PATTAYA, Thailand – On June 13th, 2025, the Banglamung District Chief, Mr. Patcharapat Srithanyanon, announced a successful operation to register unlicensed accommodations on Koh Larn, a popular tourist island near Pattaya. The initiative aims to bring unregulated guesthouses and rentals into compliance, boosting transparency and local development.
Koh Larn, a magnet for Thai and international tourists, has seen a surge in accommodations, many operating without proper registration. To address this, Banglamung authorities, in collaboration with Pattaya City, Pattaya Police Station, and Chonburi’s Forensic Division 2, conducted on-site inspections to register non-hotel accommodations under the 2008 and 2023 Hotel Business Regulations.
Nearly 200 operators applied for registration, with 158 meeting the criteria after document reviews, fingerprint checks for criminal records, and assessments of property suitability. “This process ensures only qualified establishments are legalized,” Mr. Patcharapat told reporters. Approved operators will receive their registration certificates on June 16 during a joint ceremony with Pattaya City officials.
Registered businesses must now pay taxes to Pattaya City, with funds earmarked for improving Koh Larn and Pattaya’s infrastructure. The move is seen as a step toward sustainable tourism and regulatory oversight on the bustling island.
Source: Interview with Patcharapat Srithanyanon, Banglamung District Chief
