BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has expedited the issuance of 275 long-pending hotel licenses in Phuket within two months. Authorities aim to clear the remaining backlog by September 2026 and will continue their crackdown on illegal nominee businesses. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan announced on August 12, 2026, that the Ministry of Interior and affiliated agencies have accelerated the licensing process under the directives of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. Of 392 pending applications since 2018, authorities have processed and approved 275, achieving a 75 percent completion rate in two months. This is a significant improvement over the previous rate of 30 to 40 licenses per year. The remaining 117 applications are expected to be resolved by the end of September.
To support operators facing legal or regulatory challenges, authorities are compiling data on administrative obstacles to propose fair and cohesive legal amendments. The spokesperson emphasized that the administration’s priorities are public safety and integrating business operators into the formal economy, free from extortion. The deputy spokesperson said that the government remains committed to strict law enforcement against illicit activities in the tourism sector. Several cases of illegal business operations are under police investigation, and authorities are gathering additional evidence to expand these probes. She affirmed that legal action will be taken decisively against any regulatory violations without exception. (NNT)
