reader Posted March 7 Posted March 7 From Pattaya News The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) took legal action against a condominium in Bangkok’s Pratunam area for illegally renting units to tourists on a daily basis. Additionally, three unlicensed hotels in Huai Khwang-Sutthisan were shut down. The crackdown followed complaints from condo residents who reported disturbances caused by short-term renters, including smoking on balconies and improper use of shared spaces. Officials found that some units were rented out via online platforms, violating the 2004 Hotel Act. Property owners failing to register guests or report foreign visitors to immigration authorities could face up to one year in jail or fines of up to 20,000 baht, with additional daily penalties up to 10,000 baht. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered strict enforcement nationwide, targeting condo owners and foreign investors using nominees to bypass regulations. Authorities have now intensified legal measures, urging condominium juristic persons to prevent illegal rentals and launching public awareness campaigns on hotel laws. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/07/crackdown-on-illegal-daily-rentals-bangkok-condos-and-hotels-raided/ vinapu, daydreamer, 10tazione and 1 other 2 2 Quote
reader Posted March 11 Author Posted March 11 From Pattaya News Hotel Industry Demands Crackdown on Zero-Dollar Condos Thailand’s hotel industry is sounding the alarm over the rapid rise of “zero-dollar condos” and unregulated short-term room rentals on platforms like Airbnb, calling on the government to enforce stricter regulations and level the playing field. The Thai Hotels Association (THA) is leading the charge, urging mandatory registration for all short-term rental operators and tougher enforcement of existing laws to address what it calls unfair competition and growing security risks. The controversy centers on condominium owners—many reportedly Chinese nationals—who purchase multiple units in popular tourist areas like Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district, Pattaya, and Phuket, then list them for daily or weekly rentals at cut-rate prices. Dubbed “zero-dollar condos” due to their rock-bottom rates, these rentals undercut licensed hotels, which face higher operational costs and regulatory hurdles. The practice has sparked outrage among hoteliers and local residents alike, who say it disrupts communities and flouts Thai law. Under the Hotel Act of 2004, any property offering accommodation for less than 30 days must be licensed as a hotel—a requirement most condominiums fail to meet. Violators face fines of up to 20,000 baht (approximately $600 USD) plus an additional 10,000 baht per day until the activity ceases. Despite this, enforcement has been lax, allowing the short-term rental market to flourish. The THA estimates that of Thailand’s 1 million hotel rooms, half operate illegally, yet only a handful of cases have faced prosecution. “This is a crisis for our industry,” said Surapong Techaruvichit, an adviser to the THA. “These unregulated rentals don’t pay taxes, don’t follow safety standards, and hurt legitimate businesses that sustain jobs and tourism. We need decisive action now.” The association has proposed invoking emergency powers under Section 44 of Thailand’s interim constitution to swiftly shut down non-registered operators, a move it believes could slash the number of illegal rentals. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/11/thailands-hotel-industry-demands-crackdown-on-zero-dollar-condos-and-unregulated-airbnb-rentals/ TMax 1 Quote
