Thailand arrests operators at five unlicensed Phuket hotels

Authorities arrested managers and operators at five Phuket hotels on 23 July 2026 after inspections found the properties were operating without hotel licences, according to the Department of Provincial Administration.

The operation was led by Thailand’s deputy interior minister, who heads a special social-order task force, in coordination with the Phuket governor, the Department of Investigation and Litigation, and local administrative officials in Mueang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang districts.

The properties identified were The Proud Karon and Phuket Moonlit in Mueang Phuket; The Charm Resort and Citygate Kamala Resort in Kathu; and The Wood Terrace in Thalang.

The Proud Karon had no hotel licence and was considered to have conduct potentially indicative of nominee shareholding, with Russian shareholders holding 49% and Thai shareholders 51%. Phuket Moonlit also had no licence, with Chinese shareholders holding 26% and Thai shareholders 74%; officials said the facts were still being investigated. The Charm Resort had no licence and was wholly Thai-owned. Citygate Kamala Resort and The Wood Terrace were found to be operating as hotels without permission.

The arrested managers and operators were charged with operating a hotel without permission under Thailand’s Hotel Act 2004. The offence carries a prison term of up to one year, a fine of up to B20,000, or both, plus a further fine of up to B10,000 per day while the breach continues.

Officials seized important documents for the cases and said they would examine the ownership structures, financial routes and related businesses for possible breaches of other laws.