Opinion: Bad review of Koh Chang hotel: The only real loser is Thai tourism

[2long]

12 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

I dont know if you are aware you can respond to a review on the platform, it's always advisable to respond in a positive way sit down stay calm then people can read both sides of the story 

I do know, and I agree, and I do just that on my TA page. They did just that. Plus they messaged him privately, shown in my post above this one.

 

[JusticeGB]

I write reviews on hotels and restaurants because I think that impartial reviews are helpful for future customers. This guy went over the top with a highly emotive review. Whilst the hotel has gone way over the top by making a complaint for Defamation karma will hit them in the face. The negative impact of their action has only brought more unwelcome attention to their apparent attitude to guests. It could also lead people to doubt reviews of any Thai hotel or restaurant. 

[aroiaroi]

Some posters still havn't moved on from the "he said, she said" part of the story.

 

The real issue (and the more interesting issue) is the use and abuse of a draconian law.
Is this just the tip of the iceburg ? I believe so.

My guess is that others who have been threatened under the law, and who have settled, are typically forced into silence with non-disparagement agreements, so we may never hear their stories.
 

[Mavideol]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Opinion: Bad review of Koh Chang hotel: The only real loser is Thai tourism

typical Thai posting standards, they don't look ahead and think about the potential draw back from their stupxx idea/post same as TAT with their weekly/daily postings about bringing back tourism, 1st regardless how stupixx it may be/sound, they post it and then seeing all the criticism and negative feed back they amend it to a even more stupxx one 555

 

[Fat is a type of crazy]

40 minutes ago, 2long said:

 

I had heard slavery was mentioned and I was a bit on the fence but seeing the way he expressed himself, with multiple references to slavery as per 2long's post, I can see why the hotel felt it necessary to take action.

He should have responded after posting such an over the top thing and getting multiple warnings from the hotel.

Despite that the penalty doesn't fit the crime. 

Stayed at the hotel and it's a beauty. 

Edited October 1, 2020 by Fat is a type of crazy

[Eindhoven]

16 minutes ago, Mavideol said:

typical Thai posting standards, they don't look ahead and think about the potential draw back from their stupxx idea/post same as TAT with their weekly/daily postings about bringing back tourism, 1st regardless how stupixx it may be/sound, they post it and then seeing all the criticism and negative feed back they amend it to a even more stupxx one 555

 

 

Erm...I hate to point out the obvious; but the person replying to the review from the American has a foreign name, not Thai.

In addition, the person singled out for criticism, was claimed to be from the Czech Republic.

So where is the Thai in all this?

I'm surprised that Ying is not all over this. ????

Edited October 1, 2020 by Eindhoven

[RJRS1301]

1 hour ago, French mate said:

Its perfectly fine.

They just need to add a sign at the airport arrival, next from the one stating electronic cigarette is illegal,  that posting a bad review about your trip while in Thailand is an inapropriate behavior who can get you fined and jailled ????

Perhaps even from abroad, as we could cancel any entry visa  and not allow you back if we want.

We are watching you ???? ????️‍♂️

[Psimbo]

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

I can remember leaving a bad review of a Thai hotel once on Agoda, place was a s##thole. Rusty cold water, damp linen, perfunctory cleaning. Maybe I was lucky not to be charged with defamation too.

Nowadays, I only book places I have been before. I do walk-ins for the rest, ask to see a room, walk out if it is not to my standards. Which are not onerous - aircon that works, clean, big bed, quiet.

I wouldn't be bothered arguing corkage. I'd pay up, just never go back there again.

I'd agree the hotel industry here is shooting itself in the foot if it can't take bad reviews on board.

Massive difference between a 'bad ' review and a malicious, petulant, vindictive one. An honest 'bad' review can sometimes be productive. I think @Scallywagsummed this up succinctly above.

 

Personally if I have any issues with a hotel or guesthouse I politely explain them at the end of the stay (unless they need rectifying immediately)- staff are normally happy to be told about room issues. On return they've normally been sorted.

