An American tourist is being sued in the country for defamation against a hotel establishment.

He said in a comment on the Tripadvisor platform that the staff were "unfriendly" and acted "as if they didn't want to see anyone" in the establishment.

Thai law provides for a maximum sentence of two years in prison. 

A US national is being sued in Thailand for posting a negative comment on the Tripadvisor site targeting a resort that filed a complaint, authorities said on Saturday.

If found guilty, Wesley Barnes, resident in Thailand, faces up to two years in prison.

Despite the coronavirus epidemic, which has hit tourism hard, Thais and foreign residents continue to frequent seaside resorts - almost empty - including those on the island of Koh Chang, famous for its beaches and turquoise waters.

He claims the staff were "unfriendly"

During a recent stay at the Sea View Resort, located on the island, however, Wesley Barnes was extremely disappointed with the reception and reported it on Tripadvisor.

In his commentary, he claims that the staff were "unfriendly" and acted "as if they didn't want to see anyone" in the establishment.

The management of the complex filed a complaint against him following the comment, Colonel Thanapon Taemsara of Koh Chang police told AFP.

Wesley Barnes was briefly detained and then released on bail.

Thailand's defamation law provides for a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $ 6,300 fine