PHUKET, Thailand – The Department of Provincial Administration has stepped up enforcement against unlicensed accommodation businesses in Phuket province, with authorities raiding three establishments in the tourist areas of Karon and Rawai as part of a special operation ordered by Director-General Narucha Kosacivilize. According to officials, an extended investigation found that the properties had been offering hotel-style accommodation, accepting bookings from Thai and foreign tourists, and advertising through online reservation platforms without obtaining the licenses required under the Hotel Act.
Inspectors found that all three establishments were operating in a manner similar to licensed hotels despite lacking valid hotel operating permits. The operation was carried out by the Department of Provincial Administration’s Central Special Operations Unit following recent intelligence-gathering operations in the province. Authorities said inspections and enforcement actions against illegal hotels will continue in the province and other major tourism destinations nationwide. They added that unlicensed operators create unfair competition for law-abiding businesses and may not meet required standards for safety, health, emergency preparedness, and service quality. (NNT)
