Many foreigners and property investors ask:
“Can I rent out my condo in Thailand on Airbnb?”
While Airbnb is popular across Thailand, renting your condo short-term (less than 30 days) is a legally grey area, and it’s important to understand what’s allowed — and what could get you into trouble.
⚖️ The Short Answer
➡️ No, you cannot legally rent out a condo on a nightly or weekly basis in Thailand unless you have a hotel license.
Thailand’s Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004) requires any property offering daily or short-term rentals to have a hotel license, which individual condo units typically do not qualify for.
However, monthly or long-term rentals (30 days or more) are allowed.
📋 Summary Table: Airbnb Legality in Thai Condos
| Rental Type | Is It Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 30 days | ❌ Not legal | Unless the building has a hotel license |
| 30 days or more | ✅ Legal | No hotel license required |
| Entire building (licensed) | ✅ Legal (if licensed) | Some developers offer hotel-licensed “condotels” |
| Owner-occupied home | ❌ Still not legal | Even if it’s your own condo, hotel laws still apply for short stays |
📊 Suggested Infographic: “Airbnb in Thailand — What You Need to Know”
Title: “Can You Airbnb Your Condo in Thailand?”
[Use This Layout in Canva or PPT Design]
✔️ Legal:
- Long-term rentals (30 days+)
- Monthly tenants (expats, digital nomads, retirees)
- Contracts with clear duration
❌ Not Legal Without Hotel License:
- Nightly bookings
- Tourist stays via Airbnb or Booking.com
- Subletting without permission
🔍 Penalty Risk:
Fines up to ฿20,000 + ฿500/day for each day the violation continues.
🏢 Condo Rules & Juristic Office
Even if short-term rentals were allowed by law (which they’re not in most cases), many condo buildings have their own rules that specifically prohibit daily rentals to protect resident privacy and security.
✅ Always check with your condo’s juristic office before attempting any kind of rental.
💡 What Are the Legal Alternatives?
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly rentals | Focus on digital nomads, expats, students, or retirees |
| Condotel Projects | Some developments are licensed for daily rentals — ask before buying |
| Hotel license (rare) | Requires zoning approval, proper fire safety, and minimum unit count |
| Property agents | Use local agents to lease for 6–12 months or more |
🧠 Tips for Renting Your Thai Condo Legally
- 📝 Stick to 30-day minimum contracts
- 🏢 Choose condos that allow rentals (some don’t)
- 💬 Clearly mention rental rules in your listings
- 💼 Use property managers or long-term leasing platforms
- ❗ Avoid short-term rental listings if your unit isn’t licensed
🏁 Final Thoughts
While Airbnb might seem like a great way to earn passive income, short-term rentals under 30 days are not legally allowed for most Thai condos — and violating these rules can lead to hefty fines.
Instead, focus on monthly or long-term rentals, or buy into a licensed condotel project if you’re aiming for vacation-style income. Always consult legal advisors or licensed agents when in doubt.
