UPDATE Italian Embassy Facebook Page Hit by BTS Fracas Comments Picture courtesy of TNR The Italian Embassy's Facebook page was flooded with comments from Thai netizens after a reported confrontation between a Thai woman and a group of Italian youths on a BTS Skytrain on July 24. The woman reportedly asked the group to lower their voices because they were disturbing other passengers. The dispute later went viral after the Facebook page "Jae Moy v+" published a photograph under the caption: "Bad behavior by foreign tourists on the BTS." According to the post, the youths made rude gestures, including raising their middle fingers, after being asked about the noise. Embassy page receives angry responses By the evening, Thai users had posted a large number of comments on the Italian Embassy's Facebook page. Some comments have since been restricted on certain embassy posts, while the embassy had issued no official statement on the matter at the time of publication. Comments criticised the alleged conduct and questioned whether the youths had been taught proper manners. One said Italy should teach children respect from the time they can speak, while another wrote: "Money can't buy manners." Other users referred to Thai lessons on consideration and good conduct, and urged the embassy to issue a press release. One commenter warned that silence could lead to cultural abuse being directed at Italian visitors outside hotels, adding a reference to pineapple pizza. Open letter calls for investigation Earlier, Facebook user Prat Samsee posted an open letter in English addressed to Italian Ambassador Paolo Dionisi and relevant parties. Prat referred to reports that the group had made excessive noise, then allegedly responded to requests to lower their voices with remarks insulting Thai people, including: "Sorry for bringing money to Thai people." He also cited allegations of middle-finger gestures, abusive language and attempts to obstruct recording of the incident. The letter said such behaviour showed a serious lack of courtesy in a public place and undermined the dignity and humanity of others. Prat asked the embassy and relevant authorities to investigate. If the reports were established, he called for a formal warning, acceptance of responsibility and an apology to those affected. He stressed that the actions of a small group should not be treated as representative of Italians generally, noting that Thailand and Italy have maintained warm and friendly relations for many years. 25 July 2026
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