Phuket: The Deputy Minister of Interior conducted inspections of suspicious hotels and buildings in Phuket, uncovering that two hotels were operating without licenses. He has ordered an expanded investigation into the nominee ownership and usage of these buildings, with particular attention to the Shabas House in Patong, ostensibly owned by Israelis.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Phonphir Suwannachawi, visited Phuket province to probe hotels and establishments that had been the subject of complaints, following discussions with local shrine representatives. The inspection concentrated on the operations of foreign investment groups, ownership via nominees, construction permits, business licenses, and adherence to pertinent laws.
The initial inspection took place at a hotel on the bypass road in Phuket Town, where documentation irregularities were identified. The team subsequently inspected another hotel on Phung Muang Road in Kathu District, which was discovered to be operating without the mandatory permits.
Mr. Phonphir and his team then inspected a building at the start of Soi Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road in the Patong Municipality, identified as Chaba House, after receiving complaints about its potential use by foreigners for business and residential purposes. Upon gaining entry, only Thai security guards were present, as it was their day off, and official permission was required to explore the premises further.
Officials sought permission to inspect the building's interior. On the second floor, they discovered a dining area and a space used for religious activities by Israelis. Some Israeli families were found using the space, but no responsible party was present to provide information about the building's operations.
General Peer reported that the inspection of the two hotels that morning revealed the absence of hotel business licenses and construction permits required by law. Consequently, he directed administrative departments and relevant agencies to initiate legal proceedings and collaborate with local administrative bodies for further investigation.
Regarding buildings in the Patong area, the Deputy Minister of Interior indicated that there was information suggesting foreign residency and specific activities. The inspection revealed dining areas and spaces used for religious activities predominantly by foreigners. However, a comprehensive inspection was not possible without the presence of responsible parties. Provincial and district authorities were delegated to thoroughly examine construction documents, building permits, and business ownership, with plans to publicly disclose the findings, including permit types and applicants.
General Peer expressed concern about the atypical usage of the space, noting that entrances and exits were sealed and access was restricted.
'We are not here to investigate religious matters, but to verify whether construction permits, business licenses, and compliance with Thai law have been obtained,' he stated. Initial investigations have identified about 34 other similar locations, with plans to determine if they are part of a network.
The Deputy Minister of Interior announced plans to inspect another hotel suspected of nominee ownership. The Ministry of Interior is collaborating with the Ministry of Commerce to scrutinize shareholder structures and foreign investment connections.
Over 360 companies are currently under suspicion of nominee involvement, with investigations set to expand. If any violations are discovered, such as operating without a permit, using nominees, or illegal construction, strict legal actions will be enforced.
The operation aligns with the policy of regulating foreign businesses and is not aimed at religious activities. It seeks to ensure that all businesses in Thailand comply with the law equally.
'Someone told me this was Israeli territory. I replied that this is Thailand, therefore everyone doing business in Thailand must strictly respect and abide by Thai law,' Mr. Polpeer emphasized.