Phuket launches health certification for hotels to boost tourists’ confidence

The Department of Medical Sciences, a part of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, has introduced a certification programme that awards hotels for their effective prevention of Legionnaires disease and Norovirus.

This initiative is part of the broader Safety Phuket Island Sandbox scheme, aimed at bolstering tourist confidence in visiting Phuket and the rest of the country.

The unveiling of this new programme occurred at a seminar hosted at the Deevana Plaza Phuket – Patong Hotel. The event was spearheaded by Dr Yongyot Thammawut, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health and currently Acting Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences. A total of 15 hotels in Phuket were the first to receive this coveted certification.

The seminar also served as an educational platform, enlightening hotel operators on the best practices to prevent Norovirus and Legionella from infiltrating their water supplies, consequently protecting their guests from exposure.

Dr Banlang Upaphong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, was present to shed further light on this crucial health matter. Joining him was Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), who explained the PPAO’s support for the government’s Safety Phuket Island Sandbox initiative.

Dr Yongyot stressed on the importance of the Department of Medical Sciences health-monitoring teams, who are now actively inspecting hotel drinking water across Thailand’s tourist hotspots for possible contamination by Norovirus and Legionella. Phuket is the pilot province for these checks.

Norovirus outbreak

This initiative comes in the wake of a Norovirus outbreak in Phuket in June, which led to hundreds seeking medical help due to infections. Dr Yongyot emphasised the significance of ensuring that Phuket’s hotels are seen as safe havens from such ailments, considering the province’s substantial tourism income.

So far, only 30 hotels have applied for the certification, out of which, 15 have been inspected and approved by the Department. Dr Yongyot strongly urged all hotel operators to apply for certification, as it not only enhances the reputation of their establishments but also significantly contributes to the tourism industry and the national economy, reported Phuket News.

Apart from routine hotel inspections, the World Health Organization also recommends maintaining hot water temperatures at 60°C and cold water below 20°C. Alternatively, hotels can send water samples for analysis at the Department of Medical Sciences laboratory or Medical Science Centre twice a year to enhance visitor confidence.

The first 15 hotels to receive this important certification include well-known names such as Banyan Tree Phuket Hotel, Beyond Patong Hotel, Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa Hotel, and others. This proactive step by Phuket’s authorities promises a safer and healthier experience for tourists, thereby boosting the appeal of Thailand’s tourism industry.