Assessment of Environmental Health Conditions in Homestays in New normal Community-Based Tourism Destinations

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate and assess the environmental health and safety conditions of homestays in the tourism community of Buriram province. This was a survey research study that applied the assessment form of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Department of Health. The assessment criteria based on the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) standard for hotels, accommodations, and meeting venues were adapted and applied in 35 sub-items. The assessment was conducted on 8 homestays in the Sab Samboon community-based tourism village, and the quality of tap water and drinking water of the homestays was analyzed. The study was conducted from January 2025 to January 2026. The results of the assessment of all 8 homestays in 5 main categories, including 1) building hygiene and equipment, 2) cleaning equipment management, 3) prevention for staff, 4) public areas, and 5) rooms, showed that all homestays only implemented two sub-items: “If staff members are sick, they must stop working and seek medical treatment” and “Limit the number of customers, taking into account infection prevention.” Other items were not implemented. From the drinking water analysis, it was found that the values of pH, turbidity, color, total solids, chloride, phenol, sulfate, iron, hardness, and nitrate were within the standard. For tap water quality, the water quality index was within the standard, except for iron in the water of homestays no.1-3, 4, and 6, and manganese levels were higher than the standard in all homestays. From the results of the meeting and training for homestay owners in the village, it was found that the implementation of the standards could be done, and regular training should be provided to homestay owners to have good practices and be ready to welcome tourists in the new normal.