The government sped up the process after the Prime Minister ordered it to improve the island's tourism. Before this, only 30 to 40 licenses were approved each year.

In two months, the government cleared over 75% of the pending applications.

A photo from 2020 shows an empty hotel pool in Phuket.

About 100 applications are still being reviewed, and the government hopes to finish them by September. There were over 400 applications waiting before.

The government is helping hotel operators who are having trouble getting licenses due to legal issues.

The government's main goal is to keep everyone safe and make sure all businesses follow the rules.

The government is also checking businesses that are controlled by foreigners but use Thai names.

Many inspections were started after people complained about illegal businesses and buildings.

In July, the government found two hotels that were operating without proper licenses or permits.

The government is investigating 391 companies to see if they are using Thai names to hide foreign ownership.

After a problem at Chabad House, the government started checking more businesses.

The government is now checking over 361 businesses that might be breaking the rules.

Some cases have been sent to the police, and the government is gathering more evidence.

The Interior Minister said that people who break the rules will face severe penalties to protect Thai businesses and the economy.