In the era of digital immediacy, where a single online review can influence the success or failure of a business, the power of public opinion has never been more visible—or more legally sensitive. Posting a Google review has become second nature for most consumers. Whether praising exceptional service or expressing dissatisfaction, it takes mere seconds to shape another person’s perception of a business. But what happens when a review is perceived not just as harsh but harmful? What if a statement crosses the line between a subjective opinion and a legally punishable offense?
Can a business sue you for a Google review in Thailand? The answer is yes—under certain legal conditions, your words online can indeed form the basis for a lawsuit. And in a country where defamation is not only a civil matter but also a criminal offense, the implications are significant.
As legal specialists in defamation, online litigation, and cyber law, Pimlegal has advised both individuals and corporations on the risks, rights, and remedies related to online speech. This article explores the legal terrain of online reviews in Thailand—focusing on when a review becomes defamatory, how fake reviews are treated under Thai law, how businesses can respond, and what individuals should know before posting public commentary that could potentially lead to litigation.
What is Defamation Under Thai Law?
In Thailand, defamation is governed primarily by Sections 326 to 333 of the Thai Penal Code, which criminalize false or harmful statements made in public. Additionally, when such statements are published online, the Computer Crimes Act B.E. 2550 (2007), particularly Section 14(1), may be invoked to pursue further legal action.
Section 326 of the Penal Code defines defamation as the act of imputing anything to another person before a third party in a manner likely to damage their reputation or expose them to public hatred or contempt. Section 328 escalates this offense when it occurs via “publication,” including through writing, drawing, printing, broadcasting, or the internet.
Thus, a Google review that contains statements deemed to be defamatory under Thai law—especially if shared publicly and deemed to cause reputational or financial harm—can form the basis of a criminal case. Punishment can include imprisonment for up to two years, fines up to 200,000 Baht, or both.
Additionally, Section 14(1) of the Computer Crimes Act makes it a criminal offense to input false information into a computer system in a way that causes harm to another person. This clause specifically targets online platforms like Google Reviews, Facebook, Instagram, or any social media or review system where public posts can damage reputations.
In short, a review need not even be widely seen to constitute a violation—if it can be shown that the content was false, made in bad faith, and caused reputational damage, it can lead to prosecution under both statutes.
How Does Thai Law Distinguish Between Opinion and Defamation?
The cornerstone of most online review disputes lies in whether the content is considered fact or opinion. This distinction matters enormously under Thai defamation law.
If a reviewer says, “The staff at this hotel were rude, and I would not recommend staying here,” it may be unkind, but it falls under opinion—a subjective experience. On the other hand, saying, “This hotel hires illegal workers and steals guests’ credit card information” crosses the boundary into factual accusation. If that statement is untrue and published online, it becomes actionable under both the Penal Code and the Computer Crimes Act.
In Thailand, the truth is technically a defense to defamation under Section 330, which states that a defendant shall not be punished if the imputation is true, and it is for the public benefit. However, even a true statement may still be punishable if it was made purely to insult, harass, or ruin someone’s reputation without serving a legitimate public interest.
Unlike in countries where civil defamation laws are balanced by constitutional guarantees of free speech, in Thailand, the court may focus less on the right to expression and more on intent, harm, and social consequence.
Can You Be Sued for a Google Review in Thailand?
Yes, absolutely. Multiple businesses in Thailand—particularly in industries such as hospitality, aesthetics, health care, and law—have filed lawsuits based on Google reviews that allegedly contained false information, malicious accusations, or misleading portrayals.
The plaintiff in a defamation case must generally prove that:
The reviewer published the content publicly (Google Reviews qualify).
The content is false, not just an opinion.
The content is harmful, either to the business’s reputation, revenue, or staff.
The author acted with intent to damage or failed to verify the truthfulness of their statements.
Thai courts have recognized all these elements in prior judgments, even ruling against anonymous accounts when IP or account data was later obtained through judicial channels. It is therefore incorrect to assume that posting from a nickname or pseudonym protects you from liability.
In some high-profile cases, courts have imposed fines exceeding 500,000 Baht, ordered public apologies, and even sentenced defendants to suspended prison terms for defamatory online content—Google reviews included.
Are Fake Reviews Illegal in Thailand?
Yes. Posting fake reviews—whether positive (to boost your own business) or negative (to harm a competitor)—is illegal under Thai law.
False reviews constitute both a violation of Google’s platform policies and a breach of Thai criminal law. Under the Computer Crimes Act, knowingly inputting false data that causes another person damage is punishable with up to five years of imprisonment and/or a fine of 100,000 Baht.
