90% of Koh Phi Phi hotels flout registration requirements
Out of 104 hotels in Krabi, only nine fulfil the criteria for proper registration, officials found after a month of inspections.
Muang Krabi district chief Satta Tongkam said: “From May 1 until now, we have checked 104 hotels in Muang Krabi district, principally accommodation on Koh Phi Phi. There are 78 cases on Koh Phi Phi in which the Krabi Provincial Court has ruled on. Only nine hotels have been found operating legally with proper licences.
“From our in-depth investigation on Koh Phi Phi, we found that most hotel operators will not be able to seek accommodation licences because they don’t have land possession documents. Also, some hotel rooms and buildings are not up to the standards prescribed by the Hotel Act.
He said relevant officials might have to review some of the ministerial regulations in order to solve this local issue. “We hope a way can be found so that these presently illegal hotels will be able to comply and become legal. They will not be able to continue operations if they can’t comply.”
Officials also investigated a hillside area where 34 villas and a big swimming pool are being built. The land documents for this property are currently under scrutiny of the Land Department.