The Thai Hotels Association met with Phonphir to support continuing efforts to suppress hotels operating without licenses, including issues involving hotel businesses linked to foreign nominees.
On 27 Aug 2026 GMT+7, a delegation from the Thai Hotels Association, led by Mr. Thianprasit Chaiphatranan, the association president, along with Honorary President Mr. Surapong Techaharuvichit, Vice President and Environment Chair Mr. Udom Srimaha Chota, and Secretary Ms. Patcha Techaharuvichit, discussed ways to regulate the hotel industry fairly for operators conducting business legally.
A key proposal from the Thai Hotels Association was to reform the law to maximize legal participation. They believe that regulations and licensing procedures should not be overly complex or burdensome, especially for small operators intent on conducting business properly, to enable more hotels and accommodations able to adapt to enter the licensing system while maintaining safety and standards.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Interior explained that they are preparing to propose increased penalties for deliberate law violations, particularly operators who avoid obtaining licenses despite being able to comply, including businesses linked to foreign nominees, to ensure serious law enforcement and fair competition.
The focus is on establishing a clear new system: those willing to operate legally must have easier access to the system, while those who deliberately evade the law will face harsher penalties.
Additionally, members of the Administrative Commission joined the meeting to discuss amendments to the Hotel Act and related laws, including licensing procedures and penalties, to align with current business conditions.
Mr. Phonphir confirmed that he will continue collaborating with relevant agencies to regulate hotels, crack down on nominee operators and establishments deliberately operating without licenses, alongside reviewing regulations to enable small operators who want to comply to enter the system more readily and to establish fair competition standards for the Thai hotel industry.
"Thank you for the encouragement and all the suggestions. Since I took office, my aim has been to regulate and solve issues with illegal and foreign nominee hotels, and I will do my best. We have proven that we are serious; we make arrests and do not compromise on anything. Your presence here shows that you trust us, and I will not let you down," Mr. Phonphir said in closing.