Moreover, if the review is connected to unfair competition—such as one business targeting another with fake reviews—civil lawsuits can be filed under Thai tort law (Section 420 of the Civil and Commercial Code), allowing the plaintiff to claim financial damages, loss of reputation, and emotional distress.
Beyond individual reviewers, companies that orchestrate fake review campaigns may also face corporate liability and enforcement under consumer protection laws, depending on the sector involved.
Can Fake Reviews Be Traced Back to You?
Many people wrongly believe that creating a new Gmail account or hiding behind a username protects them from legal consequences. In reality, fake reviews can often be traced through several means.
Google maintains records of account creation, IP addresses, login patterns, and submission history. While these are not publicly accessible, they can be subpoenaed in legal proceedings. If a business files a defamation or cybercrime complaint with the Thai police or the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, the court can issue an order compelling Google to disclose the identity behind the account.
In cases where a review results in significant reputational harm, courts have been willing to authorize such disclosure, leading to real-world legal consequences for the person behind the post.
What to Do If You’re a Business Affected by a Harmful Google Review
If you believe a Google review has damaged your business and it contains false or defamatory content, you should take immediate, legally sound steps. First, document the review thoroughly—capture screenshots, the URL, timestamps, and any comments or reactions. Do not wait to take action until the review disappears, as removal does not eliminate the legal grounds for a claim.
Second, assess the content’s legality. If it contains accusations of fraud, crime, harassment, medical malpractice, or unlicensed operations, it may cross the legal threshold into defamation.
Third, attempt a non-confrontational resolution. Some cases are based on misunderstandings or emotional reactions that can be defused with a respectful reply or request for clarification.
If the review is clearly false and harmful, you may proceed with the following:
Consult a defamation lawyer to draft a cease-and-desist letter.
Request Google to remove the review via their legal removal tool, especially if it violates specific policies on hate speech, harassment, or impersonation.
File a criminal complaint under Section 328 of the Penal Code and Section 14(1) of the Computer Crimes Act.
Simultaneously file a civil lawsuit for damages under Section 420 of the Civil and Commercial Code.
Can You Leave a Negative Review Without Getting Sued?
Yes, but only if you follow these guidelines. A review based on your genuine, first-hand experience, stated clearly as a personal opinion and not a factual accusation, is unlikely to land you in court. Thai courts are generally not hostile to fair, honest reviews—but they do take issue with public accusations that imply illegality, negligence, or moral misconduct.
When writing a review, avoid suggesting that a business broke the law or engaged in unethical behavior unless you can prove it. Focus on your experience, not the character of the people involved. Avoid inflammatory language and accusations unless supported by verifiable evidence.
For example, saying “I felt the staff were inattentive and I would not return” is a protected opinion. Writing “The staff stole from me and the manager is a scammer” is a serious allegation that, if false, may expose you to both civil and criminal liability.
What Happens If You Are Sued for a Review in Thailand?
If you receive a legal notice or summons, the first step is to contact a lawyer immediately. Do not respond on your own. The process may begin with a cease-and-desist letter, escalate to a police complaint, and proceed to a court trial. If charged criminally, you may be required to attend hearings, provide evidence, and respond formally.
Your lawyer will assess whether your review constitutes an opinion, whether it is true, and whether it serves the public interest. If so, you may have strong defences under Thai law. These include:
Justification – the statement was true.
Fair comment – the review was opinion based on facts.
Qualified privilege – the statement was made in good faith for the benefit of the public.
If you lose the case, you may be ordered to delete the review, issue a public apology, pay monetary compensation, and in rare cases, serve a suspended prison sentence.
Review Responsibly, and Know the Legal Limits
The rise of Google Reviews has empowered consumers to express themselves, praise businesses, and warn others of poor service. However, with this power comes legal responsibility. In Thailand, the law provides businesses with strong protections against defamatory and false reviews, particularly those that damage reputation, disrupt operations, or cross ethical and legal boundaries.
Whether you are writing a review or defending your business from one, the law requires clarity, honesty, and intention rooted in truth. Defamation is a serious matter in Thailand, and the consequences can be severe for those who cross the line—whether knowingly or not.
At Pimlegal, we specialize in defamation law and online reputation protection. If you’re facing a lawsuit for a Google review, or if your business is suffering from false online statements, we offer discreet, effective legal solutions tailored to Thailand’s legal framework.
Words matter—especially online. Know the law before you post.