The director of AFS Thailand issued a statement concerning the inappropriate behavior exhibited by an Italian youth on the train, expressing hope that the matter will be managed properly according to due process and calling on society to sincerely reconsider the importance of cross-cultural learning.
On 26 Jul 2026 GMT+7, regarding the incident of an Italian student behaving inappropriately on the train, Assistant Professor Dr. Watcharapoj Sapsanguanboon, the director general of AFS Thailand, issued a statement. He said that following the incident involving the group of Italian youths which has drawn public attention recently, AFS Thailand expresses concern for all parties involved and sincerely hopes the matter will be appropriately handled through the relevant procedures. He also asked for the opportunity for Thai society to collectively reflect on the true importance of cross-cultural learning.
As the director general of AFS Thailand and as a former AFS exchange student who studiedin Italy,I firmly believe that cross-cultural learning does not occur naturally but is a process that requires preparation, open-mindedness, understanding, mindful communication, and systematic practice through real experiences.
Over the past 65 years, AFS Thailand has continuously welcomed youth from Italy every year through exchange programs with systematic preparation. These youths have deeply learned Thai lifestyles, language, and culture; adapted by respecting differences; and lived together with host families, schools, and Thai communities, earning lasting affection, trust, and friendships throughout their participation in the program.
At the same time, AFS Thailand has also sent Thai youth to study and exchange in Italy annually. Our Thai youth have learned the Italian language, culture, and way of life by living with host families, schools, and local communities. They learn to understand differences, adapt appropriately, and gain acceptance as members of the community throughout their program participation.
The long-standing experience of AFS worldwide and in Thailand confirms that peaceful coexistence amid cultural diversity is not accidental but the result of quality learning processes, serious preparation, and development of global citizenship skills. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.7, which aims to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to promote sustainable development, including respect for cultural diversity, understanding global citizenship, and contributing to peaceful coexistence in society.
AFS Thailand believes this incident should not be merely a fleeting news story but an important shared lesson for all sectors, especially parents, educational institutions, and youth. In a world where people travel, study, work, and live across borders more than ever before, developing cross-cultural learning skills is no longer optional but a fundamental skill necessary for life in the 21st century.
AFS Thailand reaffirms its commitment to creating learning opportunities through real experiences with systematic preparation, aiming to nurture youth into global citizens who understand, empathize, respect differences, and build trust among people of diverse cultures—foundations essential for the sustainable peace of the world.
