Phuket targets unlicensed daily rentals under Hotel Act

Phuket authorities have intensified inspections of condominiums and apartment complexes offering daily accommodation without the licences required under Thailand’s Hotel Act of 2004, following complaints from local residents.

The operation was led by Phuket Governor Chotnirin Kerdsom, Deputy Governor Pol. Lt. Col. Khetarat Chansilp, Muang District Chief Siwatch Rawangkul and Kathu District Chief Wittaya Jitsuphap, with support from administrative officials and territorial defence volunteers.

In Wichit, Muang district, officials inspected a condominium complex where individual owners and a company were renting units on a daily basis. Authorities said the activity constituted hotel operations under the Hotel Act and required a licence, regardless of whether the operator was a private individual or a company.

Officials also investigated a property in Kamala, Kathu district, after public complaints. The property had a monthly-rental zone and a condominium zone where 17 rooms were being rented daily. Authorities collected hotel expense records, booking receipts and guest logs as evidence. The owner admitted to the violations and pledged to work with government agencies to regularise the operations.

Phuket has opened a “problem-solving clinic” to advise unlicensed operators on the legal procedures for compliance. Officials said strict enforcement would begin after the grace period, with legal action against violators.

Authorities have documented witness statements and collected evidence for investigators. They said charges would be filed against the corporate owner for operating a hotel without a licence in violation of Section 15 of the Hotel Act.