Phuket officials find unlicensed accommodation in Patong inspections
Late-night inspections in Patong found several accommodation businesses operating without proper licences, with officials gathering evidence for possible legal action.
Phuket officials found several accommodation businesses operating without proper licences during late-night inspections in Patong, according to the report.
Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae led the inspections with district chiefs and police. Teams from Mueang Phuket and Kathu districts checked properties suspected of breaching building-use regulations and operating without valid hotel business permits.
Officials were collecting documents and physical evidence from the properties for possible formal legal action against their owners. The inspections also examined compliance with fire-safety, health and local building regulations.
The report said the operation formed part of a wider campaign to improve tourist safety and ensure that accommodation businesses comply with the Thai Hotel Act. Commercial properties offering short-term stays must obtain a hotel licence; operating without one can result in daily fines and possible closure.
A recent ministerial regulation provides an exemption certificate for smaller properties with up to eight rooms, allowing them to operate legally without a full commercial hotel licence, the report said. Local political leaders have also proposed reviewing building, planning and environmental rules to streamline the licensing process.
