Whether praising a beachfront bungalow or complaining about a disappointing dinner, travelers turn to Google, TripAdvisor, or social media to share their experiences. But in Thailand, the legal consequences of what you write can become a lot more serious than many tourists expect.

Thailand is an amazing and welcoming country, but it has very strict defamation and cybercrime laws that apply to anyone within its jurisdiction – including visitors. While fair and honest reviews are welcomed by businesses and other travelers alike, reviews that are overly harsh, misleading, or accusatory expose the reviewer to criminal or civil liability – even if they believe them to be justified.

Here’s what you need to know and carefully consider:

Defamation Is a Criminal Offense in Thailand

Most countries handle defamation as a civil matter. Thailand treats it as a criminal offense. Under Sections 326–328 of the Thai Criminal Code, defamation is defined as making a statement about someone that could damage their reputation, expose them to hatred, or lower their status in the eyes of others. If the statement is made publicly, such as through an online review, the potential penalties increase. Reviewers could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht (about USD 5,500), or both.

This doesn’t mean that writing any negative review will land you in legal trouble. But it does mean that:

• Tone and wording matter

• Exaggerated or emotional language can be risky

• Even statements you believe are factual can be challenged in court if they’re seen as damaging and unprovable

The Computer Crime Act Adds Another Layer

Thailand’s Computer Crime Act (CCA), especially Section 14, is often used in tandem with defamation laws. It makes it a criminal offense to input false information into a computer system that could cause harm to others. For example, posting a negative review on a website or social media platform that contains what a business claims is false or misleading information could fall under this law. The penalties are significant—up to five years in prison, a fine of 100,000 baht, or both. This law has been used in past cases where negative reviews led to arrests and legal disputes, especially in cases involving small hotels or restaurants that believed their reputation had been unfairly tarnished.

Real-World Precedents

One notable case occurred in 2020, when a foreign guest posted a negative review of a resort on Koh Chang. The hotel filed a complaint, and the guest was briefly detained under both defamation and computer crime charges. The case was eventually resolved through mediation, but it drew global attention and highlighted the potential risks for tourists unaware of local laws. Other businesses have taken similar actions in response to reviews they deemed false or damaging, especially when they included accusations of illegal or unethical behavior.

What’s Safe to Say in a Review?

Thailand’s laws don’t prohibit honest opinions or fair criticism. The key is to:

• Stick to personal experience: Describe what happened without assuming motives or making unprovable claims.

• Use neutral language: Say “The service was slow” instead of “The staff were lazy.”

• Avoid broad accusations: Never claim a specific restaurant gave you food poisoning, unless you’ve had it medically confirmed and in writing.

• Refrain from insults: Calling a business “a scam” or “a fraud” are grounds for legal action, unless you can prove it.

It’s perfectly acceptable to express disappointment or frustration. Just be sure your review is constructive, fact-based, and written in good faith.

Practical Advice for Tourists

• If you have a serious issue with a hotel or restaurant, raise it with management first. Many problems can be resolved on the spot.

• If you do choose to write a negative review, consider doing so once you’ve returned home, where different legal protections may apply.

• Be aware that anonymous usernames won’t shield you from liability in Thailand. Authorities can trace online identities if a formal complaint is filed.

Final Thoughts

Thailand rightfully is one of the world’s most popular and loved travel destinations, with a thriving hospitality industry that values feedback. Most businesses welcome reviews and use them to improve. However, it’s important to understand that the legal landscape here is different, and sometimes stricter, than elsewhere. When in doubt, focus entirely on provable facts, keep your tone fair, and remember that constructive criticism goes further than anger.

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