Phuket Hotel News: Phuket authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal accommodation businesses after raiding a condominium in Wichit that was allegedly being used as a hotel by offering rooms for daily rental without the required operating license. The inspection followed complaints from local residents and forms part of a province-wide campaign aimed at eliminating unlicensed accommodation operations while improving tourist safety and ensuring fair competition for legitimate hotel businesses.
Image Credit: Phuket City District Administration Office
This Phuket Hotel News report highlights the latest enforcement action by Phuket officials as they continue to investigate condominiums and apartment buildings suspected of illegally operating as hotels. Authorities say the campaign reflects the government’s commitment to upholding the Hotel Act, protecting visitors, and ensuring that all accommodation providers comply with the same legal standards.
Residents Complaints Prompt Official Raid
The operation took place on July 29 under the direction of Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum, Deputy Governor Pol. Lt. Col. Khetarat Chansilp, Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul, acting as Provincial Secretary, Kathu District Chief Wittaya Jitsupap, together with district officers, local administrative officials, village headmen, and Volunteer Defence Corps personnel.
Officials inspected the Wichit condominium after residents reported that units were allegedly being rented to tourists on a daily basis. During the inspection, officers found staff working at the property, although neither the owner nor the manager was present to answer questions.
Investigators interviewed employees and other individuals connected with the business while gathering documents and evidence to support legal proceedings. Authorities allege the condominium was operating as a hotel without the license required under Section 15 of the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004).
Evidence Suggests Hotel Style Operations
According to officials, the inspection uncovered evidence commonly associated with hotel businesses. Investigators found booking confirmations, accommodation bills, expense records, and guest check-in documentation indicating that rooms were being rented on a short-term daily basis rather than as conventional residential accommodation.
Image Credit: Phuket City District Administration Office
Authorities believe the evidence demonstrates that the property was functioning as a commercial hotel despite being registered as a condominium.
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The investigation into the Wichit property is only one part of a broader enforcement campaign taking place across Phuket. On the same day, officials also inspected apartment buildings in Kamala, Kathu District, after receiving similar complaints from local residents.
One registered apartment building was found to be operating monthly rentals in accordance with its intended use. However, another apartment building was allegedly renting out 17 units on a daily basis, prompting further investigation by authorities.
Officials said one operator admitted that daily rentals had been taking place and indicated a willingness to work with government agencies to bring the business into compliance with existing regulations.
Hotel Act Requires Operating License
Authorities stressed that under Thai law, anyone operating accommodation as a hotel business on a daily rental basis must first obtain a valid hotel operating license. Failure to do so can result in criminal prosecution, financial penalties, and possible imprisonment.
Statements collected during the Wichit inspection, together with supporting evidence, will now be submitted to investigating officers as legal action is prepared against the legal entity responsible for the operation.
Officials emphasized that using condominiums or residential buildings as unlicensed daily tourist accommodation remains an offence under Thai law and continues to be a priority for enforcement agencies throughout the province.
Province Offers Compliance Before Tougher Enforcement
While enforcement remains a key priority, Phuket Province has also established a dedicated consultation clinic to assist owners of accommodation businesses that are not yet properly licensed. The initiative provides operators with guidance on legal requirements and an opportunity to regularize their businesses before stricter enforcement measures take effect.
Officials have made it clear that once the consultation period and application deadline expire, authorities will move decisively against condominium owners, apartment operators, and other accommodation providers found to be illegally offering daily rentals.
The ongoing inspections are part of Phuket’s wider strategy to raise tourism standards, improve visitor confidence, and create fair competition for licensed hotels that invest in meeting regulatory requirements. Provincial authorities say sustained enforcement, combined with opportunities for voluntary compliance, will help strengthen Phuket’s reputation as a safe, transparent, and professionally regulated tourism destination while discouraging illegal hotel operations from gaining an unfair commercial advantage.
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