Riva Surya Bangkok
Photograph: Riva Surya Bangkok
Photograph: Riva Surya Bangkok

What are SHA, SHA Plus and SHA Extra Plus hotels?

Let’s decode the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s SHA badges for when you’re looking for hotels that meet safety standards without compromising on comfort

Tita Petchnamnung
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Ever wondered what the SHA letters mean on Thai hotel websites? It’s not just random alphabet soup or a bureaucratic stamp. SHA, SHA Plus and SHA Extra Plus stand for types of Safety and Health Administration certifications. These badges (first implemented during the COVID pandemic) ensure that your relaxation and wellness time is as safe as it is spectacular. They guarantee that your hotel of choice is committed to strictly following comprehensive health and wellness protocols.

SHA vs SHA+ vs SHA++ : What’s the difference?

Tourism Authority of Thailand
Photograph: Tourism Authority of Thailand

SHA

This baseline certification assures you that the hotel is safe, up to standard and ready to welcome guests. Regular cleaning? Done. Clear safety signs? In place. Hand sanitisers within reach? Always.

SHA+ (SHA Plus)  

Spot the SHA Plus logo and you’ll know that at least 70% of the staff in certified venues are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated team members are carefully placed away from direct guest interactions and are thoroughly trained in COVID-19 emergency protocols. SHA Plus also holds the unique authority to issue the SHABA certificate, a key document that confirms strict health and safety standards and is essential for entry into various travel schemes.

SHA++ (SHA Extra Plus)  

This highest level of certification takes things up a notch by partnering with certified hospitals to offer RT-PCR testing – a powerful and fast method for detecting viral genetic material. It carefully amplifies specific genetic sequences, helping to quickly identify viruses like SARS-CoV-2. With these partnerships, SHA++ certified spots become health-safe zones, fully equipped to spot and handle any health risks quickly. So, you can enjoy your wellness sessions at the hotel without a worry, knowing there's an extra layer of protection in place.

Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit
Photograph: Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit

Looking for a stay that’s got the stamp of safety? You can find a list of them right here: SHA standardised establishments.

And it’s not just hotels – services like limos and taxis also undergo the SHA seal check. Learn more at Thailand SHA.

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