Phuket hotel licence backlog cut to about 117 applications

Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasert said Phuket’s backlog of hotel business licence applications had been reduced to about 117, from roughly 400 to 500 cases that had remained unresolved for six to seven years.

Speaking at Phuket provincial hall on 7 August 2026, Worasit said officials had cleared nearly 300 applications in two months and expected all outstanding cases to be brought up to date by September. He said the process would help businesses operate legally and increase tax revenue for the state.

Worasit said the government was also continuing action against influential figures and illegal businesses in Phuket. He said Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy was clear that “no one is above the law”, citing legal proceedings over the organisation of Bang Tao beach encroachment.

The minister said authorities were collecting information on businesses seeking licences but facing legal or regulatory obstacles. Issues identified at a policy meeting included building-control laws, agency databases, town planning, condominiums, land allocation and environmental regulations.

He said the Interior Ministry would consider amendments to relevant laws and ministerial regulations to make licences easier to obtain, while maintaining safety standards and preventing officials from demanding benefits. Worasit also handed hotel business licences to operators during his visit.

He described Phuket as a model for addressing hotel licensing problems nationwide, saying the province generated more tourism revenue than any other province. He also said foreign visitors were welcome, but that all residents and visitors must comply with Thai law.