The Thailand government is pressing ahead with a crackdown on unlicensed and unsafe hotels, but is also offering a way out for businesses which have so far been violating building codes.
The government announced an amnesty for all unlicensed hotels and those which have skirted town planning regulations and local building control regulations.
"Certain types of hotel operators can be released from criminal liability that would otherwise have resulted from non-compliance with the town planning, building control, and hotel laws," the government order says.
Affected hotel operators are required to inform the local authority of ‘any non-compliant practices’ such as a hotel’s fire safety standards.
Hoteliers will be given time to make necessary repairs and improvements to meet the requirements set by the order.
For the improvement of fire safety, hotel owners have 90 days to make good any deficiencies, and if this is completed they will not face any criminal proceedings for past violations.
The government has not yet published the full criteria to bring hotels up to the required standard.
"Hotel operators are urged to closely monitor relevant regulations as it paves way for hotel operators to ensure compliance with the town planning regulations," the order states.
"As the time for seeking this amnesty is limited to only 90 days, hotel operators should take necessary steps and actions to improve its fire safety measures as soon as possible."
