The Italian embassy has just issued a statement.

1 minute ago, marin said:

The Italian embassy has just issued a statement.

Yeah, it's pretty funny.

These bums are not what Italy's all about.

Trains in Italy must be pretty lively. Maybe because they're happy gregarious social people?

1 minute ago, marin said:

The Italian embassy has just issued a statement.

They have nothing to apologize for. People enjoying themselves isn't illegal, or inappropiate.

Who would you rather want to hang out with?

Fun loving Italians or dour Thai Karens?

Just now, save the frogs said:

Yeah, it's pretty funny.

These bums are not what Italy's all about.

Trains in Italy must be pretty lively. Maybe because they're happy gregarious social people?

They're not bums.

They're normal Italian young people.

3 minutes ago, marin said:

The Italian embassy has just issued a statement.

It is still questionable if this is improper behavior. They were not drunk, did not harass people, but were having a chat with eachother till a Thai woman started to interfere with words that we can't write down here. She did not calm down but made it worse....

Maybe as in other countries there should be a sign that talking is forbidden to prevent that others talk too,, even Thais on their telephones as we can hear the caller

Edited July 25Jul 25 by ikke1959

as a tourist in a foreign country, you should show restraint, follow the rules and local customs, and treat others with respect and consideration ...

being loud at a party or in a nightclub is not a problem. but in this situation, showing more consideration for others would have been the right thing to do ... and after being confronted, they should simply have changed their behavior ...

27 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

They're not bums.

They're normal Italian young people.

Yeah, I don't think their behavior was inappropriate actually.

So no apology was needed, but diplomacy is dirty business. If the host country is accusing you, you have no choice.

And kudos to them for not getting aggressive against the thai woman.

Edited July 25Jul 25 by save the frogs

if it had been a loud and annoying group of chinese tourists, some of you would probably see this thai lady's intervention ( well done) very differently ...

by the way, english is not her native language. why judge her for using words that may not have been the best choice? many people sound more direct or awkward when speaking a language that isn't their

own ...

A few stations with excited kids? If it had been a 12 hour trip, I would have been furious after an hour or so. But for a few stops, that was a real Karen reaction, to be honest.

UPDATE

Italian group apologises after viral BTS row

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Leaders of an Italian tourist group involved in a viral argument on Bangkok's BTS have apologised publicly to Thai people, saying they had been too frightened to respond immediately.

In a video released by the Italian Embassy, several members featured prominently in the online controversy asked for forgiveness over their behaviour and said they recognised that remaining silent had been the wrong decision.

Embassy video follows online backlash

The confrontation prompted intense criticism online, particularly after a remark attributed to the group: "Sorry for bringing money to your country."

One group leader said: "I know that money cannot buy respect," adding that they were sorry for offending Thai people and Thai culture.

The representatives said they had wanted to record the video the previous day, but had been worried and scared. They now said this had probably been the wrong decision.

The recording is partly difficult to hear because of wind, but the apology is clear. The group thanked Thailand for welcoming them and said they hoped Thai people would accept their request for forgiveness.

Students to return to Italy

The leaders said they did not accept the behaviour shown in the viral incident. They said the students in the group would return to Italy as soon as possible.

They also said they would try to teach the group again to strictly respect Thai culture. "Thank you for welcoming us and we calmly ask for your forgiveness," they said.

The apology video was issued through the Italian Embassy rather than as an individual social-media response, underlining the attention drawn by the BTS dispute.

Join the discussion?

25 July 2026

Just an outraged Thai Karen, making a very minor issue into big issue.

A storm in a tea cup. oh the outrage.

Also the Italian embassy getting involved. what a joke.

Edited July 25Jul 25 by rocketboy2

You know Thais are sensitive when “Ni hao” is considered one of the rudest things you can say to them.

It should be made illegal to film random people without their consent, with the intention to chase fame and fortune on TikTok.

2 minutes ago, rocketboy2 said:

Just an outraged Thai Karen, making a very minor issue into big issue.

A storm in a tea cup. oh the outrage.

The Italian embassy getting involved. what a joke.

Every embassy should have a Hall of Shame page where each person apologizes for what they did. How long they stay there should depend on the offence, and after a few strikes, they are out.

Edit note: I forgot a 😉

Edited July 25Jul 25 by Hummin

I lived in Italy for over a year and many, not all, Italians do tend to speak loudly especially when in a crowded space. They don't mean any harm it is just the way many of them are.

Edited July 25Jul 25 by Photoguy21
Added a little more context.

3 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Every embassy should have a Hall of Shame page where each person apologizes for what they did. How long they stay there should depend on the offence, and after a few strikes, they are out.

Nah. silly idea.

Can you imagine how many pages us brits would have.

That would be a long read.

12 minutes ago, Caldera said:

It should be made illegal to film random people without their consent, with the intention to chase fame and fortune on TikTok.

What about this?

