Jul 05, 2007Quickie Link: Novotel Apologises to Suttirat Simsri-wong
By vanrozenheim
(Bangkok, Thailand) - A member of the French Accor hotel chain - on Thursday issued an apology to a Thai transvestite Suttirat Simsri-wong barred from the hotel's nightclub, after the discriminatory act prompted a boycott by gay groups. "On behalf of Novotel Bangkok in Siam Square, I would like to extend my sincere apology to Suttirat Simsri-wong for the unfortunate incident that took place on Friday June 22 between her and the CM2 management and staff," said Novotel Bangkok manager Gerald Hougardy in front of a roomful of journalists and gay-rights advocates. Door staff at the CM2 nightclub at Novotel Bangkok two weeks ago barred Suthirat Simsri-wong, from entering the premises on the grounds that he was a "katoey," the Thai word for a transvestite. The discriminatory act prompted more than 100 gay-rights-advocate organisations worldwide to launch a boycott of the Bangkok hotel and other Accor properties.
