Thailand’s Hotel Industry Urges Government Action Against Illegal Rentals

Thailand’s hotel industry is urging the government to take decisive action against the surge of unregulated daily room rentals, particularly through platforms like Airbnb. The Thai Hotels Association (THA) emphasizes the need for mandatory registration and stricter enforcement of existing laws, citing concerns over unfair competition and security risks.

Impact of 'Zero-Dollar Condos' on Local Economy

The issue stems from condominium owners, often Chinese nationals, who purchase multiple units and list them for short-term rentals at prices significantly lower than those offered by hotels. This practice, known as 'zero-dollar condos', is not only illegal under Thai law but also causes distress among local residents and undermines the legal framework of the hotel industry.

Proposed Measures to Address the Issue

The THA has proposed several measures to tackle this issue, including a ban on short-term rentals in condominium units and housing estates, and clearer oversight and enforcement from the government. The association also opposes a proposed increase in foreign ownership of condominium units, arguing it could lead to speculative buying rather than genuine residential use.

Looking Forward: The Need for Quality Tourism

Thienprasit Chaiyaphatranan, president of THA, and Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts, both highlight the importance of quality tourism over quantity. They suggest that stricter rental regulations could help attract tourists who appreciate Thailand's culture and are willing to spend accordingly, thereby benefiting the tourism sector in the long run.