Influencer Faces Legal Action After Extortion Attempt on Nonthaburi Restaurant
A restaurant owner in Nonthaburi has filed a police complaint against an influencer who allegedly demanded payment for a review and threatened to damage the business's reputation.
On October 26, 2026, the owner of the 'Prakai Bang Yai' restaurant in Nonthaburi, Ms. Sarocha, filed a formal police complaint at the Sai Noi Police Station. The legal action follows an incident involving an influencer known by the alias 'Sophia,' who manages a social media page with over 300,000 followers.
According to the restaurant owner, the influencer contacted the establishment requesting a complimentary meal in exchange for a review. When the restaurant declined the offer, the influencer allegedly demanded a fee of 25,000 THB for the review and threatened to leave a one-star rating to damage the business's reputation if the demand was not met.
Following the report, police investigations revealed that the individual in question has an outstanding arrest warrant. This case highlights the growing tension between business owners and social media figures regarding solicitation practices. For residents and travelers, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding online reviews and the potential for misuse of social media influence.
Authorities are currently processing the complaint, and it remains to be confirmed how many other businesses may have been targeted by the same individual. The investigation is ongoing as police verify the extent of the influencer's activities and the validity of the claims made by the restaurant owner.