Five-star hotel flouts the law

Here is a textbook example of how design and operational dysfunctionality, triggered by short-term greed and aided by unscrupulous bedfellows, can so easily compromise the sustainability of Thailand’s tourist industry, and seriously undermine the confidence of institutional investors.

So what happens next?

Do those in charge continue to view local residents and discerning guests as minor-league morons or do they adopt a more solicitous and professional attitude?

Do they instruct the hotel owners “what’s what” for a change or do they take their American brand name off the building?

Do they register significant error and temporarily close the hotel to put right what is wrong? They should.

The general manager of the hotel and CEO of the US chain now refuse to speak with us. This is out of line with company procedure and tantamount to an admission of guilt. Their shocking failure to follow due diligence and due process from as far back as the project launch should be acknowledged at the very least. Ostrich-like, they are missing out on pertinent questioning and creative attempts to find a win-win solution.

How can this corporate star of the hospitality industry be so unable to see the wood for the trees? With the evidence being brazenly deposited on the local community’s doorstep (and recorded) every single day, do they seriously think this matter will not eventually be contested at a higher and more public level?

John Shepherd

Bangkok