American sued in Thailand over negative Tripadvisor review
There is more to this case. And I’m just summarizing from the statement published by the resort:
- customer argued about corkage fee for beverages brought from outside. 
- customer left and drank beverages outside without needing to pay corkage
- customer made inappropriate and defamatory comments on online platforms. 
- Some of the comments were taken down by the platforms as they clearly violated terms
- resort management tried to contact him to resolve the matter 
See more:<p><a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;drive.google.com&#x2F;file&#x2F;d&#x2F;1VZCwyULmkLpZ7y5nT5wsaX0mn8waPd4H&#x2F;view?usp=drivesdk" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;drive.google.com&#x2F;file&#x2F;d&#x2F;1VZCwyULmkLpZ7y5nT5wsaX0mn8w...</a><p>From my own experience with complaints and the legal system
a) lots of people write realistic, truthful and harsh negative reviews but don’t get sued for defamation 
b) one doesn’t just get dragged to court
c) no matter if direct contact was attempted, if a filing is made at police station, the police call the defendant and he has to appear to get the charges read and to make a statement.
d) there are usually several negotiations at police station to settle matters without having to go to court or even starting a civil or criminal proceeding
e) if no agreement is reached then it becomes a real case. Also there is arbitration in civil cases  
f) general legal experience, not related to the case: foreigners not obeying local laws and regulations does result in a rude awakening. This is the case in any country. 
g) western countries specially USA have very strict local police and court rules. Try to miss a court appointment there and compare.
h) technically the defendant may be charged with not just defamation but also with violating cybercrime laws (more serious)
i) Not sure why this clickbait populist article is given so much attention. It’s badly researched, badly written. Classic “blogger - wannabe journalist” piece. A new low for Yahoo News.