PHUKET, THAILAND – A tourism committee is demanding a hotel law overhaul after finding only one in four hotels on the island has a valid license.
Committee chairman Sinthop Kaewpichit visited on 1 August 2026 and revealed that of roughly 4,000 hotels, just 1,000 operate legally. The other 3,000 fail to meet strict building and land-use rules.
Millions lost in unpaid tax
The legal gap costs the state huge tax revenue.
The tourism committee is pushing for a quick change to the hotel law to bring more businesses into legality.
Zoning rules and GPS for jet-skis
Phuket province is demanding a review of the zoning plan for service businesses.
Outdated rules are making it hard for many operators to comply with the law.
For the controversial jet-ski sector, the province proposes stricter regulation: mandatory registration, fixed shipping lanes, and a GPS system for full control on the water.
Airport traffic chaos hurting the image
In front of the international passenger terminal, the committee found frequent disorder. Wild parking and disruptive behaviour by individuals are damaging the island’s tourist image.
The committee plans to present concrete proposals to the government and authorities to get the situation under control and protect Phuket’s reputation.
Airport expansion heads to cabinet next year
Despite a slight drop in flights and passenger numbers in 2026 due to the global situation and new routes, the airport is pushing ahead with its second expansion phase.
Plans include a modernised terminal, automatic immigration systems, more parking, and better transport links.
The development project is set to be submitted to the cabinet within the coming year. The goal is to significantly boost capacity for future visitor numbers.
Committee bundles demands and applies pressure
Kaewpichit said all information and proposals from the province will be bundled and handed over to the government and relevant agencies.
As the legislative power, the committee will push for quick solutions, especially on the hotel law, zoning, and traffic regulations around the airport.
What tourists can expect on Phuket
Travellers will have to deal with traffic disruptions at the airport and unregulated operators for now.
The planned reforms will only take effect in the medium term – but political pressure is rising.
The government will review the airport expansion from next year, while the tourism committee makes the license mess and jet-ski chaos its top priority.