Crackdown on Illegal Short-Term Condo Rentals in Pattaya

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities have launched a crackdown on illegal short-term condominium rentals in Pattaya, following directives from the Ministry of Interior to regulate the sector and address public concerns.

 

On 26 March, Chaiwat Chuntiraphong, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), ordered a special task force to investigate condominium buildings suspected of violating the Hotel Act 2004. The operation, led by Ronnarong Tipsiri, Deputy Director-General of DOPA, involved local administrative officials, immigration police, and Pattaya City Police.

 

 

Three condominium buildings in Pattaya, were inspected. Officials found that two of them were being illegally rented out on a daily basis via online platforms. To evade detection, the operators placed room keys and keycards in automated lockers inside the buildings, allowing guests to check in independently. At the third location, a real estate agency employee was found escorting guests to their rooms.

 

Authorities gathered evidence, including booking records, bank transfer receipts, and ownership documents, before filing formal complaints with the Bang Lamung District administrative police. Those found guilty of violating the Hotel Act 2004 will face legal action.

 

Additionally, the information will be shared with the Land Office, Pattaya City authorities, the Revenue Department, and other relevant agencies to ensure all violations are prosecuted under applicable laws.

 

The Department of Provincial Administration will also coordinate with the Land Department to ensure condominium management teams monitor and prevent illegal rentals. Public awareness campaigns will be launched to educate property owners about legal compliance, aiming to create a safe and orderly living environment in Pattaya.

 

 

-- 2025-03-27

 

[flyingtlger]

Ha ha, This is a cat and mouse game. The illegal renters will figure out another way to get around the system, sooner than later!

 

[Terek]

Penalties should be increased 10x. Online platforms monitored and violators should be caught directly through them. As I understand they are moving in this direction. As of now there is still plenty of offers at Airbnb in Base condo. But its good that they started doing something, these raids definitely helps.

[ChipButty]

I wonder what happens to the tenants/guests? 

[mikebell]

It's not just condos.  There was a mooban party house on my former estate with weekend revellers disturbing the peace until early morning.

[Terek]

2 hours ago, ChipButty said:

I wonder what happens to the tenants/guests? 

They say buy buy to Thailand. Ok, if they cooperate and provide evidence as booking and payment details to investigation then guests are more like innocent good guys and nothing happens with them, key here is to be honest and not fool around, that's what I know.

[sungod]

2 hours ago, mikebell said:

It's not just condos.  There was a mooban party house on my former estate with weekend revellers disturbing the peace until early morning.

 

You should have called the local cops Mike, we know how much you admire them.

[mikebell]

22 hours ago, sungod said:

 

You should have called the local cops Mike, we know how much you admire them.

We did, repeatedly, with the same result one expects of the local constabulary.

[MalcolmB]

High season winding up, the hotels want to eliminate the competition 

[mikebell]

On 3/27/2025 at 5:14 AM, flyingtlger said:

This is a cat and mouse game.

The odds are heavily in favour of the mouse, if the cat is RTP.

[jacko45k]

22 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

High season winding up, the hotels want to eliminate the competition 

Maybe the long term residents want to eliminate the 2 week millionaires who likely disturb them.