PHUKET, THAILAND – DOPA officials have raided the Chateau du Village Patong Hotel, alleging illegal operation without a license. The operator had reportedly been convicted for the same offense in February.
Wiederholungstäter im Visier der DOPA
The raid on Tuesday was part of a nationwide campaign by the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) targeting unlicensed accommodations. Investigators booked rooms through online platforms to gather evidence. The DOPA described the operation as a “blatant disregard for the law” that harms legitimate businesses.
Gericht verurteilte Betreiber bereits im Februar
This case is particularly noteworthy due to its history. In February, the Phuket Provincial Court found the operator, Chateau Phuket Co Ltd, guilty of running a hotel without a license. The court imposed a suspended six-month prison sentence and a 10,000 Baht fine. An additional daily fine of 1,000 Baht was ordered, retroactive to January 31, 2025, for as long as the violation continued.
Beamte beschlagnahmen Unterlagen und schalten Polizei ein
During the inspection, officials seized documents and other evidence. The Patong Police Station is now handling the case. The complaint was filed by officials from the Kathu district.
DOPA weicht von eigener Linie ab
The authority’s decision to publicly name the hotel and its owner, Athiwat Saengsom, has raised eyebrows. Previously, the DOPA avoided disclosing the names of raided hotels. No explanation was provided for this shift in policy by the agency or its Director-General, Narucha Khosasilvilai.
Razzien konzentrieren sich auf Phuket
The nationwide campaign aims to protect key tourist destinations. However, publicly reported raids have so far been concentrated exclusively on Phuket. Just last week, DOPA officials inspected seven other suspected unlicensed accommodations in Patong, Karon, and Rawai.
Generaldirektor unter politischem Druck
This latest raid occurs amidst a political scandal. Complaints have been filed against DOPA chief Narucha with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Election Commission. The allegations involve improper campaigning in favor of the Bhumjaithai Party.
Narucha weist Vorwürfe zurück
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee and Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn of the People’s Party filed the complaints, claiming state officials were instructed to support Bhumjaithai Party candidates. Narucha publicly denies any wrongdoing. The Bhumjaithai Party is led by acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, to whom the DOPA reports.
Razzien sollen fairen Wettbewerb sichern
The DOPA has vowed to continue its crackdown on illegal hotels across Thailand. The stated goals are to protect licensed operators and ensure tourist safety. The agency contends that illegal businesses bribe officials to evade enforcement.