Thai Massage Recognized by UNESCO
Thai massage has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2019. The Public Health Ministry expects that Thai massage could generate up to 200 billion baht in annual revenue if the country can successfully train around 70,000 masseuses.
Recent Concerns Over Safety
However, recent incidents have raised concerns among the public regarding the safety of Thai massage. The tragic deaths of two individuals in December last year led to fears about the practice. Thai singer Chayada Prao-hom passed away after multiple visits to a massage parlour in Udon Thani, although autopsy reports indicated that her death was not related to the massage.
Additionally, Singaporean tourist Lee Mun Tuck died at Patong Hospital, Phuket, after receiving a massage at an unlicensed massage establishment.
Calls for Improved Standards
Yongsak Tantipidoke, a researcher at the Health Systems Research Institute’s Thai System of Health Wisdom Research Unit, is urging relevant agencies to establish national standards for Thai massage parlours. He emphasizes the importance of boosting public awareness about the proper practices in massage therapy.
Tantipidoke suggests that massage certification should be renewed every five years instead of being granted for a lifetime, advocating for periodic training for masseuses on rules, prohibitions, and safety precautions.
Regulation Enforcement
Panuwat Panket, the director of the Department of Health Service Support, warns that operators of spa and massage parlours must obtain the required licenses for operating as healthcare venues. Those who do not comply could face six years of imprisonment or fines up to 50,000 baht.
Government’s Commitment
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin assured that the ministry is committed to enhancing the standards of Thai massage to restore consumer confidence and promote massage as an effective alternative treatment. The collaboration between the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, the Department of Health Service Support, and the Thai Traditional Medical Council aims to empower masseuses to improve the quality of life for their customers.
He also noted that trained masseuses who specialize in specific health conditions could expect higher incomes, focusing on conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, frozen shoulder, and others.
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