Unregistered hotels versus 5-star illegality

Surapong Techaruvichit, president of the Thai Hotels Association, is concerned about unregistered illegal hotels. Maybe he should also consider the serious problems caused by registered illegal hotels (including those with 5-star classification).

Khun Surapong is also puzzled as to why the police do nothing to subdue this hornet nest of dishonesty. That, dear sir, is because of dirty brown envelopes, which prevent the possibility of sting operations. Even when action is taken (which is not often and very minor in scope), the fines are usually less than the cost of a cheap bottle of sweet white wine and the criminality resumes shortly after.

This article clearly points to corrupt connections between the police and large elements of the hospitality industry. The dubious role played by local authorities and other regulatory bodies is for another letter (concerning bees around a honey pot!)

John Shepherd