Phuket intensifies measures against unlicensed and unregistered hotels

[snoop1130]

 

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has initiated a crackdown on illegal hotels in Phuket, as part of his ongoing effort to correct issues caused by influential figures, particularly in the Patong region. The investigation focused on venues operating in the manner of hotels, but lacking necessary licenses and legal documentation.

 

A total of 19 establishments, equivalent to around 800 guest rooms, have been identified as operating without necessary permits. These venues, referred to as 'faux hotels', are mainly situated around Patong's Malin Plaza, a popular spot for night markets. The Kathu District Office was credited for unveiling these illegal operations.

 

The illegal hotels are now under inspection by officials from various agencies, including police and administrative offices. Violation of the Hotel Act of 2004 can lead to a year in prison or fines up to 20,000 baht, with additional daily fines until legal compliance is achieved.

 

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the negative consequences of these operations, such as jeopardizing guest safety and potential economic impacts like tax evasion and foreign investors dominating the market. He also expressed concern about the quality of services and staff at these unlicensed establishments.

 

Local officials plan to legally address the issue while enforcing safety regulations. However, during their visit they also acknowledged the challenges faced by small hotel operators, who complained of regulatory changes, confusion, and long waits for licensing.

 

To streamline registration process, appeals have been made to the Thai Prime Minister for support in resolving environmental and zoning problems impacting small hotels on the island.

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing

 

-- 2024-05-10

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[ChipButty]

They need to cut out the corruption first, make it easy for people to apply for the licenses,

Get some proper trained guys for health and safety regulation, also fire regulations and inspections, 

 

[ChrisY1]

Oh yawn.......10 plus years this has been bought up....no change....

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has initiated a crackdown on illegal hotels in Phuket, as part of his ongoing effort to correct issues caused by influential figures, particularly in the Patong region. The investigation focused on venues operating in the manner of hotels, but lacking necessary licenses and legal documentation.

Yet monthly donations to charitable causes are collected.

[paahlman]

13 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

Oh yawn.......10 plus years this has been bought up....no change....

30 years.. but probably much longer than that also.

[Bangkok Barry]

14 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

Oh yawn.......10 plus years this has been bought up....no change....

 

Yep! Groundhog Day all over again. Seen this headline many times before, same as campaigns against taxi drivers not using the meter, riding motorcycles on the pavement/sidewalk, cracking down on influential figures (again today), ending corruption, etc etc etc etc etc.

 

Still, as I've written several times before, Anutin is just today's mouthpiece who has done his job the Thai way. He has spoken, made his recommendations, and his job is done. Anything that happens later is not his responsibility. You, I, he and everyone else knows that what is said will be ignored and is unenforceable and will quickly be forgotten, but that is not the point. He has acted, done what he considers to be his job, while actually doing nothing. This happens all the time, at least once a week. Someone makes a declaration and the next day it's ignored and forgotten. But that person has done their job by 'acting'.

[topt]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has initiated a crackdown on illegal hotels in Phuket, as part of his ongoing effort to correct issues caused by influential figures, particularly in the Patong region.

I would have thought that "ïnfluential figures" wouldn't have had an issue getting the right permits........isn't that why they are considered "influential"..........

 

Seems to me to be more like other influential figures getting rid of cheaper competition......

[Peterphuket]

18 hours ago, ChipButty said:

They need to cut out the corruption first, make it easy for people to apply for the licenses,

Get some proper trained guys for health and safety regulation, also fire regulations and inspections, 

 

Well, as you can see, Anutin Charnviraku will soon take action.

Noted.

[eezergood]

On 5/11/2024 at 8:05 AM, Bangkok Barry said:

 

Yep! Groundhog Day all over again. Seen this headline many times before, same as campaigns against taxi drivers not using the meter, riding motorcycles on the pavement/sidewalk, cracking down on influential figures (again today), ending corruption, etc etc etc etc etc.

 

Still, as I've written several times before, Anutin is just today's mouthpiece who has done his job the Thai way. He has spoken, made his recommendations, and his job is done. Anything that happens later is not his responsibility. You, I, he and everyone else knows that what is said will be ignored and is unenforceable and will quickly be forgotten, but that is not the point. He has acted, done what he considers to be his job, while actually doing nothing. This happens all the time, at least once a week. Someone makes a declaration and the next day it's ignored and forgotten. But that person has done their job by 'acting'.

Correct - if only someone knew who these influential figures might be...........