Bangkok Condo Owners and Agents Arrested for Illegal Rentals

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Skyscraper Center

 

In a bold crackdown in Bangkok, authorities have apprehended several condominium owners and real estate agents accused of illegally renting out properties under the guise of short-term accommodations. The rush of recent arrests comes as part of a concerted effort to reinforce the nation's Hotel Act, aiming to curb unauthorised real estate activities that have flourished in recent times.

 

The Department of Provincial Administration, spearheading the operation, has cited numerous infractions where property owners have bypassed standard hotel regulations, offering their apartments for short stays without the required license.

 

According to Mr. Chaiwat, the department's director-general, these unauthorised rentals are in breach of the Hotel Act, which explicitly mandates that any property offering lodging to transient guests must possess a hotel licence.

 

Caught in the legal net are both owners and intermediaries who have been casually letting out accommodations on platforms like Airbnb, contravening local regulations. Mr. Chaiwat further clarified that culprits might face severe repercussions, including up to a year behind bars or fines reaching 20,000 Thai Baht (approximately $570 USD), in addition to a daily penalty of 10,000 Thai Baht (around $285 USD) for continued violations.

 

The crackdown sheds light on an issue that's been brewing beneath the surface in Thailand's popular tourist hotspots, where affordable rentals are in demand, but legislative oversight is lacking. This grey area has often led to friction between local authorities wanting to maintain order and those keen on boosting tourism revenue.

However, amidst the controversy, there seems to be policy movement towards remedial action. The Pheu Thai Party, with Chanin Rungtanakiat as a deputy spokesman, has indicated that they are formulating proposals to amend the existing Hotel Act. Their vision is to legalise and regulate small-scale non-hotel accommodations, much like similar European models, which could provide a sustainable framework for such enterprises to flourish legitimately.

 

Critics argue that these reforms could potentially open up more controlled avenues for property owners while boosting local economies. Supporters believe it could also enhance the quality of tourist accommodations by ensuring safety and standards are met consistently.

 

This current situation highlights the tightrope that administrations worldwide must walk—balancing economic growth, resident concerns, and legal integrity. Ideally, Thailand’s move to amend the legislation would provide more clarity and streamline processes to accommodate both business interests and regulatory requirements.

 

Nonetheless, until such changes are enshrined in law, authorities are likely to continue their vigilance, ensuring compliance and safeguarding the interests of legitimate hospitality providers. As the story evolves, stakeholders from all sides are undoubtedly watching closely, waiting to see how this legal and financial ripple affects the broader Thai real estate and tourism landscape, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-07

 

 

[flyingtlger]

2 minutes ago, webfact said:

The Department of Provincial Administration, spearheading the operation, has cited numerous infractions where property owners have bypassed standard hotel regulations, offering their apartments for short stays without the required license.

Good! Make an example of them. Teach them a lesson.....

[ikke1959]

Thai people are always in one or another way involved.... surely if money is involved. A good registration system who owns what and does what, could solve a lot of problems and also a good working Tax Department... there is a lot of tax to get from Thai people. but the lack of a system and laziness by the officers make that things like this can happen

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

In a bold crackdown in Bangkok, authorities have apprehended several condominium owners and real estate agents accused of illegally renting out properties under the guise of short-term accommodations. The rush of recent arrests comes as part of a concerted effort to reinforce the nation's Hotel Act, aiming to curb unauthorised real estate activities that have flourished in recent times

Watch Condo sales plummet and developers start to squeal

[JellyBabies]

It would be interesting to see if AirBNB, Booking.com, Agoda.com etc will be charged with being accessories to the crimes as they advertise many short term condos for rent.

Not going to happen but if I was them I would request from the renter proof that they are acting legally, but TIT

[Andycoops]

4 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Watch Condo sales plummet and developers start to squeal

Who gives a stuff about developers...

[hotchilli]

3 minutes ago, Andycoops said:

Who gives a stuff about developers...

The government...

[jippytum]

this is a big win for the condo owners who invested in a place they chose as a permanent home.

 Their lifestyle blighted for years by money grabbing agents, unscrupulous owners and inafective corrupt juristic management. 

Kudos to overdue law enforcement. 

[proton]

Good confiscate the condo's

[CFCol]

10 minutes ago, JellyBabies said:

It would be interesting to see if AirBNB, Booking.com, Agoda.com etc will be charged with being accessories to the crimes as they advertise many short term condos for rent.

Not going to happen but if I was them I would request from the renter proof that they are acting legally, but TIT

What are the rules for villas,rented out short term via airBnB etc.. we have ongoing problems with one rented out to partying kids.

[zepplin]

11 minutes ago, JellyBabies said:

It would be interesting to see if AirBNB, Booking.com, Agoda.com etc will be charged with being accessories to the crimes as they advertise many short term condos for rent.

Not going to happen but if I was them I would request from the renter proof that they are acting legally, but TIT

Why ? It’s not Airbnb or any other book platform responsibility to get a license, and the existing hotel license doesn’t work for small properties or apartments, it’s called piss poor planning as usual by the gov…

[madox66]

A lot of these illegal rentals in Pattaya and Jomtien also

[renaissanc]

I watched the midday TV News about the problem. It has become such a problem for the people who own the condos in the blocks. The swimming pool area and gym become very noisy and crowded. 

[DonniePeverley]

This really effects consumer confidence. Why on earth would you buy a high end condo for crazy figures, then a year down the line it's become a airbnb for masses of unruly short term visitors. No one would buy in those conditions. 

 

I've seen condos that set up originally and are pretty strict in the first few years. Then once all rooms are sold up, and developers move on, they deteriorate into airbnb. 

