Brit detained in Thailand for posting fake restaurant reviews

Monday, 13 May, 2024 0

A British man could face jail time over a dispute with a restaurant owner in Thailand.

The Brit, identified only as Alexander, was staying in Phuket in 2022 and using the restaurant as a short cut to his condo.

The owner of an Italian restaurant banned him from doing so as he wasn’t a paying customer.

Alexander allegedly decided to take revenge by getting friends to post fake one-star reviews of the restaurant.

Over time, the restaurant’s commendable rate of 4.8 out of 5 stars plunged to just 3.1.

The owner filed a complaint and the 21-year old Brit was tracked down to his apartment in Bangkok and arrested last year.

Defamation carries a prison sentence of up to two years.

During the interrogation, he has denied the charges,” Police Major Jomparit Kaewreung of the Crime Suppression Division said.

A few years ago, an American tourist was charged under Thailand’s anti-defamation laws for posting a negative review of a Phuket hotel.

He later made a public apology and was released.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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