PATONG, THAILAND – Authorities in Phuket searched a hotel in Patong and arrested a Russian national who allegedly controlled the operation through Thai nominees, in a case highlighting an unlicensed 83-room business targeting foreign tourists.
Afternoon raid on Phra Metta Road
The inspection began at around 4 p.m. at the Patong Hotel on Phra Metta Road and was carried out by a special unit of the Phuket Provincial Administration. Officials said the operation was part of coordinated checks on hospitality businesses in the area.
The raid was led by Rungruang Thimabut, the Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administrative Officer), who was accompanied by police investigators and other involved agencies. The joint presence was intended to document both regulatory and potential criminal violations on site.
Complaints triggered the investigation
According to the authorities, complaints had alleged that a foreign investor group was illegally running a hotel business on the property. The information suggested that the operation might be structured to conceal actual control by non-Thai nationals.
In response, a joint team was deployed to verify the status of the business and to clarify ownership and control arrangements on the ground. Officials focused on how the premises were used and who effectively managed the hotel.
Unlicensed operation as initial core charge
During the inspection, officials stated they found that the premises were being operated as a hotel without the required license. This alleged breach of licensing rules formed the initial basis for legal action.
The operator was first reported for running a hotel without authorization, and further charges would depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation, authorities said. Additional legal steps were expected to hinge on documentary evidence and witness statements collected during and after the raid.
Investigators allege Russian control via Thai nominees
Investigators said the business was under the control of a Russian national, who allegedly used Thai nominees as a front to rent buildings and run the hotel. The Russian suspect was taken into custody during the operation, according to the official account.
This type of nominee arrangement is prohibited in Thailand in sectors reserved for Thai citizens, and it was now being explicitly examined as a possible additional legal violation. Officials indicated that financial flows and contractual relationships would be scrutinized.
83 rooms marketed through booking platforms
Authorities reported that 83 rooms were in operation at the property. They added that the hotel had been promoted on online booking platforms in order to attract foreign tourists.
The online presence was relevant for investigators because it documented the commercial nature of the hotel business and highlighted the scale and reach of the operation. Screenshots and booking records were expected to support the case file.
Authorities warn of tough consequences
Rungruang Thimabut said the measures formed part of an ongoing strategy to protect the existence of Thai operators and to defend Phuket’s tourism image against illegal foreign activities.
“The actions are part of the ongoing strategy to protect the existence of Thai operators and to defend Phuket’s tourism image against illegal foreign activities.”
said Rungruang Thimabut, Chief Administrative Officer of Phuket Province.
If nominee structures were confirmed, authorities warned of criminal and administrative penalties, as well as further steps such as prosecuting all parties involved. In extreme cases, the deregistration of a company could follow if sham transactions were proven, according to the official report.