Thai hotel seeks deal with guest facing jail over bad reviews

[Flying Saucage]

17 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

intimidate the yank have you read the timeline its seems the hotel has the patience of a saint although I do know that tripadvisor takes some time to investigate postings

Before filing a complaint with the authorities, we attempted to contact the guest multiple times
via emails, TripAdvisor and phone calls in order to settle this dispute amicably. None of our
communications were successful, with the guest only responding to our messages after his
arrest.

29 Jun First TripAdvisor Review

3 July Second TripAdvisor Review

21 July Email (He later replied 11 Sep after he got arrested)

Roughly between 21-9 Aug First Google Review

A week after the first G- review Second Google Review

9 Aug TripAdvisor message sent (He later replied 11 Sep after

he got arrested)

3 Sep Phone call (He picked up but refused to discuss the

matter.

So 18 days elaped between 2nd Tripadvisor review and 1st email which was ignored until 11th September

It does seem that he had a serious beef with the restaurant manager even to the point of mentioning his nationality

 

Have you been living in Thailand too long already, to become so gullible to believe what the owners of the hotel dictated in their statements, and to defend the use of a brutal fascist law, created to curb freedom of speech in a totalitarian country, over 4 short hotel reviews, of which only three were published? Do you think a verdict of two years jail for this "offence" would be reasonable? 

 

It's astonishing to observe how easily some Western people coming from pluralistic countries (I assume you do) can become supporters of totalitarian laws in polices state like Thailand. 

 

Edited October 1, 2020 by Flying Saucage

[mark131v]

9 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

intimidate the yank have you read the timeline its seems the hotel has the patience of a saint although I do know that tripadvisor takes some time to investigate postings

Before filing a complaint with the authorities, we attempted to contact the guest multiple times
via emails, TripAdvisor and phone calls in order to settle this dispute amicably. None of our
communications were successful, with the guest only responding to our messages after his
arrest.

29 Jun First TripAdvisor Review

3 July Second TripAdvisor Review

21 July Email (He later replied 11 Sep after he got arrested)

Roughly between 21-9 Aug First Google Review

A week after the first G- review Second Google Review

9 Aug TripAdvisor message sent (He later replied 11 Sep after

he got arrested)

3 Sep Phone call (He picked up but refused to discuss the

matter.

So 18 days elaped between 2nd Tripadvisor review and 1st email which was ignored until 11th September

It does seem that he had a serious beef with the restaurant manager even to the point of mentioning his nationality

 

 

 

 

Bloody hell fella he posted four negative reviews and end's up in Koh Chang nick for the weekend!!

 

He may very well be a complete lying dullard but that's beside the point getting jailed for expressing an opinion is draconian the fact this is news worldwide highlight's this

 

The fact the hotel owner spat his dummy when he could not intimidate the Yank speaks volumes, loss of 'face' absolutely pure and simple

 

Anyhoo that's my take on it so I ain't getting into pigeon chess about it...

[vinny41]

5 minutes ago, Flying Saucage said:

Have you been living in Thailand too long already, to become so gullible to believe what the owners of the hotel dictated in their statements, and to defend the use of a brutal fascist law, created to curb freedom of speech in a totalitarian country, over 4 short hotel reviews, of which only three were published? Do you think a verdict of two years jail for this "offence" would be reasonable? 

 

It's astonishing to observe how easily some Western people coming from pluralistic countries (I assume you do) can become supporters of totalitarian laws in polices state like Thailand. 

 

4 were published not 3

According to both the hotel and Tripadvisor the main one was published and it was online for 5 days before it was removed 

Since the review was against TripAdvisor’s review guidelines, it was removed after a week of being displayed.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VZCwyULmkLpZ7y5nT5wsaX0mn8waPd4H/view

[Flying Saucage]

Just now, vinny41 said:

4 were published not 3

According to both the hotel and Tripadvisor the main one was published and it was online for 5 days before it was removed 

Since the review was against TripAdvisor’s review guidelines, it was removed after a week of being displayed.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VZCwyULmkLpZ7y5nT5wsaX0mn8waPd4H/view

I don't care if 4 or 3 posts. So, does this mean for you he should be jailed for 4 years instead of 3? 

