Question 1

How will STR reform benefit Thailand’s property and tourism sectors?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Reform will provide much-needed legal clarity, ensure fair competition between hotels and private hosts, and strengthen public confidence in the sector.

It will also improve safety standards, community relations and government tax collection, while helping Thailand maintain its reputation as a trusted, well-regulated global tourism destination.

Question 2

What is the TDRI’s proposal for short-term rental reform?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) proposes a two-tier regulatory model combining national oversight with local control.

Under this model, all short-term rental (STR) hosts would register through a national system that ensures safety and taxation compliance. Local authorities and condominium juristic persons could then set their own specific rules for their areas or buildings. This approach would balance national consistency with community preferences, helping Thailand regulate STRs more effectively.

Question 3

Why does Thailand need new short-term rental laws?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Thailand’s current rules are based on the 2004 Hotel Act, which predates digital platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

The law does not clearly define who can operate short-term rentals, how to register, or how to balance property rights with community welfare. Reform is necessary to reduce legal uncertainty, improve compliance and ensure fair tax collection. Clearer legislation would also support responsible tourism and protect both hosts and guests.

Question 4

What is the draft Accommodation Act?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The Thai government is developing a new Accommodation Act to modernise hospitality regulation and replace outdated provisions of the Hotel Act.

The draft introduces tiered licensing, platform accountability, and broader definitions covering homestays, eco-lodges, hostels, serviced apartments and digital booking platforms. As of October 2025, it remains under review and has not yet been enacted.

Question 5

Who supports reform of short-term rental laws?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The Thailand Research and Development Instituate (TDRI), along with policy observers and economic commentators such as Thailand Business News and the Bangkok Post, supports reform.

They believe that updated rules would formalise small-scale hosting, improve guest safety, and capture tax revenue currently lost to the informal market. However, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) continues to advocate for stricter controls on unlicensed operators to safeguard the traditional hotel sector.

Question 6

Are daily or weekly condo rentals legal in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No. Under the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004), daily or weekly rentals in condominiums are not permitted unless the property holds a valid hotel licence or qualifies for an exemption.

Most condominiums are registered for residential use only and do not meet hotel standards. To stay compliant, owners should limit rentals to 30 days or more or operate under the small accommodation exemption where eligible.

Question 7

How would the proposed national registration system work?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Under the proposed model, all STR operators would register via a central online system linked to taxation and safety standards.

The system would record host information, monitor compliance, and share verified data with local authorities. This would make registration more transparent and streamline tax reporting for hosts.

Question 8

Under the TDRI reforms what powers would local authorities or condo committees have?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Local administrations and juristic persons (such as condominium committees) would have the right to manage STR operations within their areas. They could:

Limit the number of days units are rented each year
Charge management or inspection fees related to STR activity
Enforce safety or conduct rules within their buildings
Approve or restrict STR operations depending on local needs

This model gives communities a voice in managing tourism impacts while maintaining national standards.

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