinese riots . These experiences connect us deeply through stories of survival and resilience.
