Minister Inspects Patong Hotels Over Permit Claims

Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister, Polpheer Suwannachee, personally led inspections in Patong, Phuket, on 11 July after complaints about allegedly unlicensed hotels and concerns over foreign-owned businesses using Thai nominee shareholders. The operation focused on whether businesses had obtained the required construction and operating permits and were complying with Thai law.

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The inspection team included officials from the Department of Provincial Administration, Phuket provincial authorities and other government agencies. Among those accompanying the minister were Interior Minister’s Secretary Chaiwat Junthirapong, Department of Lands Director-General Pornphoj Penpas, Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsom, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration Pol Col Khetthat Chansilp, and Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Haji-Awae.

Earlier in the day, Polpheer met representatives from 41 Chinese shrines across Phuket to discuss updating long-standing regulations to improve efficiency as part of the ministry’s wider efforts to improve administrative management of these sites. He said the discussions concluded that some existing rules should be reviewed to remove unnecessary obstacles while maintaining proper oversight.

The inspection then moved to hotels identified through public complaints. Polpheer said officials found that two hotels inspected did not have hotel operating licences or legally required construction permits. Provincial Administration officials have begun legal proceedings in accordance with the relevant laws.

The minister also said additional properties are being investigated after information from the Ministry of Commerce suggested some businesses may be operating through Thai nominee shareholders, allowing foreign investors to hold interests beyond the limits permitted under Thai law. Authorities will now examine business registrations, ownership structures and licensing documentation in greater detail.

The team also inspected a property known as “Chabad House Thailand”, which had reportedly applied for permission to operate as a hotel and restaurant. After being shown around by the site’s manager, officials found there was no accommodation available for guests and that the premises were operating as a restaurant and a place of worship. Polpheer instructed Phuket authorities and relevant agencies to continue examining the property’s legal status and ensure all businesses in the province comply with applicable regulations.

Matichon reported that Polpheer stressed that the inspections were not aimed at any specific business or religious organisation. He said the objective was to enforce the law consistently across Phuket, particularly in cases involving operating licences and businesses suspected of using nominee ownership arrangements.

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

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12 July 2026