This story is an important lesson showing that Thai society is changing. When “Sugus” had the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
The incident happened on the BTS Skytrain on July 23-24. While she was heading home, she encountered a group of about 48 Italian students who were being loud and disruptive on the train. She asked them in English to please keep it down—but got a harsh response instead.
The group retaliated with middle fingers, inappropriate gestures, and racist remarks toward Thai people, including: “Sorry for bringing money to your country.” It was a deeply insulting attack.
She decided to post a clip on social media and filed a police report. Within 48 hours, the Italian Embassy in Thailand issued an official apology in three languages—Italian, English, and Thai.
Then, 5 students, along with their supervisors and an interpreter, came to meet her at the police station to apologize face-to-face. After talking for over an hour, both sides agreed to resolve the dispute amicably. Police fined 4 students 1,000 baht each for public insult, and 1 student 2,000 baht for insult and lewd gestures.
This is a clear example of “social impact & social sanction”—the power of society using both the law and social pressure to create justice. Thai people are beginning to “not tolerate, ask questions” about things that are unacceptable.
I hope to see Thai society apply this lesson to other issues to solve problems in our society.
Like I always say—the power is in all of us.
Sources: Local news, Italian Embassy