Pattaya —
Residents in Pattaya finally got some peace and quiet after authorities raided an allegedly illegally operating pool villa on the evening of Monday, April 29th. The raid was prompted by noise complaints from the nearby community.
At 3:06 PM, Banglamung District Chief Weekit Manarojkit instructed Deputy District Chief Pornchai Sang-iad to lead a team of officials to raid a villa suspected of operating without a license in Soi Thappraya 15, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province.
The raid was conducted following complaints from sleepless residents in the area about loud music and parties coming from the villa.
Mr. Pornchai, Deputy District Chief, disguised himself as a tourist and contacted the villa, whose name was withheld in light of the ongoing investigation, to book a stay for 10 people at a price of 4,999 baht per night. After arriving at the villa, the undercover officer paid the housekeeper with marked banknotes. Once the housekeeper accepted the money, the officer revealed their real identity and informed the housekeeper of the violation.
The shocked housekeeper was then taken to the Banglamung District Office along with the marked money. The authorities accused the suspect of violating Section 15 of the Hotel Act B.E. 2547, which prohibits operating a hotel without a license. The penalty for this offense is imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both, and an additional daily fine of up to 10,000 baht for each day the violation continues.
The investigation is continuing to identify the true owner of the villa for further legal action.