 

The guy behaved like an arrogant, entitled sphincter (not that I support the defamation laws here in any shape or form though).

[ballpoint]

The type of person who hates on Thailand due to this story is the type of person Thailand can do without, and a loud, arrogant "tourist" had some time to cool off in jail. So win, win in my book. 

[connda]

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

I wouldn't be bothered arguing corkage. I'd pay up, just never go back there again.

Yeah, arguing corkage is stupid.  It's standard practice.  If you don't like the price, vote with your feet.  Or just save your stash and buy the bar drinks.  I've done that.
But still.  Criminal charges for a bad reviews when most of your reviews are great?  What was the owner thinking?  Going full medieval on the guy is about as stupid as arguing corkage.
Unless the resort owner backs down and both parties seek resolution out of court, they'll simply be two really sad stories here.
Over freaking corkage.  <headshake>

[welovesundaysatspace]

2 hours ago, French mate said:

 

They just need to add a sign at the airport arrival, next from the one stating electronic cigarette is illegal,  that posting a bad review about your trip while in Thailand is an inapropriate behavior who can get you fined and jailled ????

No, they don’t. They can expect that people in this country, locals and visitors alike, have made themselves familiar with and obey the laws, whether they agree with such laws or not. 

[robblok]

1 hour ago, LomSak27 said:

It took how long for the media to figure this out?!  Idiot, ugly american, walnut brain, whatever you want to label him. All  it did was reveal the mean spirited vindictive nature that is sadly an aspect of Thai culture. This is not going to win them any vacationers.

 

Hey lets go to Thailand, where they might toss me in the clink for a tripadvisor review, or find a bullet in my luggage. Yes a local Philadelphia TV channel mentioned both ???? this week (per vinny m). Those Teflon Thailand days have passed, long ago.

 

Mean spiritive and vindictive nature of Thai culture. It was the American who was vindictive. Posting multiple bad reiviews. Not one but multiple over time wanting to do damage to the hotel. He was the one who started it just because he had to pay corkage. I have paid it in the pas too, some places you have to others you dont. If you dont like it move its no reason to slander a hotel.

 

Maybe this is a aspect of American culture being mean and vindictive (I don't mean that but shows how easy you can turn around the action of one to tar everyone)

[robblok]

20 minutes ago, connda said:

Yeah, arguing corkage is stupid.  It's standard practice.  If you don't like the price, vote with your feet.  Or just save your stash and buy the bar drinks.  I've done that.
But still.  Criminal charges for a bad reviews when most of your reviews are great?  What was the owner thinking?  Going full medieval on the guy is about as stupid as arguing corkage.
Unless the resort owner backs down and both parties seek resolution out of court, they'll simply be two really sad stories here.
Over freaking corkage.  <headshake>

The guy kept posting bad reviews wanting to do damage. I mean that is not normal behavior that is something that needs to stop. Had the guy just posted 1 review and leave it at that its a different story the man was out to destroy the hotel by doing as many reviews as he could over time to make sure it was noticed. That is just pure vindictiveness. The owners had to stop it the guy did not respond to emails what else should they do ?

[RJRS1301]

11 minutes ago, robblok said:

Mean spiritive and vindictive nature of Thai culture. It was the American who was vindictive. Posting multiple bad reiviews. Not one but multiple over time wanting to do damage to the hotel. He was the one who started it just because he had to pay corkage. I have paid it in the pas too, some places you have to others you dont. If you dont like it move its no reason to slander a hotel.

 

Maybe this is a aspect of American culture being mean and vindictive (I don't mean that but shows how easy you can turn around the action of one to tar everyone)

Perhaps the example of mean/vindictive is emulated in other higher echelons of power in American society 

[Wongkitlo]

We have a small hotel. Most of high season we operate on 100% occupancy(except this year).. Customers can be really dumb. Often reviews are hurtful. Have accused me of stealing and being dishonest when it is just not true. All you can do is leave a reply but the hope is that prospective customers realize the bad reviews are often by cranks and the good ones far outweigh the bad. If the customer is too dumb to realize that I don't want them in my hotel cause they will probably be difficult. It is stupid of this hotel to bother. When I book I always look at the bad reviews first. If they are just people being fuzzy and arguing about an expensive bottle of wine or something I will discount them. 

