
Concerns continue to be raised that there are some illegal “hotels” that are gathering their income illegally. This limits the revenue for the Bangkok government as these individuals are not paying taxes on the money that they are pulling in. They are using legitimate online booking sites to get their business but are circumventing the tax paying step. The Minister of tourism and sports has stated that she is aware and has discussed this issue, however they need more time to assess the situation and find an alternative that will work. Not only to force operators to pay their share of the taxes due but to also not limit the tourism revenue.
Thailand Hotels association has been asking the government to address this situation for longer then ten years. Hotels that are registered have to pay taxes, license fees and a raft of other charges. They would like to see a solution so that those hotels that are not registered be banned from online booking sites for they are getting more business and paying out less in dues. It is causing economic ruin to many hotels.
Now there is also Airbnb entrepreneurs who are running short term places and they too are not registered nor do they pay fines or dues. There is a possibility that airbnb’s will be deemed illegal in Thailand.
Thailand takes anti-terrorism steps such as having hotels register their guest list, however AirBnb places are not required to register the guest lists so this creates a loophole, as they are leaving openings to allow terrorists to stay unaccountably in the Kingdom.
Read more: OTAs told to drop illegal hotels