Tour Group Apologises After Viral BTS Train Argument Over “Bringing Money” Remark

A tour operator has apologised after a heated argument between a group of foreign tourists and a Thai commuter on a Bangkok BTS train went viral online.

The confrontation began when a Thai woman confronted the group for allegedly speaking loudly on the train before the exchange escalated into insults. One tourist’s remark, claiming they were “bringing money into your country”, has since sparked widespread backlash across social media.

Argument Started Over Loud Conversation on Train

@1234aaawry คนชาติอะไร?? ถึงเวลาไทยเลิกฟรี วีซ่าได้ยัง??? #นักท่องเที่ยว ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – 1234aaawry

The incident was captured in a video uploaded to TikTok on 23 July by a Thai passenger who was travelling on the BTS.

According to the video, the woman began recording after a group of foreign tourists were allegedly speaking loudly inside the train carriage.

When one of the tourists noticed they were being filmed, they attempted to block her phone camera. The woman then told them to “be silent”, explaining that commuters in Thailand generally keep their voices down while using public transport.

The tourists responded by saying they were only talking because they did not know where they were supposed to get off, claiming their tour guide had failed to inform them of the correct station.

“Sorry for Bringing Money Into Your Country” Comment Sparks Outrage

The situation quickly became more heated after one of the male tourists replied with the remark:

“Sorry for bringing money into your country.”

The comment immediately escalated the confrontation, with both sides exchanging insults and profanity.

During the argument, the Thai woman suggested that if the group wanted to visit tourist attractions, they should have been travelling on the Sukhumvit Line instead, adding that the line they were using was mainly for commuters.

As tensions continued, one of the tourists threatened to call the police, claiming members of the group were under the age of 18.

The woman responded by telling them to go ahead and call the authorities.

The confrontation ended when the train reached the next station, where both sides sarcastically shouted “Bye bye” before parting ways.

Witness Claims Tour Guide Tried to Calm Group Down

Following the video’s circulation online, a person claiming to have been on the same train commented that the group had in fact been travelling with a tour guide.

According to the witness, the guide repeatedly asked the tourists to lower their voices, but they allegedly ignored the requests.

The commenter also claimed security personnel were called to Saphan Taksin station, although the situation had already ended before they were able to intervene.

The tourist’s comment about “bringing money into your country” drew widespread criticism online, with many social media users describing the remark as disrespectful and discriminatory.

Tour Operator Issues Public Apology

Following the backlash, the Italian tour operator responsible for organising the students’ trip issued an apology on 24 July.

The company apologised for the behaviour displayed during the incident, which has since attracted significant attention across Thai social media.

It remains unclear whether any further action will be taken against those involved.