[Ventenio]

OMG...I couldn't care less   (most people write this incorrectly, but not me!!!). 

 

I'm coming next week and will pay 200,000 for quarantine.   100,000 for airfare.  500,000 for hotels (yes, I get lots of rooms)....

 

Why?  like 99.99999% of everyone......for Pattaya!!!!!!!!

 

you jokers think people come to Thailand to pick strawberries????   nobody cares about this review if it doesn't affect the rate of a short time.  

[robblok]

7 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

We have a small hotel. Most of high season we operate on 100% occupancy(except this year).. Customers can be really dumb. Often reviews are hurtful. Have accused me of stealing and being dishonest when it is just not true. All you can do is leave a reply but the hope is that prospective customers realize the bad reviews are often by cranks and the good ones far outweigh the bad. If the customer is too dumb to realize that I don't want them in my hotel cause they will probably be difficult. It is stupid of this hotel to bother. When I book I always look at the bad reviews first. If they are just people being fuzzy and arguing about an expensive bottle of wine or something I will discount them. 

Yes but isnt it bad that people can destroy your reputation based on lies. I mean that is just unjust. I agree that this is not a criminal case but a private one. But i still think that people who lie (if proven they lie or are out to damage an other) should be held accountable. 

[2 is 1]

What we learn? Many don't learn nothing, but one thing is: don't drink and use social media!

I remember that from my Last Post in Facebook in 2012! I don't anymore remember why i was bist but i type really bad things in there! Most worst thing was when i take photo from my back side "hole" and post that in front page! Was last one . Dont know why they still put me email almost every week and want me join back LOL

Edited October 1, 2020 by 2 is 1

[Eindhoven]

25 minutes ago, robblok said:

Mean spiritive and vindictive nature of Thai culture. It was the American who was vindictive. Posting multiple bad reiviews. Not one but multiple over time wanting to do damage to the hotel. He was the one who started it just because he had to pay corkage. I have paid it in the pas too, some places you have to others you dont. If you dont like it move its no reason to slander a hotel.

 

Maybe this is a aspect of American culture being mean and vindictive (I don't mean that but shows how easy you can turn around the action of one to tar everyone)

 

Once again; where is the Thai person in all of this? Perhaps I have missed it. So far I have seen only foreigner on foreigner interaction. Not a single Thai name involved. F&B Manager; foreigner. Person who replied to the review; foreigner.

So what does this have to do with Thais? I haven't looked into it, so correct me if I am wrong.

[Wongkitlo]

16 minutes ago, robblok said:

Yes but isnt it bad that people can destroy your reputation based on lies. I mean that is just unjust. I agree that this is not a criminal case but a private one. But i still think that people who lie (if proven they lie or are out to damage an other) should be held accountable. 

Yes. Some nights I couldnt sleep because I was so upset. I have tried to get booking.com reviews removed but they don't  care. Unfortunately you just need to take it in the hope that sensible guests know better. There are a couple of nationalities who I know to expect bad reviews from.  I am not from the USA but they seem to be one of the nicest. You do get a chance to reply. Google is a law unto themselves though and are impossible to get help, customer service.

Edited October 1, 2020 by Wongkitlo
Edit

[PatOngo]

3 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

Once again; where is the Thai person in all of this? Perhaps I have missed it. So far I have seen only foreigner on foreigner interaction. Not a single Thai name involved. F&B Manager; foreigner. Person who replied to the review; foreigner.

So what does this have to do with Thais? I haven't looked into it, so correct me if I am wrong.

Who drafts the draconian defamation laws in Thailand? Foreigners???

[Eindhoven]

Just now, PatOngo said:

Who drafts the draconian defamation laws in Thailand? Foreigners???

 

But who used it to their advantage?

