Airbnb hosting in Thailand

[Green Nomad]

Hello All,

A question about Airbnb. Has, or is, anyone using Airbnb to rent their property in Thailand? Basically is it a good idea or are there the usual pitfalls? I do understand that income has to be declared but is it actually legal according to Thai law for a Thai national? GN.

[Green Nomad]

Further to my post, I have just found an article on Thaiger ref this. But would be interesting to read peoples comments.

[buksida]

Mrs B hosted a small bungalow on Airbnb before the tourist industry collapsed in early 2020, so Thais are allowed to do it, yes. She hasn't had a single enquiry since the country was locked down more than 2 years ago though and the place has been empty, so maybe not the best time to start as it is largely review-based.

[Green Nomad]

Thanks B, yeh this is an idea for the near future when I retire as opposed to normal long term letting. GN

[PeteC]

Airbnb bans indoor security cameras in rental properties

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68541161

Airbnb says it is introducing a worldwide ban on the use of security cameras inside rental properties.

The changes to the company's policy will come into affect at the end of next month.

The online rental platform says the move aims to simplify its rules on security cameras and prioritise the privacy of guests.

Airbnb users have previously voiced concerns about the use of indoor surveillance cameras.

"These changes were made in consultation with our guests, hosts and privacy experts, and we'll continue to seek feedback to help ensure our policies work for our global community," Airbnb's Head of Community Policy and Partnerships, Juniper Downs said in a statement.

"As the majority of listings on Airbnb do not report having a security camera, this update is expected to impact a smaller subset of listings on the platform," she added.

Airbnb's current rules allow the use of security cameras in common areas such as living rooms and hallways, as long as the location of the equipment is made clear on the property's listing.

The updated policy also bans the use of outdoor cameras that point inside properties. Airbnb does not allow surveillance cameras to be placed in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms.

The new rules will still allow the use of doorbell cameras and noise monitors in common areas. These devices also have to be disclosed on the property's listing page.

Airbnb said it seeks to balance the need for hosts to be able to monitor the security of their property and be aware of issues such as unauthorised parties while prioritising the privacy of guests.

The announcement comes just over a week after US comedy show Saturday Night Live aired a spoof Airbnb advert which included a joke about a camera being hidden in a toilet. The sketch has been watched 1.2 million times on YouTube.

[m_right]

"Airbnb's current rules allow the use of security cameras in common areas such as living rooms and hallways, as long as the location of the equipment is made clear on the property's listing."

Why would they think they need this?
No way I would stay in a place thet did this!

[PeteC]

"Airbnb's current rules allow the use of security cameras in common areas such as living rooms and hallways, as long as the location of the equipment is made clear on the property's listing."

Why would they think they need this?
No way I would stay in a place thet did this!

I would think in properties with a history of parties that can/did get out of control. LA, Las Vegas, Miami etc.

I think a lot of these places are rented by locals who want to have a blowout party but don't want to have it in their own homes. The wealthy under 25's?

[2dandan]

Further to the original post which I know is quite old now.

Renting out via airbnb is a grey area which might/might not cause a legal problem. Rowdy customers or unhappy neighbours could cause the Police to attend and if the owner has not registered the property under the Hotel Act then they might find themselves facing charges. I am no expert on this so cant make any further relevant comment. The following article has information that some might find useful if they are considering such a move.

https://www.lafs-legal.com/blog/669/the ... n-thailand

[buksida]

A lot of Thais rent out their party pool villas on Facebook, they don't use Airbnb so much here if they don't want to deal with foreigners.