Pattaya, March 26, 2025 – The Thai Ministry of the Interior has ordered the Department of Provincial Administration to intensify its efforts in prosecuting illegal daily condominium rentals operated by foreign investors, targeting three locations in Pattaya.
This follows reports that foreigners, especially Chinese nationals, have been purchasing multiple condominium units and renting them out on a daily basis in a manner resembling hotel operations, an act deemed illegal under Sections 4, 15, and 59 of the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004), along with other related offenses. The issue has sparked complaints from local residents, who have voiced their frustrations to the Damrongdhama Center under the Department of Provincial Administration.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has made restoring social order and addressing public issues related to these illegal activities a priority. Acting on this directive, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Arsit Sampantharat instructed the Department of Provincial Administration to conduct immediate inspections and take swift action.
Earlier this month, on March 5, 2025, authorities prosecuted four illegal condominium-hotel operations in Bangkok’s Pratunam and Sutthisan districts, followed by another four in the Sukhumvit area on March 12, 2025, which we covered here.
Today, March 26th, under the leadership of Chaiwat Junthiraphong, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, a special task force was deployed to tackle the issue in Pattaya. He was joined along with his entourage by Chonburi Immigration Police and Pattaya City Police in inspecting three condominium buildings in Pattaya. Two of these locations were found to be offering daily rentals through online platforms, with operators using evasive tactics such as placing room keys or keycards in automated parcel lockers and instructing guests to check in independently to avoid detection.
Authorities collected substantial evidence during the raid, including booking documents, proof of payment for daily rentals, and ownership records of the condominium units.
Formal complaints have been filed with administrative investigators in Banglamung District to pursue legal action against the offenders and their accomplices under the Hotel Act. The gathered information will also be shared with the Land Office, Pattaya City local administration, local revenue offices, and other relevant agencies for further legal proceedings.
The Department of Provincial Administration has vowed to sustain its crackdown on such illegal daily condominium rentals nationwide. All provinces have been directed to work with relevant agencies to enforce strict compliance with hotel regulations, take firm legal action against licensed hotels violating laws, and monitor condominium owners and other accommodations to prevent hotel-like services.
Hotel operators accommodating foreign nationals are also required to report their presence to the local Immigration Office within 24 hours of arrival. Additionally, the department will work with the Department of Lands to ensure condominium juristic persons enforce compliance and will launch public awareness campaigns through various media.
The ministry has issued a public advisory, stating that renting out condominium units on a daily basis is illegal. Citizens who encounter such violations or experience disturbances are encouraged to report them to the Damrongdhama Center in Bangkok or provincial and district centers nationwide.
The names of the condos inspected were withheld by authorities, who cited further legal action was needed.