1. Harassment and Distress: Under Thailand's Criminal Code, filming someone in a prolonged, intrusive, or intimidating manner that causes public shame, annoyance, or distress is punishable by up to one month in prison or a fine up to 5,000 baht. [1]

2. PDPA Violations: Posting identifiable footage or photos of individuals online without their consent can violate Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) if it causes them damage, embarrassment, or loss. [1, 2, 3]

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1 minute ago, rocketboy2 said:

Nah. silly idea.

Can you imagine how many pages us brits would have.

That would be a long read.

But honestly, we will probably soon adapt to a Thai version, or some other version, of China’s social credit system, where a few strikes can ban you from public transport, shopping and other services.

Can you imagine the miserable life you would have if you married that Thai women? 🙂

8 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The Thai woman is making things worse by her comments. She is badmouthed and the words she is using are not decent at all. Apparently she is the only one who has a problem with the tourists, all others are watching their phone. Sadly the Thai woman has no idea that in Thailand they maybe don't peak loudly in the BTS but everywhere you go they do. Just watch TV and see in shows how they screams, in soaps and even the news. a few houses from me there is a family and one of the daughter and her father speaks so loudly every time that we can hear word by word what they are talking about. You can't expect that tourists know everything from a country, so she can't blame them. The Thai woman must be ashamed that people who come on holiday, spend their money here and have fun are being treated like this. There is no law that states that loud speaking in a BTS train forbids. So there is no need to say shall we call the police..This is damaging Thailand much more than she knows, Thailand means a free country, but it seems more and more that there is no freedom at all. Everything is controlled

You write that:-

' ...there is no freedom at all (in Thailand). Everything is controlled.'

You must be joking.

The Thai woman is making things worse by her comments. She is badmouthed and the words she is using are not decent at all. Apparently she is the only one who has a problem with the tourists, all others are watching their phone. Sadly the Thai woman has no idea that in Thailand they maybe don't peak loudly in the BTS but everywhere you go they do. Just watch TV and see in shows how they screams, in soaps and even the news. a few houses from me there is a family and one of the daughter and her father speaks so loudly every time that we can hear word by word what they are talking about. You can't expect that tourists know everything from a country, so she can't blame them. The Thai woman must be ashamed that people who come on holiday, spend their money here and have fun are being treated like this. There is no law that states that loud speaking in a BTS train forbids. So there is no need to say shall we call the police..This is damaging Thailand much more than she knows, Thailand means a free country, but it seems more and more that there is no freedom at all. Everything is controlled

Thailandtravel guides

The Thai woman is making things worse by her comments. She is badmouthed and the words she is using are not decent at all. Apparently she is the only one who has a problem with the tourists, all others are watching their phone. Sadly the Thai woman has no idea that in Thailand they maybe don't peak loudly in the BTS but everywhere you go they do. Just watch TV and see in shows how they screams, in soaps and even the news. a few houses from me there is a family and one of the daughter and her father speaks so loudly every time that we can hear word by word what they are talking about. You can't expect that tourists know everything from a country, so she can't blame them. The Thai woman must be ashamed that people who come on holiday, spend their money here and have fun are being treated like this. There is no law that states that loud speaking in a BTS train forbids. So there is no need to say shall we call the police..This is damaging Thailand much more than she knows, Thailand means a free country, but it seems more and more that there is no freedom at all. Everything is controlled

Thailandtravel guides

The Thai woman is making things worse by her comments. She is badmouthed and the words she is using are not decent at all. Apparently she is the only one who has a problem with the tourists, all others are watching their phone. Sadly the Thai woman has no idea that in Thailand they maybe don't peak loudly in the BTS but everywhere you go they do. Just watch TV and see in shows how they screams, in soaps and even the news. a few houses from me there is a family and one of the daughter and her father speaks so loudly every time that we can hear word by word what they are talking about. You can't expect that tourists know everything from a country, so she can't blame them. The Thai woman must be ashamed that people who come on holiday, spend their money here and have fun are being treated like this. There is no law that states that loud speaking in a BTS train forbids. So there is no need to say shall we call the police..This is damaging Thailand much more than she knows, Thailand means a free country, but it seems more and more that there is no freedom at all. Everything is controlled

Thailandtravel guides

Travelers regardless their age should be briefed upon the culture of the country they are visiting. If they are teenagers, there should be a minder to guide them. Being crass is not acceptable . In Japan , train travelers are aware of the etiquette of noises including phone rings.

Being patronizing about bringing money into Thailand tells you a lot about their upbringing . Thailand do not need their patronage at all if that is their attitude towards their host country. May the door hit on their butts on their way out.

