Is it worth to run short term rentals in Thailand ?

[Happy Koala]

Greeting fellas,

 

I would like to hear from the experts in real estate field  or anyone lives in Thailand have interest to enter this industry or heard some people talk about renting villas long term and rent them out short term Airbnb , Booking etc.,

 I’ve contacted with groups of Thai attorneys asked them if this kind of business is legit in Thailand or not ?
because i’ve read in many in many platforms that it’s  illegal for foreigners to run Airbnb in Thailand  , but most of these lawyers have confirmed me that it’s  okay to run it with proper paperwork and the landlord’s permission ,  this question has been answered by the specialists, but there are other questions still need the right answer, and non of the people that I had contacted with had gave me the clear answer that comfort me .

These are :

Which the place is better to run this business Phuket or Chiang Mai ? And what the best districts in each one? Is it profitable with good management and marketing strategy? Cons & pros?
 

please I need to hear from the real experience in the  land  as much as possible . 
 

I run my Airbnb in my home country for a year now and I can tell that is not too great and  not  too bad just (Good) and the reason of moving to Thailand that my mom needs to get therapy in Thailand and I should to move with her so I’m planning to cover our stay with extra income , Just regular Newbie my expertise friends in Thailand seeking for your advices for me and for the other folks who will read this topic  in future.

 

I appreciate your help in advance 🙏

 

My apologies if there are grammatical mistakes in my topic , English not my native language 😅

[Peterw42]

You would have a hard time finding long-term leases that allow subletting of the property. You cannot work in Thailand, including meet/greet customers, cleaning etc. 

And the big one, Airbnb is illegal in Thailand, for stays under one month.

 

Also, Airbnb works where accommodations are in short supply and expensive. There are 1,000s of great cheap hotels, resorts, in Thailand, pretty much negating any demand for Airbnb.

Edited October 3 by Peterw42

[Happy Koala]

1 hour ago, Peterw42 said:

You would have a hard time finding long-term leases that allow subletting of the property. You cannot work in Thailand, including meet/greet customers, cleaning etc. 

And the big one, Airbnb is illegal in Thailand, for stays under one month.

I found deals with landlords in Chiang Mai and Phuket but haven't decided yet, which place is better. 

  I've connected with five Thai lawyers and they told me that I need to set up a company and get a Visa Non-B and a work permit and license for non-hotel good to go only as they told me it's difficult with condos because the other owners or tenants will not accept, so I'm not planning to bother my self with,  instead, I found the villas good option for that and I had connected with some of their owners and they don't have an issue with subletting if furnishing it which its good fair to me.

1 hour ago, Peterw42 said:

Also, Airbnb works where accommodations are in short supply and expensive. There are 1,000s of great cheap hotels, resorts, in Thailand, pretty much negating any demand for Airbnb.

This one here  the kill spot ( saturation and cheapness of alternatives)

this is what makes me re-think the whole damn idea again and again.

Thank you so much for your advice Peterw42 

[donx]

For some perspective, my wife has a townhouse she has owned for several years, but had remained mostly unused until last January when she decided to list it on Airbnb. She immediately received several bookings until April. She did receive one booking in July, but other than that, it has remained vacant since March. She has an 11 night booking in December, so we expect bookings will increase as the high season approaches.

 

Her townhouse is within walking distance of a beach in Krabi. It also accommodates up to 8 guests. Keep all this in mind if you decide to dip your toes into running an Airbnb.

[Happy Koala]

13 hours ago, donx said:

Her townhouse is within walking distance of a beach in Krabi. It also accommodates up to 8 guests. Keep all this in mind if you decide to dip your toes into running an Airbnb.

Good luck to u and your spouse, goldy words thank you very much🙏