Italian Embassy Apologizes for Tourists' Misbehavior
The Italian Embassy in Bangkok has apologized for the inappropriate behavior of a group of Italian underage tourists on a school trip who engaged in a viral confrontation with a Thai woman on a Bangkok train. The tourists were filmed using vulgar language and gestures, prompting widespread online backlash in Thailand. The embassy condemned the actions and apologized to the people of Thailand and to everyone affected.
The incident has divided opinion online, with some criticizing the teenagers for disrespecting local customs and others saying the Thai woman reacted too harshly. The Italian Embassy stated that Italians deeply understand and appreciate the values that Thai society places on respect for others, courtesy, and harmonious coexistence. The embassy also shared a video featuring three adults, who identified themselves as “leaders” of the Italian group, and the boy filmed raising his middle finger, with each apologising to Thai people.
Thailand’s economy relies heavily on tourism, but foreign arrivals have yet to return to pre-Covid-19 levels. Total tourist arrivals dropped more than three percent in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2025, with visitors from Italy down around 9.6 percent, according to the latest tourism ministry figures.
The TikTok video of the confrontation was shared more than 28,000 times, with the caption: “What nationality are they?? Is it time for Thailand to stop free visas yet?” The incident has sparked a debate about tourism and respect for local customs in Thailand.
One woman from the Italian group said the teen who raised his middle finger would be “returning to Italy as soon as possible” on account of his behavior. The Italian Embassy’s apology and the actions taken against the teenagers are seen as a step towards repairing the damage caused by the incident.
