British Tourist Arrested in Thailand for False One-Star Reviews

Post by: Elena Malik

A British tourist named Alexander has found himself entangled in legal trouble during his visit to Thailand after allegedly posting false negative reviews about a restaurant in Phuket. According to reports from The Metro, the 21-year-old Alexander was arrested for his purported actions, which have sparked a significant backlash.

The controversy began when Alexander attempted to use the restaurant as a shortcut to his residence but was denied entry since he wasn't a patron. Seemingly seeking retribution, Alexander allegedly orchestrated a campaign with his friends to inundate the restaurant's online platforms with one-star ratings. This concerted effort resulted in a drastic drop in the restaurant's rating from a commendable 4.8 to a concerning 3.1 out of 5 stars, as reported by the news outlet.

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Understandably distressed by the sudden influx of negativity and the potential harm to their business, the restaurant owner took action by filing a complaint. Subsequently, Alexander was apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau at his new residence in Bangkok. The arrest warrant, issued in August, accuses him of committing a crime dubbed "entering false computer data likely to cause damage to the general public."

Despite maintaining his innocence, Alexander now faces legal proceedings in Phuket after being transferred to the Sakhu Police Station.

This incident is not an isolated occurrence. In a similar case in 2020, an American tourist in Phuket learned firsthand about Thailand's stringent defamation laws. He was arrested following a negative review on TripAdvisor, in which he accused a hotel of engaging in "modern-day slavery." Although the tourist was eventually released after issuing an apology, the episode serves as a sobering reminder for online critics visiting Thailand, where seemingly innocuous reviews can carry severe consequences.

Defamation is classified as a criminal offense in Thailand and can result in a prison sentence of up to two years.

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