Mystery Key Boxes Expose Bangkok's Illegal Rentals

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Photo: Thai PBS World

 

This week, curious images of mysterious key boxes scattered across downtown Bangkok captured the attention of online communities in Thailand. The viral photos featured inconspicuous wooden boxes, measuring 60cm x 60cm, strategically placed at locations like Sukhumvit Soi 42, sparking widespread speculation.

 

Inside these boxes were multiple combination lockboxes. One box, located in front of a residential building just 40 meters away, contained 23 such lockboxes, some of which had been opened. Thai citizens were intrigued, sharing theories about their purpose.

 

The intrigue unraveled when vigilant netizens revealed that these lockboxes belonged to individuals illegally renting out condominium units nearby. With condominium regulations strictly prohibiting short-term rentals, landlords circumvent receptionist protocols by installing these key boxes. Owners share the location and combination codes with tenants so they can access their room keys without detection.

 

 

Despite the potential fines of up to 20,000 baht plus 10,000 baht each day violations continue, many landlords risk it to sidestep the law. The widespread nature of the key boxes indicates that this evasion tactic is far from isolated.

 

Since going viral, attention on the matter has led to some of the key boxes disappearing from the streets. Nonetheless, it's a clear sign of the lengths some will go to maintain their covert rental operations in a city grappling with rental regulation issues, reported Thai PBS World.

 

-- 2025-02-26