Phuket opens one-stop center for hotel and entertainment venue licensing

Phuket has opened a one-stop consultation and licensing service for hotel operators and entertainment venue owners, in a move aimed at reducing regulatory obstacles and helping tourism businesses comply with the law.

The Department of Provincial Administration, working with Phuket Province, announced the initiative on 20 June. The new service, described as a consultation center and licensing clinic, is intended to handle legal issues related to hotels and entertainment venues through a single integrated system.

According to Department of Provincial Administration Director-General Narucha Kosasivilai, the project follows Interior Ministry policy to provide proactive assistance to tourism entrepreneurs and address legal problems affecting hotel operations and entertainment venue permits. He said the government is seeking to strengthen Thailand’s position as a leading tourism destination in the region while shifting from volume-based tourism toward higher-value experiences.

Officials said the broader aim is to modernize regulations, reduce trade and investment barriers, and improve public welfare and economic competitiveness. The Phuket service includes a consultation and complaint center as well as a dedicated licensing clinic for operators who are uncertain about how to meet legal requirements or who are facing licensing difficulties.

The service will run from now until 2 July 2026, including weekends and public holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A central consultation center has been set up at Royal Phuket City Hotel. Permit submission points are also available at district offices in Mueang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang, depending on where a business is located.

Authorities are urging hotel operators, entertainment venue owners and applicants seeking permits to use the service to resolve outstanding issues. Officials said the initiative is designed to improve legal compliance, raise industry standards, strengthen investor confidence and support the long-term growth of Phuket’s tourism economy.