PUBLISHED: 13 Apr 2025 at 05: 32
State firms are being urged to collaborate with online booking services to create a system that only accepts online reservations from legitimate hotels and accommodation services.
Following new discussions with state body and online travel agencies regarding the issue of condominium units being improperly rented out, in violation of the Hotel Act 2004, the House Committee on Consumer Protection made the decision. According to Chanin Rungtanakiat, a Pheu Thai Party list-MP and committee member, unlawful hiring of condominium units can frequently be found through on-line booking systems, which is also a part of those websites ‘ role.
Their part in these purchases is comparable to that of selling illegal goods, he said. A violation of the law can result in fines of up to 20 000 ringgit and an additional daily fine of up to 10 000 baht as long as the improper rental action is stopped. Additionally, the majority of apartments regulations specifically forbid daily accommodations.
Mr. Chanin argued that the government should combine the efforts of several organizations to combat it. The Office of the Consumer Protection Board, the Electronic Transactions Development Agency, and the Department of Provincial Administration are just a few examples.
The objective is to create a system that links online travel agencies ( OTAs ) that deal with room reservations with the database of hotel and lodging licensees. A legally valid license code may be required for any property that is authorized to offer lodging services.
This policy, if implemented, could lower the number of illegal lodging accommodations and raise the standards for Thailand’s lodging industry, as well as improve guest safety, booking platform operators, and other condo dwellers.
Anukul Prueksanusak, assistant government official, claimed the Ministry of Interior had instructed the Department of Provincial Administration to carefully monitor the situation and conduct audits in response to a rise in complaints about improper rentals, especially in the Sukhumvit and Sathon places.
Additionally, Mr. Anukul warned immigrants who purchase condo units and rent them out as motel rooms that they are breaking the law.