Phuket inspection finds three hotels operating without licences

Authorities found three hotels operating without valid licences during inspections in three districts of Phuket, as Thailand expands investigations into suspected nominee business structures.

Deputy Interior Minister Polpree Suwanchawee led the inspection campaign, according to The Phuket Express. Some of the properties reportedly had construction permits for condominiums or residential buildings but had been converted illegally into hotels.

Investigators also raised concerns about shareholder structures that could be used to circumvent restrictions on foreign ownership. Financial records linked to the businesses are being reviewed, the report said.

Polpree said people claiming to represent “powerful figures” attempted to intervene during one inspection. He said officials could not ignore violations they had witnessed and that no influence should interfere with enforcement of the law.

Phuket officials acknowledged complaints from operators about lengthy licensing procedures and said the provincial administration had accelerated reviews of pending applications, clearing a significant backlog. Businesses that had not applied for licences remain subject to legal action.

The Interior Ministry has ordered joint action involving the Royal Thai Police, Ministry of Commerce, Department of Special Investigation, Land Department and Department of Provincial Administration. The investigations will examine suspected nominee networks, property holdings and financial flows nationwide. In Phuket, scrutiny is also expected to cover cannabis shops and other businesses suspected of breaching Thai law.