8 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The Thai woman is making things worse by her comments. She is badmouthed and the words she is using are not decent at all. Apparently she is the only one who has a problem with the tourists, all others are watching their phone. Sadly the Thai woman has no idea that in Thailand they maybe don't peak loudly in the BTS but everywhere you go they do. Just watch TV and see in shows how they screams, in soaps and even the news. a few houses from me there is a family and one of the daughter and her father speaks so loudly every time that we can hear word by word what they are talking about. You can't expect that tourists know everything from a country, so she can't blame them. The Thai woman must be ashamed that people who come on holiday, spend their money here and have fun are being treated like this. There is no law that states that loud speaking in a BTS train forbids. So there is no need to say shall we call the police..This is damaging Thailand much more than she knows, Thailand means a free country, but it seems more and more that there is no freedom at all. Everything is controlled

Most annoying of all is loud TV news, whether Thai, European or American, or any TV at all in hotels during breakfast.

They have nothing to apologize for. People enjoying themselves isn't illegal, or inappropiate.

There is a place and time to enjoy yourselves but not on the inconveniences of other people’s personal space. This video reflect badly on the perception of the Italian people.

UPDATE

Italian BTS group could face charges and visa action

Picture courtesy of Amarin

Thai police say Italian students accused of disrupting passengers on Bangkok's BTS could face prosecution under Thai law, while immigration authorities may consider cancelling their visas if legal grounds are found.

The comments came on 25 July 2026 after a video circulated online showing a group of Italian students visiting Thailand making loud noise on a BTS train. A Thai passenger who asked them to stop was allegedly met with abusive language, sexually threatening gestures and an insulting remark.

The group were also heard saying, "Sorry for bringing money to your country," according to reports of the footage. An argument followed, and the students reportedly made middle-finger gestures after leaving the train.

Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phewphan, deputy inspector-general and spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, said a person who believes they have been insulted, demeaned or had their human dignity affected can make a police complaint.

Thai law applies to all visitors

Trairong said the alleged conduct took place in Thailand, meaning Thai law applies regardless of whether the people involved are Thai nationals or foreigners. Anyone found to have committed an offence in the kingdom is subject to the same legal process and penalties, he said.

He added that making excessive noise on the BTS, a public transport service, could potentially amount to causing a public nuisance or breaching the operator's rules. Any offence would depend on the circumstances and relevant regulations.

Videos and images shared online can be important evidence for officers considering whether to take legal action, Trairong said.

Visa cancellation remains an immigration matter

Asked whether the students' visas could be revoked, Trairong said this fell under the authority of the relevant agencies under immigration law.

If officials investigate and find conduct that meets criteria set out in the law, they can consider further action through the required legal procedures, he said. He did not say whether immigration action had begun in this case.

The incident has prompted strong criticism online over the behaviour seen in the video and questions over whether the Thai passenger could pursue a case.

Police urge passengers not to confront troublemakers

Trairong advised members of the public who encounter similar behaviour to remain calm, avoid direct confrontation and put safety first.

Passengers should collect whatever evidence they can safely obtain, then promptly report the matter to police or the responsible authority so it can be handled through the justice process, he said.

Join the discussion?

25 July 2026

7 minutes ago, Ctkong said:

There is a place and time to enjoy yourselves but not on the inconveniences of other people’s personal space. This video reflect badly on the perception of the Italian people.

That's not their personal space, it's in the publci domain, public transport. People talking, laughing, enjoying themselves. Give me break ... just an out of control Karen.

As pointed out, the Karen started off with the potty mouth, not the youngins. She's the one that started and escalated the situation.

Edited July 25Jul 25 by KhunLA

Can you imagine the miserable life you would have if you married that Thai women? 🙂

She is just protecting her red line and had the gut to stand up for her beliefs. The other Thais just bear with the loud noises and kept quiet due to their kreng jai culture . The Italians are indeed too loud in the train.

A good example of a growing and unhealthy and xenophobic Thai social media trend which attempts to document and amplify every possible example that presents itself of foreigners disrespecting Thais or misbehaving. You can't tell me that the Thai woman wasn't recording the incident without the foreknowledge that it might be good content for her social media accounts. The group of Italians were boisterous and should have toned it down when requested, but the Thai woman's profanity and protracted arguing didn't exactly help the situation either.

I agree with the assessment that the Anutin government has played a role in fomenting resentments towards foreigners. The government has legitimized anti-foreigner sentiment, and has given tacit permission for long simmering resentments to be voiced. With help from the news media and social media it has created the impression that foreigners are all land thieves, scam artists, murderers, rapists, Interpol fugitives, money launderers, freeloaders, economic refugees from the West who continually show an exploitative and disrespectful attitude towards Thai people. These sentiments seem to ebb and flow from time to time, usually rising whenever the economy tightens, but I am convinced that the government exploits these nationalistic sentiments for political gain, in much the same way that Trump and other Western politicians have exploited anti-immigrant sentiment in the West.

Edited July 25Jul 25 by Gecko123

It was their nasty responce to the woman. Decent people are nice to each other. She didn't start out cursing. Slapping her phone away--WTF!

That said, I was once invited off a train at the next station by a rather big man. He was smoking and my wife was pregnant. He put it out.