UPDATE Italian Exchange Students Accused of Shoplifting in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Amarin Italian exchange students who sparked outrage over their behaviour on Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain have now been accused of shoplifting promotional items from a shopping mall in the capital shortly before the train incident. According to reports from witnesses said the incident took place inside a shopping mall in the Rama 9 area, where a group of almost 30 Italian exchange students entered a car manufacturer’s promotional booth. Promotional items allegedly taken twice Witnesses said one male student, identified as the same individual later seen making an obscene gesture in the widely shared BTS video, initially approached staff politely and asked for permission to look inside the display vehicle. Staff allowed him to do so. However, the situation quickly changed when the rest of the group reportedly rushed into the booth and began taking promotional items that had been put on display. Witnesses alleged the students helped themselves to multiple “lucky dip” prize capsules as well as other giveaway items including hand sanitiser, car cleaning cloths and notebooks. Staff reportedly asked the students to return the items, but witnesses claimed the group ignored the requests, pretended not to understand and walked away carrying the goods. According to the report, the same group returned to the booth later and allegedly attempted to take more of the promotional prize capsules. Staff intervened and stopped them before they left the area. Witnesses also claimed no shopping centre security personnel attended or intervened during either incident. Behaviour under increasing scrutiny The alleged shoplifting took place before the same group appeared in a viral social media video showing disruptive behaviour aboard a BTS Skytrain service, an incident that has attracted widespread criticism in Thailand. The BTS footage prompted an apology from the Italian educational tour operator responsible for organising the students’ trip after the video circulated widely online. Thai police have also said they are examining whether any laws were broken and have indicated that visa cancellation and deportation could be considered if offences are established. The allegations relating to the shopping mall have not yet resulted in any announced criminal charges, and the claims are based on witness accounts reported by Thai media. 25 July 2026
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