Thai Massage Therapists in UAE Set to Obtain Global Certification
Thai Department of Skill Development launches certification program for therapists to enhance professional standards in the UAE.
Thai massage therapists in the United Arab Emirates will begin receiving official certification to validate their skills as part of a new initiative launched by Thailand's Department of Skill Development (DSD) in collaboration with its diplomatic missions in the UAE.
This initiative aims to align the professional credentials of these practitioners with global standards.
On Thursday, DSD Director General Dechar Peukpattanaruk led a delegation to Dubai, together with officials from the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai, to inaugurate a project focused on promoting Thai labour standards internationally.
The project commences with the National Skill Standard Test for Thai Massage Therapists at Level 1.
Dechar emphasized the historical significance of Thai massage, tracing its roots to ancient self-care traditions.
On December 12, 2019, UNESCO recognized "Nuad Thai" (Thai Massage) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its cultural importance and its role in maintaining health.
The DSD’s program aims not only to establish high professional standards for Thai massage therapists abroad but also to enhance Thailand's tourism and economic contribution.
The initial testing phase, scheduled for July 10-11, 2025, will evaluate 36 participants.
Successful candidates will receive an official skill standard certificate, which Dechar explained would affirm their professional capabilities.
"This certificate will guarantee the professional standard of Thai labour and build confidence among clients worldwide," Dechar stated.
"It serves as proof of their quality in the profession and positions them as excellent representatives of Thailand, capable of sharing Thai culture with the world."
According to Nipa Niranoot, Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai, a significant number of Thai nationals working in the UAE are employed in sectors like massage, spa, beauty, and hospitality, with a majority being women.
She described the testing program as a beneficial opportunity for Thai massage professionals, stating it would enhance their skills and provide vital career assurances in this field.
This initiative aims to align the professional credentials of these practitioners with global standards.
On Thursday, DSD Director General Dechar Peukpattanaruk led a delegation to Dubai, together with officials from the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai, to inaugurate a project focused on promoting Thai labour standards internationally.
The project commences with the National Skill Standard Test for Thai Massage Therapists at Level 1.
Dechar emphasized the historical significance of Thai massage, tracing its roots to ancient self-care traditions.
On December 12, 2019, UNESCO recognized "Nuad Thai" (Thai Massage) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its cultural importance and its role in maintaining health.
The DSD’s program aims not only to establish high professional standards for Thai massage therapists abroad but also to enhance Thailand's tourism and economic contribution.
The initial testing phase, scheduled for July 10-11, 2025, will evaluate 36 participants.
Successful candidates will receive an official skill standard certificate, which Dechar explained would affirm their professional capabilities.
"This certificate will guarantee the professional standard of Thai labour and build confidence among clients worldwide," Dechar stated.
"It serves as proof of their quality in the profession and positions them as excellent representatives of Thailand, capable of sharing Thai culture with the world."
According to Nipa Niranoot, Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai, a significant number of Thai nationals working in the UAE are employed in sectors like massage, spa, beauty, and hospitality, with a majority being women.
She described the testing program as a beneficial opportunity for Thai massage professionals, stating it would enhance their skills and provide vital career assurances in this field.
