Phuket provincial authorities inspected a luxury hotel amid concerns after a mysterious man used a master key card to open guest rooms. They warned that if the hotel is found negligent in guest care, it could lead to non-renewal of its hotel license. The hotel confirmed it is reviewing and improving its security system to close any potential vulnerabilities in the future.
At 11:00 a.m. on 19 Jan 2026 at the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach, Phuket provincial authorities led by Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut, Phuket Provincial Clerk, along with Mr. Thanet Nawalong, Phuket Provincial Sergeant, Mr. Danai Suksakul, Phuket Provincial Prevention Officer, and Mr. Wisut Romin, Senior Subdistrict Clerk of Thalang District, conducted an on-site investigation. This followed the emergence of an online video showing a mysterious man using a master key card to open guest rooms without authorization, raising safety concerns among tourists.
Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut, Phuket Provincial Clerk, said this inspection was carried out as assigned by Phuket Governor Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn to monitor developments, verify legal compliance, and assess the hotel’s security measures to assure tourists and the public.
Preliminary checks revealed the hotel is currently in the process of renewing its hotel business license, with the previous license having expired on 31 Dec 2025. The province is reviewing the application according to legal procedures. The hotel is registered as “Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach,” classified as a Type 3 hotel with 256 rooms, located in Village No. 3, Choeng Thale Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket.
The provincial clerk stated that under hotel law, hotel operators and managers are directly responsible for maintaining guest registries for at least one year, reporting guest information to registrars, and fulfilling duties under Section 38 to prevent anyone from hiding or gathering illicitly within the hotel premises. This case is a matter of high importance to provincial authorities, and if the hotel is found involved or negligent in guest care, it could result in license renewal denial.
Mr. Thiramon Lapsawat, Human Resources Manager and Group Director of People and Culture at the hotel, explained that the incident was caused by an individual who forged another employee’s ID card and deleted some CCTV footage. The hotel is conducting an in-depth investigation, has collected evidence, filed a police report for nighttime trespassing, and the perpetrator is now undergoing legal proceedings with the police.
The hotel confirmed it promptly assisted affected guests by facilitating room changes, issuing full refunds except for food charges, and maintaining ongoing communication with the victims. Additionally, the hotel has reviewed and upgraded its security system to close any potential future vulnerabilities.
Phuket provincial authorities emphasized that all actions taken aim to ensure the safety of all residents and tourists without discrimination, whether individuals are public figures or ordinary citizens. They affirmed that the province will act decisively to maintain strict safety standards and protect Phuket’s tourism reputation.