Unlicensed Patong Hotel Prosecuted Twice for Violating Thai Law

Patong –

Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) has continued its nationwide crackdown on unauthorized hotels, targeting repeat offenders in one of the country’s busiest tourist hubs.

This week, Naruetcha Khosasivilai, Director-General of DOPA, ordered the Special Operations Unit to investigate establishments suspected of running hotel businesses without proper licenses. Led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Singkham Kamyod, the team focused on Patong, a hotspot for international tourism.

Investigations revealed that a hotel was advertising and accepting bookings online in the manner of a licensed hotel, despite lacking authorization under the Hotel Act of 2004. The property had already been prosecuted earlier in February 2026 but continued operations in defiance of the law.

To secure evidence, undercover officers booked and stayed at the premises. Once violations were confirmed, DOPA coordinated with Patong Police Station to conduct a formal inspection. Authorities documented clear breaches of the Hotel Act and handed over evidence to investigators for prosecution.

The Director-General stressed that enforcement will remain firm and ongoing:

• Protecting tourists from unsafe and unregulated accommodations
• Ensuring fair competition for compliant businesses
• Preventing illicit profiteering and corruption linked to illegal operators