Thailand proposes new law to replace Hotel Act

Thailand's government has proposed replacing the Hotel Act with a new Accommodation Establishment Act intended to bring a wider range of lodging businesses into the formal regulatory system.

The proposed 98-section bill would cover accommodation types that can fall outside the present framework, including homestays, tents, rafts, treehouses, hostels, boutique hotels and short-term house and condominium rentals arranged through online platforms.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Perisvivat said the existing law was largely designed for hotels operating in permanent buildings, leaving newer forms of accommodation beyond the formal system.

Three tiers for accommodation providers

Under the proposal, establishments with no more than eight rooms and capacity for up to 30 guests could operate after notifying the registrar.

Properties with more than eight but no more than 40 rooms, or capacity for 30-150 guests, would have to register. Establishments with more than 40 rooms or capacity for more than 150 guests would require a licence.

Ms Lalida said applying the same standards to every business can put smaller operators at a disadvantage, as they may be unable to meet structural and facility requirements intended for large hotels. This can leave some businesses outside regulation and unable to fully access financial assistance or other government support.

Safety and guest reporting would remain

Safety requirements would continue under the bill, Ms Lalida said. These include emergency exits, evacuation plans and electronic guest records submitted every 24 hours.

Information on foreign guests would be forwarded to the Immigration Bureau. This means overseas visitors staying in covered accommodation would continue to have their details reported through the accommodation system, as is already familiar to many foreigners required to deal with address reporting in Thailand.

The Department of Provincial Administration would create an electronic system for notifications, registrations, licences and complaints. The aim is to reduce the need for operators to contact multiple agencies.

One licence for related facilities

For larger establishments, the bill would introduce a "super licence" allowing one main licence to cover up to 10 related activities, subject to requirements under other laws.

These could include restaurants, swimming pools, health facilities, fitness centres and alcohol sales.

The proposed law would also strengthen consumer protection by allowing guests to cancel bookings and receive proportional refunds where accommodation or related services do not match advertising or promotional claims.

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2 October 2026