Phuket Authorities Investigate Condo Over Alleged Illegal Daily Room Rentals

Authorities in Phuket have initiated legal proceedings against the operator of a condominium in Wichit after inspectors allegedly discovered the property was being used for daily accommodation without the required hotel licence.

The inspection was carried out on July 29 following complaints from residents about the building. During the operation, officials found that units were being rented to short-term guests on a daily basis, which may violate Thailand’s Hotel Act.

Officials reported that employees were present during the inspection, but neither the property owner nor the manager attended the investigation. Officers interviewed staff members, documented their findings, and gathered evidence to support legal action.

The operator is expected to face charges for allegedly running a hotel business without a licence in violation of Section 15 of the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004).

Thai regulations require businesses offering accommodation on a daily basis to obtain a valid hotel licence before accepting guests. Those who fail to comply may face criminal penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment.

According to Matichon, the inspection is part of Phuket’s ongoing campaign against unlicensed accommodation businesses. Authorities say the initiative is intended to improve tourist safety, strengthen regulatory oversight, and ensure fair competition among legally licensed hotels and accommodation providers.

The investigation follows another recent case involving illegal tourism-related development on the island. Earlier this month, Thailand’s Supreme Court ordered the demolition of a hotel after cancelling land title documents covering more than 13 rai of encroached land inside Sirinat National Park.

Officials said six encroachment cases involving the national park are currently being accelerated. Two have already reached final court rulings, allowing authorities to proceed with enforcement.

One of those cases concerns a hotel and villa project in Sakhu, Thalang District, which occupies more than 13 rai within the protected boundaries of Sirinat National Park.