Gen Polapee Suwunchwee, a Bhumjaithai Party MP serving as Deputy Interior Minister, announced the extension following the launch of the ministry’s ‘Clinic for Giving Advice and Solving Problems’ at the Royal Phuket City Hotel.
The clinic, established in cooperation with Phuket authorities, provides legal advice, assists operators with licence applications and serves as a complaints centre aimed at helping businesses comply with hotel and entertainment venue regulations.
Gen Polapee said the extension was intended to give operators who had not yet submitted applications another opportunity to legalise their businesses.
“The Ministry of Interior has therefore considered extending the period for submitting applications through the clinic until July 10, 2026,” he said.
He described the move as urgent, urging operators to enter the legal system quickly while warning against individuals attempting to exploit businesses by claiming they could secure licences or other benefits.
Officials from central government agencies will continue providing direct assistance throughout the extended programme, he added.
Gen Polapee also stressed that authorities would continue investigating foreign investors using Thai nominees to illegally operate hotels or occupy land.
“We are determined to investigate and prevent foreign capital from opening hotels or encroaching on land illegally. This is unacceptable and we must work together to protect the interests of the nation,” he said.
The Deputy Interior Minister said the ministry was also collecting feedback on legal obstacles faced by operators, with a working group tasked with proposing amendments to hotel and entertainment venue laws to better reflect current economic and tourism conditions.
He encouraged entrepreneurs who have yet to obtain licences to contact the clinic as soon as possible.
The extension follows the launch of the initiative on June 30, when Phuket officials described the programme as a “last chance” for hundreds of small hotels to resolve long-running licensing problems.
At the opening, Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae stressed that the programme was designed to help businesses comply with the law rather than target them for prosecution.
Officials have estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 small accommodation businesses operate across Phuket, with many unable to obtain hotel licences because of conflicts between building control, planning, environmental and other regulations.
Authorities hope information gathered through the consultation programme will support legal reforms and advance the proposed ‘Phuket Place-Stay Sandbox’ initiative, which aims to create a pathway for smaller accommodation providers to operate legally.
Meanwhile, officials continued inspections of licensed accommodation providers to ensure compliance with hotel standards.
On Friday (July 3), an inspection team led by Phuket Vice Governor Romdon and officials from the Mueang Phuket District Office visited the Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort as part of the hotel’s licence renewal process.
The team inspected the property’s safety systems, hygiene standards and building structure to ensure compliance with legal requirements for hotel operations.
Officials said the inspections are intended to maintain transparency, uphold service standards and strengthen confidence among both domestic and international tourists while supporting the sustainable growth of Phuket’s tourism industry.
The licensing drive comes as authorities continue a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed accommodation while simultaneously seeking ways to help legitimate operators overcome regulatory barriers that have prevented many businesses from obtaining or renewing hotel licences.