 

When i attended the meeting at one condo, i bought it up, and essentially i do have the feeling the condo management were allowing as they were been given some backhanders. There was simply no enforcement. 

 

It is very simple to enforce. Any entry into the condo should have finger prints, face recognition and active security keeping an eye. 

[DonniePeverley]

13 minutes ago, jippytum said:

this is a big win for the condo owners who invested in a place they chose as a permanent home.

 Their lifestyle blighted for years by money grabbing agents, unscrupulous owners and inafective corrupt juristic management. 

Kudos to overdue law enforcement. 

 

 

Is this a Thai special - few days crack down, then forget about it ?

[outsider]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

... authorities are likely to continue their vigilance...

 

'Authorities' and 'vigilance' in one sentence?

[SAFETY FIRST]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

crackdown in Bangkok, authorities have apprehended several condominium owners and real estate agents accused of illegally renting out properties

Please come down to Pattaya and lock up the illegal property owners. 

 

[BKKBike09]

Something to be said for low-rise condo projects: short-term Air BnB type activities are very visible and can get nipped in the bud pronto. 

[Formaleins]

Good gracious me, those poor Thai rental agents, probably forced into this by the ever partying pot smoking sex fiend farang!  Or as the great Lou Reed once sang - "You're gonna reap just what you sow!"

[J Branche]

"Their vision is to legalise and regulate small-scale non-hotel accommodations, much like similar European models, which could provide a sustainable framework for such enterprises to flourish legitimately."

 

So business as usual. Profits over Peaceful place to live.

If someone turns a Condo into an Airbnb next to a Politician I believe they would understand the challenges and noise issues some renters make.

 

I guess it's time to buy some more foam earplugs and Xanax.

[malcolminthemiddle]

Are landed properties covered by the Hotel Act or only condos?

[PETERTHEEATER]

36 minutes ago, jippytum said:

this is a big win for the condo owners who invested in a place they chose as a permanent home.

 Their lifestyle blighted for years by money grabbing agents, unscrupulous owners and inafective corrupt juristic management. 

Kudos to overdue law enforcement. 

Agreed, as long as their condos are included in the 'crackdown'. There must be a long list.

[mran66]

39 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

Is this a Thai special - few days crack down, then forget about it ?

More likely than not. 

[LOG54]

Hello

And what about the juristic manager and building manager responsability, as they knowingly tolerate these situations..

We are in a well known condo between Pattaya and Sattahip where those people accept anything, hords of Russians drinking and eating at the pool side (when clearly prohibited and reminded by boards all over the place), night parties forbidding people to sleep or enjoy a TV program unless being locked like prisoners inside their condo with AC on etc..

Some have purchased condos they rent short term to other Russians, then Sundays they invite friends residing outside to join them at the pool etc..

Guards are everywhere but don't do anything..

Not acceptable... But still have no choice except moving out (which we will do...)

I wonder why co owners don't really act against this type of thing as finally their condo value will go down and their life will get miserable due to noise and nuisances

Have a good day

[natway09]

Fair play but once again only enforced once a lot of squelling done.

The Act goes back many years when the THA was requested to pay to the Govt 50 Bht per occupied room per night.

They agreed on the basis that if condo non members did not pay this fee then could only rent by the month 

not daily or weekly which was all agreed on.

Now let us see if the Government wrangles it's way out of the deal by changing to the "European way"

I for one hope they do not as apartments are not conducive to good living by permanent residents with shorter

than 1 month rentals

 

[erectem]

25 minutes ago, malcolminthemiddle said:

Are landed properties covered by the Hotel Act or only condos?

Both are.

[DonniePeverley]

1 minute ago, LOG54 said:

Hello

And what about the juristic manager and building manager responsability, as they knowingly tolerate these situations..

We are in a well known condo between Pattaya and Sattahip where those people accept anything, hords of Russians drinking and eating at the pool side (when clearly prohibited and reminded by boards all over the place), night parties forbidding people to sleep or enjoy a TV program unless being locked like prisoners inside their condo with AC on etc..

Some have purchased condos they rent short term to other Russians, then Sundays they invite friends residing outside to join them at the pool etc..

Guards are everywhere but don't do anything..

Not acceptable... But still have no choice except moving out (which we will do...)

I wonder why co owners don't really act against this type of thing as finally their condo value will go down and their life will get miserable due to noise and nuisances

Have a good day

 

 

Pretty much this. I saw a condo on the market. Brand new, amazing facilities. But the fear we had to make such a huge investment was that a few years down the line this will become an airbnb. How can you trust it will not?

 

In all my time in Bangkok, only once were we not infested with airbnb short term renters - and it will bliss. We actually started to get to know a few people in the condo. The gym and pool area was lovely. 

 

The worst was a condo which was bang in the heart of tourism zone, and it was a rookie mistake. It was infested to the max. The worst was those renting the places were out were bringing their friends into the gym, sauna, pool area. Parties were going on, no care for facilties or anything. The management were basically in on it. 

 

Every morning leave the condo you'd have numerous families showing up with suitcases like a busy hotel. It was horrific. 

 

 

[DonniePeverley]

21 minutes ago, LOG54 said:

Hello

And what about the juristic manager and building manager responsability, as they knowingly tolerate these situations..

 

 

If the law is amended and they are held responsible for any violations - it would soon stop. These people are to blame. Backhanders galore.  

[MadMac]

Hotel law says less than 30 days. So this is pretty much all BS.

[Celsius]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

The government...

 

Aseannow posters who "invested" in Thailand.