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The man faces up to two years in prison for criticism on Tripadvisor. Human rights defenders are harshly critical of Thailand’s strict anti-defamation laws.
A bad review of a vacation spot could land an American in jail in Thailand: As Koh Chang police reported, the owner of the “Sea View Resort” filed a criminal complaint against Wesley Barnes for damage to his reputation. Barnes, who works in Thailand, was arrested by immigration police and taken to the island. He faces up to two years in prison.
In July, the American guest complained about the hotel’s “unfriendly staff” in a comment on tripadvisor. This behaves as if the guests are undesirable.
According to a spokesman for the island’s police, Barnes had had an argument with staff because he did not want to pay stubble for the alcohol he had brought to the hotel.
Thailand’s strict anti-defamation laws have been harshly criticized by human rights defenders and organizations that defend press freedom. Laws are used by influential actors to suppress freedom of expression.
(APA / AFP)
