Have you been craving a relaxing beach break or perhaps there is an essential business trip that can no longer be postponed? Well, the good news is that Thailand is open for you! And the even better news is that the Thailand Tourism Board is totally committed when it comes ensuring your safety during this pandemic, thanks to its unique initiative of providing SHA certification to all the safe places you might want to visit.
What is SHA?
SHA stands for Safety and Health Administration, an initiative taken by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Ministry of Tourism & Sports, Ministry of Public Health, Board of Trade of Thailand and Thai Tourism Operators to provide travellers with a safe travel experience during the tough times of Covid-19.
After all, we must all adjust to this new normal and Thailand is doing its best to boost the confidence of travellers as it reveals a new set of health and safety guidelines that its public and private sectors are required to follow consistently and diligently from now on. If they follow all the guidelines properly, they get an SHA certification.
Key areas covered by SHA
SHA assures the safety of all travellers by running a quality check on the hygiene, sanitation and safety standards of every tourist establishment in the country. The idea is to get all players in Thailand’s travel industry ready for the return of tourists and visitors.
The SHA certification will cover restaurants, hotels, recreational places, tourist landmarks, shopping outlets, sporting arenas, spas, souvenir shops, private and public transport and even workplaces.
How SHA keeps you safe
- TAT will scan every complex for safety and hygiene and then accordingly provide an SHA certificate to all those who meet the required standards.
- Each establishment is also expected to maintain the high standards constantly, for which periodical follow-up checks will also be done.
- There is also a plan to use the SHA logo as a stamp of approval on every place that gets the approval. That way the visitors can see the logo and safely enter the place, without worries.
Here are some of the SHA awarded places for you to explore –
- Central World, Bangkok
- Siam Paragon Shopping Mall, Bangkok
- Blu Marine Hua Hin Resort
- Le Meridien, Bangkok
- The Emporium, Bangkok
- Jong Jareon Tour Part Chiang Mai
Things you can do
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth properly, make sure the kids and elders travelling with you are following all the physical distancing protocols.
- Keep a sanitiser with you and use it regularly, while out and about in the city.
- It is better to use digital payments to avoid any cash exchange. Carry Thai Baht for the visa and buy a sim card at the airport.
- You can also give suggestions for any improvements you wish to see, via an online system created by TAT.
We know that Thailand’s majestic temples of Buddha, relaxing spas and stunning beach resorts are calling out to you. Why wait? Just give in to temptation and pack your bags.
