PHUKET, THAILAND – Provincial authorities have raided three unlicensed hotels in popular tourist areas, leading to arrests and confiscations.
An elite unit from the Thai provincial administration has conducted a stringent crackdown on the resort island of Phuket, storming three unlicensed accommodations in the tourist hotspots of Karon and Rawai and arresting the operators. As officials seized booking records, political disputes were simultaneously erupting in Bangkok, with the very chief of the raids facing serious allegations of election manipulation.
Three Illegal Hotels Shut Down
The operational team from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) struck with precision. In Karon and Rawai, officers simultaneously searched three businesses suspected of renting rooms to unsuspecting tourists via online platforms, all without the required hotel license.
According to DOPA chief Narucha Khosasilvilai, the operators violated the Hotel Act of 2004. The purported hosts offered hotel-style services without meeting statutory standards. The names of those arrested remained confidential, though the hotel “Beach Front” was visible in inspection photographs.
Booking Vouchers as Silent Witnesses
Prior to the raids, undercover investigators had gathered evidence by booking accommodations and documenting the processes. Once sufficient material was collected, the officers moved in and apprehended the operators.
Booking vouchers, service information, and other documents were secured as evidence. These are expected to form the basis for future legal proceedings. Narucha did not elaborate on why Phuket was specifically targeted.
Battle Cry ‘Help for the Blues’
Concurrent with the announcement of the raids, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee and Deputy Leader of the People’s Party, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, escalated matters in Bangkok. They lodged complaints against Narucha and other Ministry of Interior officials with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Election Commission.
The accusation involves unauthorized election influence in favor of Prime Minister Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party. This relates to the “Help for the Blues” affair, where state officials allegedly actively supported the party. The timing of the raids and complaints is unlikely to be coincidental, further intensifying the political mudslinging.
A Chat Message as a Spark
The complainants are relying on evidence reportedly unearthed by former Phuket Deputy Governor Rungruang Thimabut. Central to the allegations is a LINE chat from approximately one month before the February election.
According to Chalermpong, the exchange contained explosive instructions. One message, purportedly from Narucha, simply read “Help Namngern” – a code for the Bhumjaithai Party. The reply was as brief as it was clear: “100%, Sir.”
Narucha Denies All Guilt
The DOPA general is refuting the accusations, denying any wrongdoing and framing the chats as part of entirely legal government information campaigns. He asserts that there has been no unauthorized electioneering.
The NACC and Election Commission are now investigating the escalating scandal. It has already drawn national attention to Phuket after high-ranking provincial officials were transferred amidst investigations into misconduct and interference in local administration.
Bang Tao and Freedom Beach as Precursors
These transfers began with raids on illegally occupied land in Bang Tao and on Freedom Beach. Wild business operations had proliferated there, defrauding tourists while authorities stood by—until state power intervened.
According to Narucha, the new hotel raids in Karon and Rawai are just another component of the “Defeating the Gangsters” campaign. This initiative aims to suppress corruption, maintain public order, and remove businesses operating outside the law.
Tough Measures Against Black Sheep
Narucha made it clear that inspections against illegal hotels will continue nationwide, especially in major travel destinations. Authorities aim to ensure fair competition for legitimate hoteliers and prevent damage to Thailand’s reputation as a travel paradise.
The seizure of booking records and documents serves as evidence for ongoing legal proceedings. The NACC and Election Commission have launched investigations to clarify the allegations of election influence.