THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Crackdown on unlicensed hostels on tourist islands

Crackdown on unlicensed hostels on tourist islands

A combined force of military and police in Surat Thani province began regulating hostel operators on Koh Samui on Saturday.

The operation followed the Fourth Army chief Lt-General Piyawat Nakwanich’s visit to Surat Thani province earlier this month, when he instructed authorities to crack down on illegal business operators on the three tourists islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Hospitality industry operators have complained that cheap and unregistered hostels have gravely impacted their businesses. Security officers also pointed out that cheap and illegal hostels had lax measures to keep records of their guests, posing security risks.
Authorities yesterday raided US Hostel on Soi Sunday in Tambon Bophut, which has 30 rooms with each room having bunk beds for 6-8 people.
The hostel’s room rates are between Bt350 and Bt1,000 per day.
Checks by officials found that the hostel does not have a licence to operate hotel business.
The hostel owner, Areerak Luangvicharoen, was charged of operating a hotel business without permission. Authorities said they would continue to raid other unlicensed hostels in the area.
 

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