Mysterious key boxes spotted across Bangkok linked to illegal short-term rentals

Images of mysterious key boxes, placed at various locations around downtown Bangkok, went viral among Thai netizens this week.

For example, in the middle of Sukhumvit Soi 42, a 60cm x 60cm wooden box was found attached to a pole. Inside were combination lockboxes, but they could not be opened.

About 40 meters away, a larger wooden box was found in front of a residential building. It was hard to miss, as there was a light above it.

Inside were 23 locked combination boxes, some of which had been opened.

When the photos went viral, however, the secrets were revealed.

Many Thai netizens said that those who placed the lockboxes were people illegally renting out nearby condominium units on a daily basis.

They could not ask the building’s receptionist to hand over the keys to tenants, as condominium owners are prohibited from renting out their units for short stays.

Most residential buildings, including condominiums, have strict rules against short-term rentals.

Those who violate this law face a fine of up to 20,000 baht and a daily fine of 10,000 baht until they cease such rentals.

This legal restriction has led to the creation of key boxes as a way to avoid fines. When a tenant agrees to rent a room, the owner sends them the location and the combination needed to unlock the box, in which the room key is kept.

The sheer number of key boxes suggests that this practice is widespread.

Since the story went viral, though, some of the key boxes have disappeared.