Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Thailand Expat misskit's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Chiang Mai
    Posts
    48,094

    Brit teacher on 'brink of death' on day 40 of hunger strike against hotel chain

    A British man was said to be on 'the brink of death' as he completed day 40 of his hunger strike over a complaint against Marriott Hotels.

    John Shepherd, 62, has been embroiled in a battle with the hotel chain since 2008 after a car park was built next to his flat in Thailand.


    Shepherd said in his most recent video: "I have very little if any body fat remaining and this is likely to be my final, fond farewell."


    He says that if he passes away during the hunger strike Marriott will have "allowed him to die".


    The former school teacher, who previously worked for Harrow International School in Bangkok, is now living in east London where he is refusing food.


    He was arrested, but later released, by police for defamation after writing letters to local newspapers in 2012 to complain about the sewage and the unplanned parking area.

    He claims he lost his flat in Bangkok because he decided not to return, fearing that Thai police would action a new arrest warrant against him.


    Shepherd has reportedly demanded £3million in damages from Marriott in compensation over alleged harassment which the company strenuously denies.


    Shepherd said in a video: "If I do pass away, possibly the first ever hunger strike death in protest at corporate wrongdoing, Marriott will have knowingly and callously watched and allowed me to die without stepping in."


    Minor International was the company which started construction of the St Regis Hotel in Bangkok in 2008.

    Control of the operation was then handed over to Starwood, a global hotel operator that later merged with Marriott.


    Marriot say the hotel is run by the chain but has different owners.


    The CEO of Mariott, Arne Sorenson, has met with Shepherd and begged for a resolution 'fair to both sides'.


    But Shepherd is reportedly adamant that the company is harassing him - claims which they denied.


    A Marriott spokesman denied to the Times they had started a police investigation into him.


    "We have given Mr Shepherd numerous opportunities to substantiate his claims against us — which he hasn't been able to do", they told the newspaper.


    The spokesman stressed that Minor Hotels, not the Mariott, were responsible for the construction on the St Regis Hotel - and that all complaints should be addressed by them.


    The Mirror has contacted Marriott Hotels for comment but no one was immediately available.

    The Bishop of London, the Right Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, has urged compassion on the part of the hotel chain after Mr Shepherd's plight came to light.


    "Given his current situation and fragility I'm writing to urge you to consider reaching out once again to John,' Dame Sarah wrote.


    "It would surely be tragic if he ended his life because he saw no other solution."


    A spokesperson for the company said: "Marriott International is dismayed that Mr. Shepherd is choosing to end his life over a grievance stemming from the construction of a hotel adjacent to his condominium residence in Bangkok, Thailand.

    Brit teacher on 'brink of death' on day 40 of hunger strike against hotel chain - Mirror Online

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,216
    Quote Originally Posted by misskit View Post
    "It would surely be tragic if he ended his life because he saw no other solution."
    ...passive-aggressive: you do what I want or I'll hurt myself and then you'll suffer...*sniff pout*...

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat
    Agent_Smith's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Last Online
    08-01-2021 @ 04:12 AM
    Location
    Locked down tight
    Posts
    5,106
    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    Shepherd said in a video: "If I do pass away, possibly the first ever hunger strike death in protest at corporate wrongdoing, Marriott will have knowingly and callously watched and allowed me to die without stepping in."
    Yeah, they'll lose sleep over that, for sure.


    Anyway, I think Marriott should offer Mr. Shepherd a lifetime pass to any of their hotel breakfast buffets as a token of compromise. Solve 2 problems at once.

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat Saint Willy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2019
    Last Online
    30-04-2022 @ 02:44 AM
    Posts
    11,204
    Quote Originally Posted by misskit View Post
    Shepherd has reportedly demanded £3million in damages from Marriott
    Aaah.

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat YourDaddy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Council flat. Thanks suckers!
    Posts
    4,594
    interesting and uplifting story.

    Never gif up

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,555
    Mentally ill.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •