Thailand’s tourism and health authorities have teamed up to launch a unique certification scheme aimed to prepare the Thai tourism industry for the recovery period and enhance confidence amongst international and domestic tourists.
The “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA” project was launched today by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakan, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Chote Trachu, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Dr. Panpimol Wipulakorn, Director-General, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, and Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand at a press conference “Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration: (SHA)” at the Grand Ballroom, Floor 2, The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakan, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “The Covid-19 virus spread quickly and widely to many countries around the world, infecting and killing many people. Currently, Thailand has been able to control the spread of the disease thanks to the quick action taken by the Royal Thai Government and the whole-hearted support of the general public.
“However, Thailand is still at risk of being hit by a “second wave”, which will require continued vigilance and public support for the prevention and control measures. At the same time, we must ensure a gradually phased-in economic recovery with behavioural change in accordance with the new way of life or New Normal.”
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “Ensuring high health and safety standards will be one of the key criteria for Thai tourism to establish its competitive advantage in the recovery period. The desire to travel will remain strong, but when it actually comes to the decision-making time, visitors will opt for those destinations where they feel confident about their personal safety.”
The Governor said that all applying establishments will undergo strict inspection and be assigned the SHA logo as a mark of quality certification of the service standards of that establishment. The logo will be issued by TAT and have a validity period of two years. All the names of the accredited establishments will be entered into a database. If any violations are reported, the logo will be revoked.
Ten types of business can request the SHA standard as follows:
1. Restaurants / food outlets
2. Hotel / accommodation and convention centres
3. Recreation and tourist attractions
4. Tourist transport vehicle
5. Travel agents / tour operators
6. Health and beauty parlours
7. Department stores and shopping centres
8. Sports stadiums for tourism
9. Theatres / cinemas
10. Souvenir shops and other stores.
The names of the SHA certified establishments will be publicised via www.tourismthailand.org/thailandsha and through the communication channels of TAT’s domestic and overseas offices to build confidence for tourists.
