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SUWANVARA LAWFIRM
Suwanvara Law Firm Co., Ltd.
SUWANVARA LAWFIRM
SUWANVARA LAWFIRM
Suwanvara Law Firm Co., Ltd.
Criminal Law

Defamed or Slandered on Social Media? How to Respond the Right Way

Targeted by abusive posts, false accusations, or fake reviews online? How to preserve evidence and pursue defamation — both criminal and civil.

by Legal Advisory TeamMay 26, 20261 min read
Defamed or Slandered on Social Media? How to Respond the Right Way

In an age where everyone is on social media, being publicly insulted, falsely accused, or attacked with fake reviews can happen easily and spread fast — damaging both reputation and business. Many suffer real harm but don't know what they can do.

Online defamation can be both criminal and civil

Saying or publishing statements that damage another's reputation or expose them to contempt may amount to defamation, and when published online it may also engage the law on computer-related offences. The injured party can pursue a criminal case and claim civil damages at the same time.

What to do immediately

  1. Preserve evidence before it's deleted — screenshot the URL, date/time, the poster's account, and the full text.
  2. Don't retaliate with abusive language — you could become the wrongdoer yourself.
  3. Document the harm — lost sales, lost clients, impact on your job.
  4. Consult a lawyer to assess the case — criminal, civil, or both — and watch the limitation period.

If you're the one accused

A genuine, fair comment, honest criticism, or a statement made for the public benefit may not be an offence. Having a lawyer assess early matters for both sides.

📌 See more: criminal-defense services in Khon Kaen

Whether you're the injured party or the accused, talk to our team to plan the right approach before it's too late.

Frequently asked questions

Someone is attacking me online. Can I take action?+

Saying or publishing something that damages another person's reputation or exposes them to contempt or hatred may amount to defamation, and where it is published online the computer crime legislation may also be engaged. The injured party can bring criminal proceedings and claim civil damages alongside them.

How should I preserve evidence before the post is deleted?+

Capture the screen showing the URL, the date and time, the account name of the poster, and the full text — because a post can be removed at any moment, and evidence missing those elements is hard to use in proceedings.

Should I respond to the post?+

Do not respond in strong terms, because you can end up in the wrong yourself. Preserve the evidence instead, record the harm caused, and consult a lawyer to assess the shape of the case.

What kind of harm should I document?+

Record the actual impact — lost sales, customers who left, or the effect on your employment — because that is what supports a civil claim for damages.

What if I am the one accused of defamation?+

Comment made in good faith, fair criticism based on fact, or comment for the public benefit may not be an offence. Having a lawyer assess it from the outset matters for both sides, not only for the complainant.

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