British Citizen Arrested in Thailand for Posting Fake One-Star Restaurant Reviews

A British man has been detained in Thailand, accused of targeting a restaurant with a series of one-star reviews in retaliation for being denied shortcut access through the establishment.

 

The 21-year-old, known only as Alexander, allegedly initiated the campaign after the owner of an Italian restaurant on Phuket Island refused him passage as a non-paying customer. Frustrated, Alexander reportedly enlisted a friend to help disseminate "false and distorted statements" aimed at damaging the restaurant's reputation, leading to a drop in the restaurant's Google rating from 4.9 to 3.1.

 

The dispute traces back to 2022 during Alexander's time living in Phuket. The restaurant lodged a formal complaint against him, asserting significant financial and reputational damage, which led to an arrest warrant issued in August following a police inquiry. However, Alexander eluded capture until recently, having relocated to Bangkok. He was apprehended last week and transported back to Phuket for legal proceedings, where he maintains his innocence.

 

Police Major Jomparit Kaewreung of the crime suppression division reported, "The suspect was transferred to Sakhu police station where he denied all allegations during questioning."

 

Thailand enforces stringent anti-defamation laws, treating any action believed to tarnish an individual's or institution's reputation as a criminal matter. In defamation cases, the burden of proof lies with the defendant to establish the truth of their statements, contrary to the prosecution needing to prove falsehood. This case is not isolated; in 2020, an American tourist faced arrest under similar circumstances for a critical review posted on TripAdvisor, although he was later released after issuing an apology. Under Thai law, defamation can lead to up to two years in prison or fines up to 200,000 baht (approximately £4,300), as noted by the law firm Siam Legal.

 

PM Law 

Sheffield Solicitors