Thailand Introduces New Standards to Professionalize National Massage Industry

Thailand is implementing a nationwide initiative to professionalize its massage industry and distance the sector from associations with illicit services. The Ministry of Public Health is increasing inspections and enforcing stricter certification requirements for practitioners to ensure high standards of service and safety. By promoting “Nuad Thai” as a recognized form of cultural heritage and medical wellness, officials aim to attract health-conscious tourists and solidify the country’s reputation as a premier destination for global wellness and traditional therapy.

• The Department of Health Service Support is intensifying oversight and conducting more frequent inspections of massage establishments.
• New regulations require all massage therapists to undergo standardized training and obtain official government certification.
• The government is rebranding the sector to focus on the medical and therapeutic benefits of traditional Thai massage.
• The initiative seeks to protect the reputation of “Nuad Thai,” which is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Authorities are targeting businesses that provide illegal services under the guise of traditional massage parlors.
• The strategy is part of a broader effort to position Thailand as a leading international hub for health and wellness tourism.

Based in Singapore, CNA (Channel News Asia) covers global developments with an Asian perspective, with correspondents based in major cities across Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, as well as in New York, Washington D.C. and London.

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Original video here.

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