09/10/2020
Many people, sadly, think that lying is acceptable.
It really isn't.
When your lies are spun out of a petulant desire to cause others deliberate harm, being caught out is something to be celebrated. So, let's look at an example of that.
Wesley Barnes, a US citizen working in Thailand, posted a number of malicious, and completely unfounded, negative reviews about the Sea View Resort in Koh Chang, Thailand. This included fictitious allegations that they were engaged in modern day slavery.
Barnes had stayed at the Sea View resort earlier in 2020 and got into an argument with staff because he wanted to bring his own bottle of alcohol while dining in the restaurant, but wouldn't pay the corkage charge. After Barnes caused a commotion, the manager intervened and waived the fee. However, this didn't seem to assuage Barnes' anger.
Barnes subsequently posted numerous negative reviews of the hotel.
The hotel experienced a number of customer enquiries about the allegations, along with cancelled bookings. They made a number of attempts to contact Barnes and resolve the matter, but were ignored.
Thailand has very strict anti-defamation laws and the hotel lodged a complaint with the authorities. Police oversaw mediation between Barnes and the hotel, which led to an agreement whereby the hotel dropped the matter. Barnes made apologies to the hotel and to Thailand's tourism authority, as well as providing a statement to foreign media organisations that had previously written about his then possible arrest.
Barnes apologised for his "repeatedly false and untrue statements" and admitted that they were part of a malicious attempt to defame the hotel. He has also been required to provide an explanation to the US embassy about his behaviour.
There have been countless instances whereby individuals have left damaging, malicious reviews about venues that have had a detrimental impact on their businesses. In some cases, the 'reviewer' had not even visited the establishment, let alone experienced poor service.
The damage such fake reviews can have on businesses is substantial; including the loss of jobs.
In this case, Wesley Barnes is the one who apparently lost his job and fears for his future career prospects.
I have to admit that I don't feel sorry for Wesley. He bought this upon himself.
I actually think we should celebrate the fact that Thai laws are robust in dealing with defamation.
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