In a shocking case of censorship gone wild, a man in Thailand is facing a potential two-year prison sentence for the “crime” of posting negative restaurant reviews online! Thanakorn Siripaiboon, a 44-year-old food critic and blogger, dared to share his honest opinions about a local seafood restaurant on social media. But instead of the restaurant taking his feedback as an opportunity to improve, they decided to take legal action against him!
Thanakorn’s troubles began in 2022 when he visited a seafood restaurant in the coastal town of Hua Hin. He was disappointed with the food and service and decided to share his experience on his social media channels. He wrote a series of negative reviews, criticizing the restaurant’s high prices, poor quality food, and unfriendly staff.
But the restaurant’s owner, identified as “Jutatip Y.”, didn’t take kindly to Thanakorn’s criticism. Instead of responding to his concerns or trying to make amends, she filed a complaint with the local police, accusing Thanakorn of criminal defamation.
Thanakorn was charged under Thailand’s draconian Computer Crime Act, which makes it a crime to post online content that’s deemed defamatory or damaging to someone’s reputation. He faces up to two years in prison and a hefty fine if found guilty.
Thanakorn insists his reviews were honest and fair, and he has the right to express his opinions under Thai law. He says he’s being targeted for speaking the truth and exercising his freedom of expression.
“This is a clear case of censorship and intimidation,” Thanakorn said in a recent interview. “I’m just a food critic trying to share my honest opinions. I didn’t expect the restaurant to take it so personally and try to silence me like this.”
Thanakorn’s case has sparked outrage among free speech advocates and social media users in Thailand. Many are calling for the charges to be dropped and for the government to reform its laws to protect freedom of expression online.
“This is a dangerous precedent for Thailand,” said a spokesperson for the Thai Journalists Association. “If Thanakorn can be charged and jailed for his online reviews, what’s to stop the government from silencing other critics and dissenting voices?”
Thanakorn’s trial is set to begin soon, and his fate remains uncertain. Will he be silenced by the authorities, or will justice prevail?
