Thailand has never been short of places to stay, from pocket-friendly hostels to sky-high suites with sweeping views. But today’s travellers are asking for more than just a comfy bed. They’re seeking creative tourism, slow journeys and even sports-focused getaways. To keep pace with these changing tastes, the government is preparing to scrap the decades-old Hotel Act of 2004 and replace it with a brand-new Accommodation Act that better reflects the way we travel now.
For the past two decades, the Hotel Act has set the rules for what counts as a hotel, from licensing to day-to-day operations. But the law was written in a time when hotels meant large buildings with rows of identical rooms.
Today, the tourism scene looks very different. Homestays, eco-lodges, boutique hostels and even treehouses are thriving, while digital platforms such as Airbnb and Agoda have reshaped how travellers book their stays. Many of these businesses, especially smaller ones that fuel the local grassroots economy, have been left in a legal grey zone.
The new Accommodation Act is designed to change that. It broadens the definition of what counts as accommodation and makes the rules more flexible, so smaller ventures aren’t forced to meet the same standards as five-star resorts.
And instead of wading through complicated licensing, low-risk operators will be able to register through a streamlined, digital-first system. Platforms like Airbnb will also be formally brought under regulation, while penalties will be rebalanced to encourage compliance rather than punish missteps. Oversight will come from a new Committee for the Promotion of Accommodation Business, with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports leading the way.
The shake-up marks a turning point for Thai tourism. It’s a bid to make the industry more inclusive, more modern and more competitive on the global stage while keeping Thailand one of the most dynamic places in the world to check into.