Thai Court Rules Against Illegal Hotel Bookings

Making front page news in today’s Bangkok Post is coverage that a Thai court has ruled Airbnb-type hotel bookings are illegal.

The judgement came over a condo hotel dispute in Hua Hin and referenced that daily rentals were in direct violation of the national Hotel Act.

While news outlets are using an Airbnb tag, it’s important to note that no specific legal action has been taken against the online booking engine, but it’s somehow become the face of the issue.

No doubt owners of condo hotel units and villas who are focusing on online rentals but have no hotel license are becoming increasing worried about rising government scrutiny.

Meanwhile the multitude of real estate developments in Phuket that are offering guaranteed owner returns, yet do not have hotel licenses are likely to come under the microscope very soon.

Perhaps one deficiency in the current Thai Hotel Act is the inability to recognize stand-alone villas and provide a platform for government registration unlike the one that is available in Bali.

To view the Bangkok Post article CLICK