Former Phuket resort security chief charged after alleged master key attempt on female guest’s room
A former security chief at Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach has been charged after allegedly trying to enter a female guest’s room using a master key. Police say CCTV footage identified the suspect, who surrendered and faces attempted nighttime burglary charges.
- Former hotel security chief charged over an alleged attempt to enter a female guest’s room using a master key
- Incident was later publicised after the guest shared a video online, while police proceeded with their investigation
- The suspect has been dismissed by the hotel and faces up to five years’ jail or a fine if convicted
THAILAND: The former head of security at a luxury resort in Phuket has been charged after allegedly attempting to enter a female guest’s room using a master key, an incident that drew public attention after a video shared by the guest went viral on social media.
Cherng Talay Police confirmed that the suspect, Kanisorn Nuanglap, 39, a retired military officer and former security chief at Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach, surrendered to authorities following an investigation.
He has been charged with attempted nighttime burglary.
Incident Triggered by Guest’s Viral Video
The case surfaced after a female DJ, Mirinda Nalinratanawadee, posted a video online describing the incident, prompting police to launch a formal probe.
She later filed an official complaint at Cherng Talay Police Station at 3.56 pm on Saturday (17 Jan), reporting that an unknown man had attempted to enter her room the previous night.
Police said the incident occurred at around 10 pm on Friday (16 Jan), when the suspect allegedly rang the doorbell, knocked, and called out before attempting to unlock the door using a master key card.
He failed to gain entry as the door was locked from inside, and the guest resisted while shouting for help.
CCTV Review and Attempted Evidence Deletion
Investigators reviewing hotel CCTV footage identified Kanisorn as the individual involved.
Police said he had completed his official shift at 4 pm but remained on the premises, later changing into casual clothing before leaving his office.
According to investigators, Kanisorn used a master key card assigned to a housekeeper under his supervision and attempted to access multiple guest rooms near the victim’s room.
Police also revealed that he allegedly tried to delete CCTV footage of the incident, though the recordings were later recovered by hotel staff and handed over to authorities.
Court Proceedings and Additional Legal Issues
Kanisorn voluntarily surrendered after being summoned by police.
As no arrest warrant had been issued at the time, he was not immediately detained. He has been ordered to appear before Phuket Provincial Court on 19 Jan, with police confirming that an arrest warrant will be issued if he fails to do so.
Investigators also disclosed that Kanisorn is facing separate legal proceedings in another case involving an alleged unpaid loan.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht (about US$2,800), or both, according to local media reports.
Hotel Response and Public Assurance
The hotel has since terminated Kanisorn’s employment and issued a formal apology, acknowledging the impact on guest safety and confidence.
Management said it has filed a police report, is fully cooperating with authorities, and has conducted an internal audit, including a review and upgrade of security procedures.
Cherng Talay Police stressed that the incident was an individual criminal act and does not reflect overall security conditions in the area, reaffirming that tourist safety remains a top priority.
Following the incident, Ms Mirinda confirmed that she had checked out of the hotel after lodging her police report.
