Bangkok authorities bust illegal short-term condo rentals run by Chinese businesses

Bangkok authorities are cracking down on illegal short-term rentals allegedly operated by Chinese businesses in several condominiums across the city. The issue was investigated when residents raised concerns about disturbances and potential misuse of units.

The issue went public on Tuesday when social media users posted comments about businesses renting out condo units at a daily rate. Since condominium management cannot legally store units’ keys, the illegal renters have resorted to leaving the keys in different locations across the city, instructing tenants on where they can be collected.

According to the Drama-addict Facebook page, one such storage spot was a locker near a som tam eatery, which was found containing six locked boxes with keys.

Police suspect these belong to the same network of illegal Chinese businesses. Another discovery in Sukhumvit Soi 42 revealed 29 key boxes stored in a 1.5-metre wooden case, while some keys were even tied to a tree for tenants to collect.

Beyond the illegal rentals, residents have posted complaints on the “Por Ban Ba Condo” Facebook group about Chinese tenants’ disruptive behaviour.

Issues include cleaning staff leaving equipment in communal areas, excessive noise at night and an unusually high frequency of visitors. Some reports allege that the units are being used for illicit activities, such as covert sex work or filming explicit content.

Short-term rentals via platforms like Airbnb are illegal in Thailand. Under the 2004 Hotel Act, renting rooms on a daily rate without proper hotel registration carries a fine of up to 20,000 baht, plus a daily fine of 10,000 baht until operations cease. Most condominiums also prohibit short-term rentals due to security and privacy concerns.

Authorities have pledged further action to prevent the misuse of condominium properties and hold violators responsible.