A man has reportedly been sued for 1 million baht after posting a video complaining that a plate of chicken basil rice with a fried egg cost 260 baht at a hospital food court in Bangkok, sparking debate over food prices and consumers’ right to review businesses online.
The Facebook page Social Hunter 2024 reported the case on 20 October, saying the restaurant owner had filed a lawsuit alleging defamation by publication and violations of laws governing computer-related offences and the pricing of goods and services.
The man told Channel 3’s news programme that he had taken his child to hospital for a medical appointment and stopped to eat at the hospital’s food court. He ordered chicken basil rice with a fried egg, a dish he particularly enjoys, but was shocked when he was charged 260 baht.
He filmed the dish and commented on its price before posting the clip online, saying he had not expected it to attract widespread attention.
Two to three days later, he returned to check the post and found more than 8,000 comments, many questioning the price. He said he was subsequently served with court papers seeking 1 million baht in damages. His wife was also reported to have been accused in connection with the case.
The man said he had consulted a lawyer to review the allegations and determine how to proceed with the case.
Lawyer Monchai Chongkairattanakul, known as Lawyer Kaew, said people had the right to express opinions and criticise matters in good faith. He said reviewing a restaurant did not automatically violate the Computer Crime Act if the post did not introduce false information into a computer system.
However, he said whether the review could constitute defamation by publication would depend on the circumstances. He also described the 1-million-baht compensation claim as a very large amount.
Monchai advised the public to base online comments on facts, choose their words carefully and avoid making false allegations or distorting information and images, warning that introducing false information into computer systems could have legal consequences.