Influencer Extorts Restaurant Owner, Demands Cash for Positive Review
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On October 25, 2026, reporters visited the Pakai Bang Yai restaurant in Nong Phrao Ngai, Sai Noi District, Nonthaburi Province to investigate the case where the owner posted a video alleging extortion by a food review page with more than 300,000 followers. The page demanded payment for a review and threatened a one-star rating if the restaurant refused, sparking widespread discussion on social media, with many asking for the page's identity.
Ms. Soracha Rungrasmi, 33, owner of Pakai Bang Yai, said that on Friday, October 23, a personal Facebook account messaged the restaurant's page claiming to be a popular food review page offering to visit and review the venue. Because it was a long holiday and the restaurant was very busy, she declined. The page then threatened to demand 25,000 baht for the review and warned they would film an expose to damage the restaurant if not paid. With many customers present, she dismissed the threats.
Later, Ms. Soracha posted a clip of the threats online. Other nearby restaurant owners messaged her saying they had faced similar threats, though it was unclear if it was the same page. As the clip went viral, people asked her to name the page, but a lawyer warned her against revealing third-party personal information due to the risk of counter-lawsuits. She decided not to disclose the page's name despite having the details. The page owner later contacted her, apologized, and asked her not to reveal their identity.
By October 24, the clip had become a major social media trend, and some netizens suspected Ms. Soracha had staged the incident for publicity. She then investigated the page and found it resembled a scam operation that buys existing pages to extort restaurants, requiring a deposit before conducting a review. She also discovered the Facebook account had a history of scams involving second-hand clothing and amulets. Consequently, she gathered evidence and filed a report with Sai Noi Police Station early that morning. Regarding speculation that she fabricated the story for attention, she said the restaurant has a loyal customer base, has been open for 11 months, and does not need to manufacture hype.
Pol. Lt. Col. Natthadecha Thanisphattharapong, Superintendent of Sai Noi Police Station, confirmed the restaurant owner filed a report against the influencer who solicited a review and demanded free food and money, noting the suspect faces charges of extortion, causing fear, and threatening others.
