Phuket: The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration has ordered an urgent "Operation Conquer the Gangsters" crackdown on illegal hotels in Phuket's tourist cities. Three establishments were raided in the Karon and Rawai areas, aiming to restore justice for honest business operators and combat corruption and illegal profiteering.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narucha Khosasilvilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, instructed Mr. Witthoon Sirinukul, Deputy Director-General, to launch "Operation Conquer the Gangsters" under the policy of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, which prioritizes the prevention and suppression of corruption, social order, and the crackdown on influential figures. This operation also aligns with the policy of "Relieving Suffering, Promoting Well-being, Protecting Public Peace, Combating Drugs, and Conquering the Gangsters." A special operations unit from the central office of the Department of Provincial Administration conducted a raid in Phuket province to crack down on illegal hotel businesses. Following continuous investigations, it was discovered that some operators were illegally offering hotel accommodations to both Thai and foreign tourists through online platforms, circumventing legal permit requirements and failing to comply with government standards. The operation focuses on rigorous law enforcement against all offenders to restore social order, protect citizens, and maintain confidence in the country's economy and tourism.
Following an in-depth investigation and surveillance of targeted business operators, authorities discovered three establishments in Karon and Rawai subdistricts, Phuket City, Phuket Province, openly accepting reservations and providing services similar to hotels but without the necessary hotel business licenses as required by the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). After gathering sufficient evidence, a special task force from the Department of Provincial Administration launched a simultaneous inspection of all three establishments. The inspection revealed clear evidence of unauthorized hotel operations. Authorities subsequently arrested those responsible at each establishment, seized reservation documents, service records, and related evidence, and brought them to the investigating officers for legal proceedings.
The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration confirmed that operations to inspect and suppress "illegal hotels" nationwide will continue, especially in major tourist provinces. Such clandestine business operations not only violate the law but also exploit legitimate businesses, undermine tourist safety standards, and negatively impact the country's tourism image in the long term. The Department of Provincial Administration will enforce the law rigorously, decisively, and continuously to maintain social order, preserve peace and security, protect public interests, and establish quality tourism standards. This will lead to increased tourist confidence and sustainable economic growth for the country.