Police Say Italian Tourists Can Face Charges for BTS Insult
Italian tourists face potential legal charges in Thailand for making obscene gestures at passengers on the BTS in Bangkok, with police confirming that foreign nationals can be prosecuted under Thai law for insulting conduct that occurred wi
Police say Italian tourists can be prosecuted for making obscene gestures at Thai passengers on the BTS, as a viral video sparked heated online debate over the incident's appropriateness and whether victims could pursue legal action. Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpharn stated on July 25 that if victims believe the tourists' conduct constitutes insult, discrimination, or violation of human dignity, they may file a complaint and pursue legal proceedings under Thai law, since the incident occurred within Thai territory and applies equally to foreigners and Thai nationals alike. The loud behavior on the public BTS system could also violate service regulations or related laws; the video and photos circulating on social media serve as key evidence that authorities can use in case proceedings, while visa cancellation decisions rest with immigration authorities if they find the tourists' conduct meets legal criteria. Police Lt. Gen. Trairong advised the public to remain calm, avoid confrontation, prioritize safety, and gather evidence before reporting such incidents to authorities for proper legal action.
