Phuket Inspects Two Unlicensed Hotels After Calling for Easier Licensing Rules

Phuket authorities have inspected two properties in Patong and Ratsada suspected of renting out rooms by the day without hotel licences. The inspections took place two days after the province proposed changes to make hotel licensing requirements easier to meet.

The operation was conducted on October 21 and led by Deputy Governor Romdon Hajiawae. Officials from the Mueang Phuket and Kathu district administrations, police and other government agencies also took part.

According to the provincial administration, both properties were being used in ways that were not permitted under their building approvals, and neither had a hotel licence.

Daily room rentals under investigation

One of the properties, Lucky Residence Phuket Town in Ratsada, came under scrutiny following complaints that rooms were being rented by the day without a hotel licence registered with the Mueang Phuket District Office. The property was also advertised on online booking platforms.

Officials inspected the premises and collected evidence for possible legal proceedings. No charges have been filed so far.

The second property, located in Patong, has not been publicly identified. Authorities have also not provided specific details of the building-use violations found at either location.

Licensing reform proposals still pending

The inspections followed a meeting at Government House in Bangkok on October 19, where Romdon presented proposals to review several areas of legislation as part of an anti-corruption initiative.

The proposals covered five areas of law, including regulations governing condominium rentals. Phuket wants clearer rules distinguishing ordinary property rentals from the operation of accommodation businesses that require a hotel licence.

Under Section 15 of Thailand’s Hotel Act 2004, operating a business that rents rooms by the day without the required licence is an offence punishable by a fine and potentially imprisonment.

Further investigations continue

Phuket authorities have carried out similar inspections throughout the year. In July, officials initiated proceedings against a condominium operator in Wichit after discovering rooms being rented daily without a hotel licence, following complaints from local residents. Five properties were also raided that month as part of a separate investigation into suspected nominee arrangements.

Authorities said they were still gathering documents before deciding whether to pursue charges. No operator has yet been named as a defendant, and no date has been announced for a decision.

The licensing reforms proposed by Romdon have also not been adopted, meaning the existing requirements remain in force.