Phuket —
Authorities in Phuket have intensified efforts to regulate illegal hotel businesses, targeting condominiums and apartment complexes that rent rooms on a daily basis without proper licenses. The crackdown follows complaints from local residents and is to enhance tourist safety while ensuring compliance with Thailand’s Hotel Act.
The operation was led by Phuket Governor Chotnirin Kerdsom, Deputy Governor Pol. Lt. Col. Khetarat Chansilp, Muang District Chief Siwatch Rawangkul, and Kathu District Chief Wittaya Jitsuphap, with support from administrative officials and territorial defense volunteers.
In Muang District, inspections in Wichit Subdistrict revealed a condominium complex where both individual owners and a corporate entity were renting out units as daily accommodations. Officials confirmed that such activity constitutes hotel operations under the Hotel Act of 2004 and requires a license, regardless of whether the operator is a private individual or a company.
Meanwhile, in Kamala Subdistrict of Kathu District, authorities investigated another property following public complaints. The site was divided into two zones: one offering monthly rentals and another, registered as a condominium, with 17 rooms rented on a daily basis. Evidence including hotel expense records, booking receipts, and guest logs that confirmed the illegal activity. The owner admitted to the violations and pledged to work with government agencies to regularize operations.
To support compliance, Phuket has opened a “problem-solving clinic” for unlicensed operators, offering consultation and guidance on legal procedures. Officials said that once the grace period expires, strict enforcement will follow, with legal action taken against violators.
Authorities have already documented witness statements and collected evidence to submit to investigators. Charges will be filed against the corporate owner for operating a hotel without a license, in violation of Section 15 of the Hotel Act.
