Italian students apologize over Bangkok train row
BANGKOK, July 27 (TNA) - A dispute involving a group of Italian students on Bangkok's skytrain has been resolved after the visitors apologized to the affected passenger, leading the complainant to ask the public to stop targeting the group.
The meeting at Samrae Police Station followed a complaint by the passenger, Sugus, against the five Italian youths and their supervisor. The dispute began when Sugus confronted the group over their loud behavior inside a crowded BTS Skytrain. During the argument, one student made an obscene gesture, which was captured on camera. The resulting footage went viral online, sparking a widespread debate regarding tourist etiquette in Thailand.
Investigating officers summoned the six individuals, along with an interpreter, to meet the complainant. During the one-hour discussion, the Italian students and their supervisor expressed regret, apologized sincerely, and admitted their behavior was inappropriate. Both parties agreed to settle the dispute, agreeing to delete the video clips from their phones.
The group's supervisor stated they felt deeply sorry for the incident, extending apologies to the children's parents, the students themselves, and the Thai public. The supervisor affirmed the group's respect for Thai culture and traditions, adding that the incident would serve as a lesson.
The complainant said she accepted the apology and believed those who acknowledge their mistakes deserve a second chance. She emphasized that filing the police report was meant to protect her rights and dignity, and to remind visitors to respect Thai social etiquette.
The complainant’s father added that he had explained Thai cultural norms to the group and urged the public to stop targeting the students, noting that they had expressed remorse and were scheduled to continue their study tour in Thailand.
Police fined all six individuals 1,000 baht ($29) each for insult. One student who made an obscene gesture in the video faced an additional fine of 2,000 baht ($59) for public indecency before the dispute was officially closed. -819 (TNA)
