Debatemne: Thai-Dk Din debat side :: Kriminelle faranger

Oprettet af yindee d. 11-11-2016 09:14
#5

**********UPDATE**********


Been getting a ton of conflicting information, but it seems a lot of this was caused completely by the police's illiteracy. My license is valid to run a guesthouse (which is condisdered small), not a "hotel" which is considered a large building/business/operation, and requires separate licenses. They police claimed I'm operating a hotel since my signs say hotel all over them. Except they don't. They say HOSTEL. So, the police misread it and put me in jail and took all my money.

To save face, they told me now that Hostels are illegal in Thailand and will all be shut down soon. They also said in Samui it's not permitted to use the word "hostel" on a sign. I sent them a dozen pictures of signs that say "hostel" just in my immediate neighborhood. Now I've been told if I change my name I can reopen almost immediately. But I've also been told that I'll just be busted again for the same thing if I do.

It looks like what's safest is to go to the mainland and start a new company, new business name, new everything from scratch on my own, with no lawyers or 3rd party Thai partners. Working only with myself, the government, and a trusted Thai friend/translator/partner.

I've been unbelievably overwhelmed by the response this campaign has gathered, and am in complete disbelief that so many of you were able and willing to contribute so much! I expected to earn maybe $200, but every penny counts in this situation. I'm a bit awkward about where to go now. We more than met our original goal, which was the costs of the money taken from me and a little to deal with my business being closed. I'm raising the goal now to help cover the costs of doing everything over from scratch, which seems the safest course, if I'm to stay in Samui. I'm humbled and grateful for everything contributed so far, and don't want to seem demanding asking for more. So please know that I don't expect anything more, but certainly appreciate any help anyone chooses to offer.

Just like the hostel itself, this next step would be 100% impossible on my own, but is rather a collection of incredible people - travelers, friends, and kind-hearted strangers - that built the hostel into what it is, and will now revive it into something even more amazing than before. Thank you all, in all sincerity and from the bottom of my heart.

ps. Some wording has been changed due to concerns of US laws, retribution from guilty parties, and some small media coverage even. I don't want anyone to be negatively affected by doing something kind and helping me.