[DirtyHarry55]

16 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

intimidate the yank have you read the timeline its seems the hotel has the patience of a saint although I do know that tripadvisor takes some time to investigate postings

Before filing a complaint with the authorities, we attempted to contact the guest multiple times
via emails, TripAdvisor and phone calls in order to settle this dispute amicably. None of our
communications were successful, with the guest only responding to our messages after his
arrest.

29 Jun First TripAdvisor Review

3 July Second TripAdvisor Review

21 July Email (He later replied 11 Sep after he got arrested)

Roughly between 21-9 Aug First Google Review

A week after the first G- review Second Google Review

9 Aug TripAdvisor message sent (He later replied 11 Sep after

he got arrested)

3 Sep Phone call (He picked up but refused to discuss the

matter.

So 18 days elaped between 2nd Tripadvisor review and 1st email which was ignored until 11th September

It does seem that he had a serious beef with the restaurant manager even to the point of mentioning his nationality

 

 

 

 

You forgot to mention the First review was removed

So arrest a guy throw him in Jail 3 days is ok because of a negative review?
Exactly what was a lie in the review?

[vinny41]

Just now, Flying Saucage said:

I don't care if 4 or 3 posts. So, does this mean for you he should be jailed for 4 years instead of 3? 

That decsion is not your decsion or mine I leave it to the courts to decide unless some agreement is reach between both parties before then

As for totalitarian countries suggest you check out UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Turkey UK as some good examples of totalitarian countries I am sure there are many more

[talahtnut]

I'm arresting all you poster here what said naughty thing about Thailand.

                                signed..Khun Thai Plod.

[vinny41]

4 minutes ago, DirtyHarry55 said:

You forgot to mention the First review was removed

So arrest a guy throw him in Jail 3 days is ok because of a negative review?
Exactly what was a lie in the review?

1st one was removed after 5 days of being online

According to both the hotel and Tripadvisor the main one was published and it was online for 5 days before it was removed 

Since the review was against TripAdvisor’s review guidelines, it was removed after a week of being displayed.

snapshot of 1st post is contained in the link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VZCwyULmkLpZ7y5nT5wsaX0mn8waPd4H/view

[Flying Saucage]

7 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

That decsion is not your decsion or mine I leave it to the courts to decide unless some agreement is reach between both parties before then

As for totalitarian countries suggest you check out UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Turkey UK as some good examples of totalitarian countries I am sure there are many more

Hey, you are really a funny guy!

 

So you are saying I must not complain about a Thai law, because in Saudi Arabia they have worse laws?

 

You mean, it is okay to be jailed in Thailand for four years for four reviews on Trip Advisor or Google, because in Saudi Arabia you might get five years for four reviews? Or, to be more general, you mean Pot Pot was a nice guy, because Hitler killed even more people?

 

Interesting mindset, I have to admit.

[vinny41]

1 minute ago, Flying Saucage said:

Hey, you are really a funny guy!

 

So you are saying I must not complain about a Thai law, because in Saudi Arabia they have worse laws?

 

You mean, it is okay to be jailed in Thailand for four years for four reviews on Trip Advisor or Google, because in Saudi Arabia you might get five years for four reviews? Or, to be more general, you mean Pot Pot was a nice guy, because Hitler killed even more people?

 

Interesting mindset, I have to admit.

Posting Rubbish would you like to point out where I have stated what you are saying

[DirtyHarry55]

4 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

1st one was removed after 5 days of being online

According to both the hotel and Tripadvisor the main one was published and it was online for 5 days before it was removed 

Since the review was against TripAdvisor’s review guidelines, it was removed after a week of being displayed.

snapshot of 1st post is contained in the link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VZCwyULmkLpZ7y5nT5wsaX0mn8waPd4H/view

Yes I read but don't get why they claim defamation.
Maybe he thought the Hotel was over working the staff and the Hotel manager was rude I have experienced rude hotel management here before.
Anyway it's just his opinion.

