BANGKOK, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has introduced the “Trusted Thailand” certification to build traveler confidence and raise safety standards across the tourism sector. The pilot phase, scheduled to commence in September, will involve assessments of hotels and accommodation providers, followed by an expansion to restaurants, tourist attractions, shopping malls, and department stores.
The certification acts as a clear signal of safety and reliability. To qualify, businesses must meet four key criteria: general safety measures, secure payment systems, readiness for foreign language communication, and accessibility through public transportation. Certified establishments will be awarded the “Trusted Thailand” mark and listed publicly to help tourists make informed decisions.
Chakrapol Tangsutthitham, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that safety remains a top priority in the national tourism policy. The government is pursuing parallel efforts to promote tourism and ensure public security, including raising standards at tourist sites, coordinating with security agencies, and disseminating timely and accurate information to travelers.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that safety now plays a major role in travel decisions, especially for families, solo travelers, and younger tourists. She added that the program supports Thailand’s image as a safe and high-quality destination, especially in key markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, the U.S., and the European Union.
The launch event featured a panel discussion on tourism safety and a workshop on transportation services. It also saw participation from several key agencies, including the Department of Provincial Administration, the Department of Tourism, the Tourist Police Bureau, the Department of Land Transport, and private-sector representatives, such as Grab Thailand.
Tourism operators can register for certification in September at www.tourismthailand.org/trustedthailand. A complete list of certified businesses will be made public. Updates and further details are available through the 1672 Travel Buddy hotline. (TAT)
