BANGKOK, July 25 -- The Italian tourists at the centre of the viral Bangkok BTS Skytrain row have issued a public apology after days of backlash.

According to The Nation, representatives of the group made the apology in a video released by the Italian Embassy, asking Thai people for forgiveness over their behaviour.

"I know that money cannot buy respect," one of the group's leaders said, apologising for offending Thai people and Thai culture.

The group said they had initially been too frightened to respond publicly but had since realised remaining silent was the wrong decision.

They also thanked Thailand for welcoming them and said they hoped their apology would be accepted.

The apology follows a confrontation aboard Bangkok's BTS Sk...