BMA pushes for haste in getting safety certificates

BMA pushes for haste in getting safety certificates

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is urging business operators in the hospitality sector to apply for Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certificates to boost safety confidence among tourists when the country reopens on Monday.

BMA's permanent secretary, Khachit Chatchawanit, on Sunday the move is part of the Amazing Thailand SHA project initiated by the Tourism and Sports, and Public Health Ministries, and public and private agencies involved in tourism.

The project aimed to ensure domestic and international tourists have a great tourism experience, accompanied by health measures. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will issue the SHA symbol for certified business operators, Mr Khachit said.

As of last Friday, more than 3,000 businesses in the hospitality sector had been certified with the SHA standard which were divided into 10 categories -- 1,350 restaurants, 657 hotels, 51 tourist sites, 315 vehicles, 427 travel agencies, 174 beauty and health services, 82 department stores, eight other tourist spots, 63 meeting halls and 180 other related shops.

Business operators can apply for the project via the "thailandsha.com" website, he added.

Meanwhile, Pol Maj Gen Yingyos Thepjumnong, spokesman for Royal Thai Police, said the BMA allowed SHA-certified restaurants to resume dine-in services with the sale of alcoholic drinks permitted until 9pm, but restaurant owners must strictly comply with preventive measures.

However, any assembly which risks Covid-19 transmission remains prohibited, or legal action will follow, Pol Maj Gen Yingyos said.

Meanwhile, Khao San Business Association president Sanga Ruangwattanakul is concerned over the number of tourists as the hotel reservation rate hasn't reached 5% yet in December despite the reopening of the country.

Mr Sanga said the number will increase if the sale of alcohol is permitted. From Monday, visitors who have yet to be fully vaccinated must undergo antigen kit tests first, he said.

Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said despite the reopening of the country, new variants of Covid-19 must be monitored closely. He said there was a possibility the government will impose lockdown measures if it fails to contain the spread of the virus, he said.

Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang said the capital is reporting the lowest number of new cases in the past four months, with only 29.46% of beds being occupied.

Almost 80% of the population has received the second dose of vaccine, he added.

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