TAT RELEASE
AWARDS WON
AWARDS WON BY THAILAND
AWARDS WON BY TAT
TAT NEWS
TAT INTERNATIONAL
LATEST UPDATES
EVENT UPDATES
TOURISM NEWS
SPECIAL INTEREST
PHOTO GALLERY
PRESS KITS
TOURIST ASSISTANCE
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
TAT Videos
Tourism Authority of Thailand
  The information you provide is strictly for use by the TAT News Room [www.TATnews.org] in sending news and updates to you and will not be shared, exchanged or traded with third parties. Thank you.
 
 
 
  Security Code Refresh the code
 
 
 
 
 

 

THAI HOME STAY CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
To qualify for certification, home stay projects and participating service providers are required to meet the following specifications.

ACCOMMODATION
  • There are a sufficient number of suitable accommodation with a safe and sturdy structure within the community.
  • Living areas are well-ventilated and is free of damp and musty odour.
  • Sufficient natural light enters the room.
  • The roof is well-insulated and waterproof.
  • Standard beds, reflecting the norm for the community, clean mattresses and bed linen are provided.
  • There is access to clean bathroom and toilet facilities.
  • The bed linen is changed following the departure of each guest and a clean set of bed linen is provided to the next guest.
  • Service providers employ traditional methods for the control of mosquitoes.
FOOD AND NUTRITION
  • Food is well prepared. Utensils are clean and hygienic.
  • The kitchen is clean and odour-free.
  • Clean drinking water is provided.
  • The community is served by a local restaurant.
SAFETY
  • There are guards on duty to ensure safety and security.
  • There is communications equipment available to alert authorities of any impending danger, or if a tourist is sick or injured.
  • There is quick and convenient access to First aid supplies.
  • The home stay project and/or service provider(s) advise tourists to keep their personal assets safe and remind them to take along with them any medications they may need.
  • Locks in the home are regularly maintained.
MANAGEMENT
  • The service is managed by a group of villagers in the form of an association or a cooperative.
  • There is a committee in charge of project management.
  • The management committee sets guidelines for tourists to ensure they do not violate community customs, traditions and beliefs.
  • There is a reservations system and registration system to keep track of tourist information.
  • Service fees and other charges are clearly specified.
  • Management provide full details of tourism activities offered to tourists.
  • Residents within the community do not solely rely on the home stay services for their primary source of income. The home stay service is a supplementary occupation.
  • There is a local guide capable of communicating with tourists.
TOURISM ACTIVITIES
  • Tourism activities are offered.
  • There are opportunities for visitors or guests to practice local arts and handicrafts.
  • The welcoming ceremony that is staged reflects local cultural traditions.
  • There are entertainment options.
  • There are environmentally friendly tourism activities.
  • There are activities through which tourists and the hosts can learn from each other such as activities that impart knowledge to visitors and guests about the way the hosts make a living, the history of community, folk beliefs and tales.
ENVIRONMENT
  • The home stay project features at least one natural tourist attraction.
  • The home stay project promotes the protection and conservation of tourism attractions as well as the natural ambience and environment of the community.
  • Home stay accommodation is located within a reasonable distance of a hospital, post office or bank.
  • The home stay community still retains its original characteristics and local culture and traditions are still well-preserved.
ADDED VALUE
  • There is a souvenir shop in the community.
  • Products made by the villagers using local materials are available for sale.
  • Residents of the community promote awareness of the local culture through
    the home stay service.
  • The home stay service provides an opportunity for local people to develop commendable service skills.
MARKETING
  • Home stay managers produce and publish a handbook or pamphlet.
  • Public relations activities are undertaken.
  • The home stay service is listed in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Home Stay Tourism Guidebook.
In assessing the standards of Thai home stay services, the mathematical average, or a percentage of the score in points for each category, is used. Scores are awarded on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest score.

To qualify for certification, the home stay project or home stay service provider(s) must achieve an average score of at least 3.50 across all eight categories, or a minimum required score of 70 per cent.

The evaluation of Thai home stay services is based on principles, methodology and guidelines in accordance with the Thai Home Stay Certification Standards B.E. 2548 (2005) issued by the Office of Tourism Development.

Thai home stay products and services that meet the Thai Home Stay certification standards are presented with a certificate and a certification seal. Home stay services are re-evaluated every two years. If the score is lower than what is required, the certification will be revoked and the Thai Home Stay certification seal and letter of certification must be returned to the Office of Tourism Development.

Thai Home Stay Certification Standards
Announced on 24 January 2005
Source: Government Gazette, Page 37, Volume 122, Special Response 26 D,
23 March 2005

CERTIFIED HOME STAY PROJECTS
Please click to view



 
Copyright Tourism Authority of Thailand. All Rights Reserved.