BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai authorities have stepped up a crackdown on illegal hotels and suspected nominee-owned businesses in Phuket province after inspections found three properties operating without construction permits or hotel licenses. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said officials inspected three hotels with about 200, 240, and 45 rooms. Investigators found the two larger properties had been approved as residential or condominium developments but were later converted into hotels without the required licenses. Test bookings through online platforms indicated the businesses primarily catered to overseas visitors.
Authorities are investigating suspected nominee shareholding arrangements after uncovering evidence that company structures may have concealed actual ownership or control. They are examining financial records and corporate documents, including cases in which properties owned by Thai nationals were allegedly leased to foreign nationals who operated hotel businesses without hotel licenses. The government said financial investigations will continue in coordination with relevant agencies to identify those responsible and determine the true ownership of the businesses. (NNT)