[Flying Saucage]

1 minute ago, vinny41 said:

Posting Rubbish would you like to point out where I have stated what you are saying

I just tried to bring a little bit life into your comparison between different countries, and to let you a take look into the mirror.

 

Anyway, I will stop that discussion here, and wish you a good night my friend!

[DirtyHarry55]

I just wonder how many other guests the Hotel has had arrested for leaving negative reviews?
We only know about this one because a Blogger reported it on Twitter.

Anyways seems like a good tactic to get them to remove their negative Reviews.

[ukrules]

7 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

"It seems like the hotel is ready to settle," Barnes said in a message to Reuters. "I will meet them next week to hopefully end this case once and for all. It would be wonderful to have this behind us."

I get the feeling based on the words used in the quote that this guy thinks he's in for some kind of a payday here.

[aroiaroi]

5 hours ago, DirtyHarry55 said:

I just wonder how many other guests the Hotel has had arrested for leaving negative reviews?
We only know about this one because a Blogger reported it on Twitter.

Anyways seems like a good tactic to get them to remove their negative Reviews.

TripAdvisor and Google could report on review takedown stats. Of course, they won't.

It's probably pervasive accross Thailands hotel industry.

In this case the owner was probably well connected but it wouldn't suprise me if there is also tacit support from TAT, police and the domestic hotel industry.

The motive is there: those hotels who participate get a domestic advantage, all who participate contribute to an international competitive advantage for Thailands tourism.

However this backfired, because the customer went to a journalist and the story broke internationally before settling. I wouldn't be suprised if the TAT flexed their muscles and have been helping to mediate or at least involved in the resolution.

It wouldn't make a lot of sense for the hotel to demand payment (because it would make them look even worse, and it's very important that they, as representitives of the Thai hotel industry, publically appear

magnanimous, after this debacle). A public apology by the customer should be enough. 
 

Edited October 1, 2020 by aroiaroi

[metisdead]

A post using a trolling meme and a reply has been removed. 

[Ventenio]

This happened to me before:

 

hotel:  give me 2 million baht or jail

me:  jail is fine

hotel:  1 million and cry for 4 hours

me;  jail, bye

hotel:  400,000 baht

me:  nothing

hotel:  2000 baht and sign this

me:  (reading)

hotel:  OK, picture time

me:  fake smile   

[FritsSikkink]

7 hours ago, Flying Saucage said:

Have you been living in Thailand too long already, to become so gullible to believe what the owners of the hotel dictated in their statements, and to defend the use of a brutal fascist law, created to curb freedom of speech in a totalitarian country, over 4 short hotel reviews, of which only three were published? Do you think a verdict of two years jail for this "offence" would be reasonable? 

 

It's astonishing to observe how easily some Western people coming from pluralistic countries (I assume you do) can become supporters of totalitarian laws in polices state like Thailand. 

 

The guy is a convicted criminal in his home country, he threatened a business with a gun as he had a dispute with them too.

[FarFlungFalang]

2 hours ago, ukrules said:

I get the feeling based on the words used in the quote that this guy thinks he's in for some kind of a payday here.

I get the feeling both sides think they're in for a payday and settlement will be difficult.

Edited October 1, 2020 by FarFlungFalang

[FarFlungFalang]

1 hour ago, aroiaroi said:

 A public apology by the customer should be enough. 

Perhaps a public apology from the hotel should be enough with a hansom compensation payment for imprisoning a guest of their's.The hotel could just drop the charges and not say anything,the Thai administration can do the same.Nobody has to apologies.If the charges haven't been dropped the hotel is still seeking some kind of retribution and the hotel guest doesn't look like backing down if that retribution is not removed.

[mberbae]

For all those suggesting Barnes should be offered a free stay at the hotel,

you must be joking. I would think Mr. Barnes will stay as far away as possible.

