Experts call for upgrading of Thai massage standards

BANGKOK – Thai massage has been recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by Unesco since 2019. The Public Health Ministry expects the Thai massage sector to generate 200 billion baht (S$8 billion) in annual revenue if the country can train around 70,000 masseuses.

However, the deaths of two customers

triggered fears among people about Thai massage

in December 2024. Thai singer Chayada Prao-hom

died after receiving massages

at a parlour in Udon Thani province, although the autopsy indicated that she had not died due to Thai massage.

A Singaporean tourist died

at Patong Hospital in Phuket province after receiving a Thai massage at a massage parlour whose operator had not sought permission under the laws.

Mr Yongsak Tantipidoke, a researcher at the Health Systems Research Institute’s Thai System of Health Wisdom Research Unit, urged the authorities to set up Thai massage standards for parlours nationwide and boost awareness about massage among people. 

He also suggested a renewal of massage certification every five years instead of lifetime certification, adding that masseuses should receive training periodically to boost awareness on rules, prohibitions and precautions when providing services.

Dr Panuwat Panket, director of the Department of Health Service Support, noted that operators of spas and massage parlours should request permission for operating such healthcare venues.

Healthcare venue operators who do not have a licence will face up to six years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 50,000 baht, he warned.

Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said his ministry has a policy in place that raises the standards of Thai massage to boost confidence among customers and promote massage as an alternative treatment.

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, the Department of Health Service Support and the Thai Traditional Medical Council have “accelerated efforts to boost the potential of masseuses” to improve customers’ well-being, he said.

He added that masseuses who have expertise in treating seven conditions would earn higher income. These are myofascial pain syndrome, frozen shoulder, trigger finger, piriformis syndrome, herniated disc, paralysis and reproductive system syndrome.
THE NATION/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK