Phuket Seeks Legal Reforms to Bring Unlicensed Hotels Into the System

Phuket is seeking changes to five areas of legislation that complicate the process of obtaining hotel licences. The proposed reforms aim to help accommodation businesses operate legally, improve safety standards and reduce opportunities for corruption.

The proposals cover building regulations, town planning, land allocation, condominium rentals and environmental requirements. They were presented by Phuket Deputy Governor Romdon Hajiawae at an anti-corruption meeting at Government House in Bangkok on October 19.

One of the main issues concerns condominium rentals. Phuket wants clearer legal distinctions between ordinary property rentals and accommodation businesses operating as hotels, which are subject to licensing requirements.

The province is also proposing a review of building control regulations to make it more practical for existing buildings to obtain licences without compromising structural integrity or safety standards.

Changes to town planning legislation would take the needs of Phuket’s tourism industry and urban development into account. A review of land allocation rules would address commercial activities within residential developments while protecting the rights of residents.

Environmental approval procedures are another area under consideration. The proposed changes would take the size of individual projects into account, potentially reducing the regulatory burden on smaller accommodation operators.

Government seeks to remove licensing barriers

The proposals follow a meeting of the government’s anti-bribery subcommittee on September 14, which called for improvements to hotel licensing procedures in Phuket.

The Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission was tasked with coordinating efforts to help accommodation operators obtain the necessary permits, address obstacles in the licensing process and report on progress.

At the October 19 meeting, Romdon represented Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom and outlined the province’s proposed approach.

Officials also discussed closer cooperation between public agencies and private businesses to reduce corruption risks. Other priorities included improving digital government services and making administrative procedures more transparent.

No implementation timetable announced

Phuket hopes the proposed changes will encourage operators currently working without the required licences to enter the legal system. Bringing more accommodation businesses into the regulated sector is also expected to support improvements in safety and service quality.

A clearer licensing process could help strengthen confidence among tourists, residents and businesses while supporting the island’s tourism industry.

However, the proposals have not yet been confirmed as approved reforms. No implementation timetable was announced.