A troubling hotel security incident in Phuket has raised fresh concerns about guest safety, particularly for solo female travellers visiting popular holiday destinations. A senior security staff member at a well-known resort was arrested after allegedly attempting to enter a woman’s hotel room using a master keycard late at night. The case has since drawn widespread attention across Thailand and neighbouring countries, including Singapore, where Phuket remains a favourite travel hotspot.
The woman involved, a Thai DJ who was in Phuket for work, shared that she had returned to her hotel room to rest after feeling unwell. At around 10pm, she heard a man calling out from outside her door. Feeling uneasy, she chose not to respond and instead secured the room from the inside while recording the encounter on her phone.
Shortly after, the man was seen attempting to unlock her door using a master keycard. Fortunately, the internal latch prevented him from gaining access. The woman later learned that the keycard used was typically issued to housekeeping staff, raising serious questions about internal access control and hotel management oversight.
INVESTIGATION REVEALS ALLEGED COVER-UP ATTEMPT
After the attempted intrusion, the guest approached hotel staff to report the incident. She was initially told that CCTV footage had been reviewed, only to be informed later that the video evidence had mysteriously disappeared. Unsatisfied and increasingly alarmed, she demanded accountability and eventually filed a police report before checking out of the hotel.
Subsequent investigations uncovered that the suspect, who reportedly held the position of head security guard, had already clocked out earlier in the day but remained on hotel premises. Surveillance footage later recovered showed him changing into casual clothing before roaming the corridors and attempting to access multiple guest rooms.
When confronted indirectly after being caught on camera near the woman’s room, he allegedly rushed to delete the CCTV footage before fleeing the area. Thai authorities later arrested the man, charging him with attempting to unlawfully enter a dwelling at night, a serious offence under local law.
Hotel safety experts note that such incidents highlight the importance of strict internal controls, regular audits of access cards, and transparent surveillance systems. For travellers, especially those booking accommodation overseas, hotel security standards and guest privacy policies are becoming increasingly important considerations.
HOTEL RESPONSE AND LEGAL CONSEQUENCES
Following the incident, the hotel issued a public apology, acknowledging that the event had compromised the guest’s sense of safety. Management stated that the matter was reported to the police immediately and that they were cooperating fully with ongoing investigations. The suspect’s employment was terminated shortly after the incident came to light.
If convicted, the former staff member faces the possibility of a custodial sentence, a substantial fine, or both. For Singaporeans planning trips to Thailand, the case serves as a sobering reminder to remain vigilant, use additional door locks where available, and report suspicious activity promptly.
As travel rebounds and tourism numbers continue to rise, incidents like this underscore the growing importance of hospitality risk management, hotel liability insurance, and robust guest protection measures. For the industry, maintaining trust is just as critical as offering competitive room rates and luxury amenities.