[Captain Monday]

24 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

The guy is a convicted criminal in his home country, he threatened a business with a gun as he had a dispute with them too.

Sounds like a dangerous and violent lunk who never should have been let in.

I believe in required criminal checks for Americans wishing to enter Thailand. 

By the way I'm a US citizen.

[jesimps]

There are good and bad reviews of most hotels anywhere in the world, it's up to the people reading them to weigh up the good against the bad and to try to read between the lines. No one should be prosecuted for giving a bad review, after all, you're only trying to prevent future guests from facing the pitfalls that you did. 
I once stayed in a "resort" in Kanchanaburi which, although the owners were nice and friendly, was noisy both from nearby bass-heavy music and building work going on inside the resort. Breakfast was awful, although served with smiling faces and the rooms were very hot, the aircons were too small and there were no fans. In my review, I told it exactly as it was, but my Thai wife went into panic mode when she read it. I posted it anyway, it's only fair for people reading the reviews, that's what they're there for. 

[aroiaroi]

Apparently the court case is on the 6th of this month.

He should set up a go-fund me page for lawyer fees etc to fight this. The story has legs, I think he would certainally get more than enough to fund good legal representation. It would also give him some additional negotiation leverage.

[kingdong]

was in koh chang in jan,went to a restaurant for a spare rib buffet with friends,it was absoulute garbage they had been boiled so long they were totally tasteless mush,as i was sitting there a bloke passing said, you enjoyed it then,to which i merely said i wouldn,t order it again,out comes the owner trying to tell me how they were cooked,to which i replied i don,t really care they tasted like <deleted>,he walked away,i went back to my room and spewed my ring up,suppose if i,d written a bad review i would be prosecuted,might fly into Bangkok next trip (if borders open ) but will spend bulk of my holiday in neighbouring countries.this post typifies the thai attitude to farang.

[soalbundy]

11 hours ago, YetAnother said:

whole thing is a tempest in a teapot; thailand is what it is, including a sea of foolish, irrational laws; they need settle this with a couple wais; damage already done to thai tourism and that hotel;

he gets jailed then even worse

Not a couple of wais, a couple of stacks of bank notes is more likely.

[wensiensheng]

11 hours ago, misterjames said:

Seems like the hotel owner is one of those "I know the cops" types that tried to silence the man for leaving a review but now that the news has spread to the world newspapers he realises he could be about to lose face and business I mean who wants to stay somewhere where you can't leave your honest opinion on tripadvisor for fear of going to jail?

Perhaps you are right. But you do realize he didn’t just “leave a review”?

 

he left repeated reviews, across multiple review sites, over several weeks. That’s not stating an honest opinion it’s posting negative comments with malicious intent.

 

whether right or wrong in what he posted, what a vindictive small man.

[barrykay]

i don't often reply on this forum but one thing i do know. sometimes there are customers you just cannot please. i went to tripadvisor and read a lot of comments on this resort and the replies to these comments appear to be well thought out and investigated by someone called Nick Rosecu. i think that there are factors beyond the written "truth" here. personally i would not be put off by this customer and would stay at this resort.

[whaleboneman]

8 hours ago, mark131v said:

Bloody hell fella he posted four negative reviews and end's up in Koh Chang nick for the weekend!!

 

He may very well be a complete lying dullard but that's beside the point getting jailed for expressing an opinion is draconian the fact this is news worldwide highlight's this

 

The fact the hotel owner spat his dummy when he could not intimidate the Yank speaks volumes, loss of 'face' absolutely pure and simple

 

Anyhoo that's my take on it so I ain't getting into pigeon chess about it...

Thanks for pigeon chess - that gave me a good hearty laugh! 

[RandomBrother]

He’s lucky. Posting 1 comment is fine but to keep posting negative comments about the same visit, for a period of time, is just stupid. What did he hope to achieve by doing that? He should pay more attention to his kids in his classroom.