[Tagged]

32 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

 When I book I always look at the bad reviews first. If they are just people being fuzzy and arguing about an expensive bottle of wine or something I will discount them. 

I always look at how many good reviews compare to bad, and if good outdoo bad in big numbers, I do not even bother reading more than one or two good ones before booking. My criterias is destination, location, breakfest, gym (good pictures of gym and equipment is essential) and if have swimmingpool and bathtub is bonus. 

 

 

Edited October 1, 2020 by Tagged

[robblok]

4 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

Yes. Some nights I couldnt sleep because I was so upset. I have tried to get booking.com reviews removed but they don't  care. Unfortunately you just need to take it in the hope that sensible guests know better. There are a couple of nationalities who I know to expect bad reviews from.  I am not from the USA but they seem to be one of the nicest.

That is what i mean your doing your best and then get accused of things like theft. I really hate stuff like that. That is why i have little sympathy for the American. He was on a campaign to do damage to this hotel. Had he just left 1 review then so be it he vented and that is it.

 

[richard_smith237]

3 minutes ago, PatOngo said:

8 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

Once again; where is the Thai person in all of this? Perhaps I have missed it. So far I have seen only foreigner on foreigner interaction. Not a single Thai name involved. F&B Manager; foreigner. Person who replied to the review; foreigner.

So what does this have to do with Thais? I haven't looked into it, so correct me if I am wrong.

Who drafts the draconian defamation laws in Thailand? Foreigners???

And who owns the hotel and instructed the ‘F&B Manager’ to report to the Police and file a Defamation suit?

 

It is a certainty that an employee of a hotel is not going to take legal action against a guest without instruction from the owner. 

[PatOngo]

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

And who owns the hotel

You mean the 49% or the 51%?

[Flying Saucage]

15 minutes ago, PatOngo said:

18 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

And who owns the hotel

You mean the 49% or the 51%?

The hotel is owned by one of the most influential Thais on the island, and who is also quite controversial as many say. It is quite obvious that he is the one behind the prosecution. I assume he owns 100% of the hotel. The Czech guy is only an employee, who does what he is told.

Edited October 1, 2020 by Flying Saucage

[richard_smith237]

30 minutes ago, Wongkitlo said:

We have a small hotel. Most of high season we operate on 100% occupancy(except this year).. Customers can be really dumb. Often reviews are hurtful. Have accused me of stealing and being dishonest when it is just not true. All you can do is leave a reply but the hope is that prospective customers realize the bad reviews are often by cranks and the good ones far outweigh the bad. If the customer is too dumb to realize that I don't want them in my hotel cause they will probably be difficult. It is stupid of this hotel to bother. When I book I always look at the bad reviews first. If they are just people being fuzzy and arguing about an expensive bottle of wine or something I will discount them. 

I do exactly the same - I read a range of reviews. It’s generally easy to spot the manufactured ‘good reviews’ and very easy to spot the ‘neurotic whack-jobs’ who complain about the beach being too sandy, the waves being too noisy, the ghost in the room or the staff farted... etc etc...  Or those who have demanded something excessive and thrown a wobbly because they didn’t get their way. 

 

I have left a couple of poor reviews in the past and focused on facts never opinion. I pay attention to those leaving facts, i.e. safe parking area or parking area 10min walk from hotel etc.

 

I’ve had some poor experiences in Thailand but never left a poor review because of the defamation laws.

Its the same when reading all the Magazine articles about a place i.e. BK Magazine which cannot be factual about a restaurant or hotel because anything genuine negative cold be troublesome for the Magazine.

 

The defamation laws highlight Thailands immature legal system and a juvenile mindset of those who wish to keep it that way. 

[richard_smith237]

20 minutes ago, PatOngo said:

23 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

And who owns the hotel

You mean the 49% or the 51%?

 

In whichever fraction the hotel is owned...  If there is any foreign investor at all which you have implied there is (49%).

 

Or have you simply failed to think before punching the keyboard ?

 

 

 

[rott]

I have never been to Koh Chang but am now considering going and staying at that hotel.