Most people whining about “free speech” when something like this happens, are actually calling for “consequence free speech”.
What does "consequence free speech" mean to you?
To me "consequence free speech" means "One must be polite and extend invitations to tea even to those who advocate for the extermination of your race!"
That's not what I mean when I whine about free speech. If that's what you also mean about consequence free speech then we are in complete agreement.
But if by consequences of free speech you mean that a business should be able to use the power of the state to jail and fine those who leave bad reviews even if those reviews are unfair then, you are definitely correct: when I whine about free speech, I am whining about speech laws that enable that kind of behavior. I don't think anyone should suffer those kinds of consequences for that.
Again, many people might think I am "on the side of leaving shitty reviews and hurting businesses" Not at all.
The business should be free to exclude this individual from enjoying their services, and should be free to issue a public statement as they have, telling their side. If that's "consequence free speech" then you and I disagree only about degree.
"The business responded, and he now faces the consequences."
Indeed! Not a society I want. I will avoid Thailand.
> What does "consequence free speech" mean to you?
Pretty much what the dictionary defines those words to mean.
If you say something, and expect people to not react or respond in some way.
The business didn't choose to jail him - once they make a complaint about it, it's out of their (the business') hands what action is taken. The business tried to contact him, repeatedly. He refused to respond, and repeatedly posted his "views" online.
He was given ample opportunity to avoid this result.
> Indeed! Not a society I want. I will avoid Thailand.
Good for you. Personally I'm more focused on avoiding societies where innocent people are imprisoned or killed by police, rather than those where breaking a law results in a punishment.
> Good for you. Personally I'm more focused on avoiding societies where innocent people are imprisoned or killed by police, rather than those where breaking a law results in a punishment. <
It's interesting that you think those are somehow different and unrelated problems, but they are not. If you spend some time thinking through both problems, step by step, you will see how they are deeply intertwined
He practiced free speech, and made repeated false or misleading statements about a business.
The business responded, and he now faces the consequences.