Popular influencer Golf Kannalin posted a tearful video claiming he was coerced into publicly shaming himself and accused of being a scammer, while social media circulated comments said to be from the opposing restaurant owner clarifying they never rented out the space.
On 23 Oct 2026 GMT+7, reports emerged of a heated online controversy involving famous influencer Golf Kannalin, who posted a tearful explanatory video on his fan page.Golf KannalinAfter being forced to post a self-shaming apology.
In the clip, he said he and his manager regularly ran in a public park and noticed a restaurant with few customers. They approached the owner with an idea to create a rest spot for runners to sit and boost food sales. The manager met with someone claiming to be a restaurant partner who showed interest.
They later agreed that Golf would help promote the venture, spending months planning, ultimately deciding to open on Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 October, with the restaurant agreeing to a two-week trial period.
On 16 October, the team prepared and set up coffee service for the first opening on the morning of 17 October. They saw many runners but almost no food orders. Near the agreed 9 a.m. closing time, customers began ordering food. The restaurant partner called to say the contract partner was unhappy and to stop selling, but the restaurant allowed sales until 9 a.m. the next day, Sunday 18 October.
In the video, Golf accepted fault for violating the agreed 6-9 a.m. operation hours, explaining that customers started arriving only around 11 a.m., and he lacked experience refusing customers.
On 18 October, Golf began serving coffee, instructing his team to stop taking orders near 9 a.m. and pack up. That day was busier than the first. Golf claimed the owner called with harsh words, threats to bring people to evict them, and accused them of trespassing. When the owner arrived, he shouted and called them scammers.
Golf said he and his manager took some items home, but some team members reported a man in uniform appeared at the restaurant, preventing them from leaving. The manager called emergency number 191 and returned to the restaurant, leaving Golf at home to receive items.
Upon arrival, the manager spoke with the uniformed man, allowing the team to leave but requiring the manager to stay. The restaurant demanded compensation, threatening that without payment, Golf had to post an apology scripted by the owner. Golf claimed he was forced to post the apology against his will to ensure everyone's safety.
Later, the owner's son mediated and requested they go to the police station. They were asked to delete the post, assuming the matter was settled. However, the next morning (20 October), the owner called again with insults and threats. The post had been set to private but not deleted, so Golf made it visible again.
Subsequently, many expressed support for Golf online, while others shared screenshots of comments purportedly from the restaurant owner, stating: "To clarify, I never rented the space. You asked to rent, but I said no. The manager said it was a running club wanting runners to have a rest spot and to introduce canned coffee during 6:00-9:00 a.m. I agreed since it was for exercisers. They could use the restroom and seating inside the restaurant, which opens at 8 a.m., but asked that visits not exceed 9 a.m. The permitted activity area was the innermost section near the water jar fountain."
"But what you did was bring coffee machines, ice buckets, baristas, and conduct full-scale sales. My restaurant serves food and fresh coffee, and I never rented the space or charged any fee."
"On 17 October, you set up your stall outside the agreed location. I found out around 12:30 p.m. that you were still selling coffee. I told staff to inform Golf and the manager that this was unacceptable. The manager promised to move to the agreed spot and stop selling coffee after 6-9 a.m. But on 18 October, you repeated the same behavior and broke your promise. Regarding GP, I never discussed or accepted it. I just want you to apologize on my page, and that would settle it. But since you both refuse to take responsibility sincerely, I must clarify. P.S. Your explanations are all wrong."
The issue continues to be widely discussed online, with all parties expected to provide further explanations.