They say conversions require support
Phuket tourism operators are urging the Interior Ministry to extend the tourism clinic programme, which offers consultations to help illegal accommodation operators comply with the law, as well as extend the expired ministerial regulation that allows other building types to register as hotels while awaiting the new Hotel Act.Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit last week visited Phuket and held meetings with operators, pledging to regulate the hotel business and crack down on nominees.
The Interior Ministry's consultation and problem-solving clinic for hotel and entertainment venues was established earlier to provide guidelines and consultations for unregistered businesses, with the registration period ending on July 10.
Sarayuth Mallam, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, said that although a number of unlicensed operators want to properly register their businesses, some are reluctant to enrol in the clinic programme, fearing arrest and being forced to close.
Mr Sarayuth said the government should assure operators that they will not be immediately prosecuted, but instead offer them both a consultation and a timeframe to adjust their properties to comply with the law.
