Phuket Accelerates Registration of Unlicensed Hotels Ahead of Regulatory Deadline
Local authorities launch expedited licensing scheme as ministerial regulation allowing exemptions for pre-2016 buildings nears expiration
Phuket authorities are implementing an expedited licensing programme to register unlicensed hotels before the expiration of a key regulatory exemption on August 18.
The initiative is expected to bring 20 to 50 illegal hotels into compliance with the Hotel Act.
Under a ministerial regulation from Thailand’s Interior Ministry, buildings not originally classified as hotels but operating as such before August 19, 2016, are temporarily allowed to apply for hotel licences if they meet structural and fire safety standards.
A separate environmental regulation, specific to Phuket and issued in December last year, provides further exemptions for buildings opened before the same date.
These include relaxed requirements for surrounding vacant space and setbacks.
Only structures with over 2,500 square metres of usable area or more than 50 rooms must submit an Initial Environmental Examination report.
The Phuket Boutique Accommodation Consortium, representing over 250 small hotel operators, has confirmed that it will support a petition to the Administrative Court requesting protection for operators unable to complete the application process before the deadline.
The consortium also announced plans to collaborate with local authorities under a new scheme designed to fast-track the registration process.
The programme, referred to as a "field hospital" measure, will be chaired by the deputy governor of Phuket.
It includes advisory support from the Provincial Public Works and Town and Country Planning Office and the National Anti-Corruption Commission Region 8.
Selected operators will receive direct guidance on how to meet regulatory standards and submit complete applications.
Consortium representatives stated that many hotel operators have invested in modifying their buildings over the past two years but have faced delays due to inconsistent enforcement and interpretation of the law by local officials.
Some inspections have been prolonged due to uncertainty around which exemptions apply to smaller establishments.
The licensing drive aims to improve regulatory compliance and enhance safety standards for tourists.
The consortium has encouraged all unregistered hotels in Phuket to participate in the scheme to be included in the province's tourism data records.
As the deadline approaches, the consortium has proposed a multi-year extension or the drafting of a new legislative framework tailored to small hotels, citing regulatory challenges in other provinces with stricter environmental or urban planning rules.
The initiative is expected to bring 20 to 50 illegal hotels into compliance with the Hotel Act.
Under a ministerial regulation from Thailand’s Interior Ministry, buildings not originally classified as hotels but operating as such before August 19, 2016, are temporarily allowed to apply for hotel licences if they meet structural and fire safety standards.
A separate environmental regulation, specific to Phuket and issued in December last year, provides further exemptions for buildings opened before the same date.
These include relaxed requirements for surrounding vacant space and setbacks.
Only structures with over 2,500 square metres of usable area or more than 50 rooms must submit an Initial Environmental Examination report.
The Phuket Boutique Accommodation Consortium, representing over 250 small hotel operators, has confirmed that it will support a petition to the Administrative Court requesting protection for operators unable to complete the application process before the deadline.
The consortium also announced plans to collaborate with local authorities under a new scheme designed to fast-track the registration process.
The programme, referred to as a "field hospital" measure, will be chaired by the deputy governor of Phuket.
It includes advisory support from the Provincial Public Works and Town and Country Planning Office and the National Anti-Corruption Commission Region 8.
Selected operators will receive direct guidance on how to meet regulatory standards and submit complete applications.
Consortium representatives stated that many hotel operators have invested in modifying their buildings over the past two years but have faced delays due to inconsistent enforcement and interpretation of the law by local officials.
Some inspections have been prolonged due to uncertainty around which exemptions apply to smaller establishments.
The licensing drive aims to improve regulatory compliance and enhance safety standards for tourists.
The consortium has encouraged all unregistered hotels in Phuket to participate in the scheme to be included in the province's tourism data records.
As the deadline approaches, the consortium has proposed a multi-year extension or the drafting of a new legislative framework tailored to small hotels, citing regulatory challenges in other provinces with stricter environmental or urban planning rules.
