On August 25, 2023, Thailand’s Ministry of Interior adopted the Ministerial Regulation Prescribing the Types of Hotels and the Criteria for Hotel Business Operation No. 2 B.E. 2566 (2023). This regulation, enacted under the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004), introduces amendments to the previous 2008 regulation. The regulation came into effect on October 29, 2023.
Key Changes:
Licensing Exemption Threshold: Now, hotels with up to 8 rooms accommodating a maximum of 30 guests are exempt from licensing, an increase from the prior limit of 4 rooms and 20 guests.
Hotel Classification: The regulation introduces a classification of hotels requiring licensing:
- Type 1: Hotels with up to 50 rooms.
- Type 2: Hotels exceeding 50 rooms, or those with additional dining/restaurant/kitchen facilities.
- Type 3: Hotels with entertainment venues or conference halls, in addition to the above.
- Type 4: Hotels offering all these services combined.
Permits and Documentation: Hotels must possess a permit and a certificate verifying their suitability as a hotel, as per the Building Control Act.
Hotel Room Size: The regulation eliminates specific room size requirements, offering greater flexibility.
Alternative Accommodations:
The regulation expands the definition of hotel facilities to include non-standard structures such as rafts, tents, and containers. Specific requirements are set to ensure the safety of guests in these facilities. For instance, rafts must have life jackets, stable railings, adequate lighting, and fire extinguishing equipment, and places for garbage collection. Tents and containers exceeding two meters in height must be well-lit and have pedestrian pathways.
Hotel owners in Thailand should carefully review and align their operations with these new regulations. For further inquiries about the hotel business, feel free to contact me directly or use the form below.