Thailand's Traditional Massage Training Program Aims to Enhance Health Tourism
The Ministry of Public Health initiates regulatory reforms to expand the traditional Thai massage sector and boost economic growth.
The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand is amending regulations to elevate traditional Thai massage, known as nuad Thai, as a major contributor to health tourism and overall economic development.
Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, announced these initiatives, highlighting the recognition of traditional Thai massage as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, which underscores its cultural significance and potential economic impact.
To bolster the reach and quality of Thai massage, the ministry has established the Nuad Thai College of Thailand, which commenced operations last month.
This institution has initiated a training program aimed at upskilling 1,000 massage practitioners, with an ambitious goal to eventually train 20,000 participants by the end of the current year.
The training program focuses on equipping practitioners with specialized skills related to seven muscle-related conditions: frozen shoulder, trigger finger, piriformis syndrome, herniated disc, hemiparesis, paralysis, and knee pain.
Currently, only government-employed therapists and staff in private hospitals are authorized to charge for treatments addressing these specific conditions, which limits the economic opportunities for independent massage therapists.
Plans to amend regulations will allow graduates of the new training program to charge for their services, further enhancing their professional prospects and the overall quality of care provided.
Minister Somsak emphasized that the initiative aims to upgrade the skills of Thai massage practitioners and bolster the nation's wellness tourism sector.
Economically, traditional Thai massage generates approximately 190 billion baht annually.
With the expansion of the training programs, the government anticipates that this economic contribution will increase.
By equipping 20,000 specialists with advanced techniques, the ministry seeks to enhance the economic viability of the massage sector and improve the livelihoods of its practitioners.
Somsak noted that certified practitioners, who will complete a minimum of 150 hours of training, are expected to elevate Thailand's reputation in the global wellness market.
He described Thai massage not only as a cultural asset but also as a unique form of soft power that can promote Thailand on the world stage.
Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, announced these initiatives, highlighting the recognition of traditional Thai massage as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, which underscores its cultural significance and potential economic impact.
To bolster the reach and quality of Thai massage, the ministry has established the Nuad Thai College of Thailand, which commenced operations last month.
This institution has initiated a training program aimed at upskilling 1,000 massage practitioners, with an ambitious goal to eventually train 20,000 participants by the end of the current year.
The training program focuses on equipping practitioners with specialized skills related to seven muscle-related conditions: frozen shoulder, trigger finger, piriformis syndrome, herniated disc, hemiparesis, paralysis, and knee pain.
Currently, only government-employed therapists and staff in private hospitals are authorized to charge for treatments addressing these specific conditions, which limits the economic opportunities for independent massage therapists.
Plans to amend regulations will allow graduates of the new training program to charge for their services, further enhancing their professional prospects and the overall quality of care provided.
Minister Somsak emphasized that the initiative aims to upgrade the skills of Thai massage practitioners and bolster the nation's wellness tourism sector.
Economically, traditional Thai massage generates approximately 190 billion baht annually.
With the expansion of the training programs, the government anticipates that this economic contribution will increase.
By equipping 20,000 specialists with advanced techniques, the ministry seeks to enhance the economic viability of the massage sector and improve the livelihoods of its practitioners.
Somsak noted that certified practitioners, who will complete a minimum of 150 hours of training, are expected to elevate Thailand's reputation in the global wellness market.
He described Thai massage not only as a cultural asset but also as a unique form of soft power that can promote Thailand on the world stage.
