Italian pupils fined over skytrain row

Five Italian students faced fines in Bangkok after a public dispute on the BTS Skytrain led to widespread online criticism. The incident involved the students behaving loudly and mocking a Thai woman who asked them to be quieter. One student also reportedly made an obscene gesture, and another made a remark about bringing money to Thailand.

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Sorry for bringing money to your country

The students, accompanied by a teacher, met with the woman they had offended at a police station. During the meeting, they offered a sincere apology, acknowledging their inappropriate behavior. The group and the teacher expressed deep regret, emphasizing that the students respected Thai culture and that the episode served as an important lesson.

The Thai woman accepted the apology, stating she recognized the group's sincerity and remorse. She had reported the incident to protect her rights and dignity, also urging foreign visitors to respect Thai customs. The students were fined 1,000 baht each for public insult, with the student who made the gesture receiving a 2,000 baht fine. The Italian Embassy also expressed regret, stating the students' conduct did not reflect Italian values.

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Members of the group released a video on Saturday apologising to the Thai public.

Following the payment of fines, police formally closed the dispute. The complainant's father thanked the public for their support and asked that the students not be harassed, noting they had admitted their mistakes and had educational activities remaining in Thailand.

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She had reported the matter to police to protect her rights and dignity, while also reminding foreign visitors to respect Thailand's culture, customs and the rights of others.