PUBLISHED: 7 Apr 2025 at 06: 12
The Ministry of Public Health is amending laws to encourage traditional Thai massage as a key driver of health commerce and financial growth.
Unveiling the plans on Sunday, Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, said traditional Thai massage ( or nuad Thai ), recognised as an intangible cultural heritage item by Unesco, can create significant economic value. The government aims to prioritise high-quality requirements for Thai massage to broaden its reach internationally.
He said the Nuad Thai College of Thailand, which opened next month and is run by the government, has launched a training program for 1, 000 masseurs, with plans to expand to 20, 000 members by the end of the year.
The program is designed to provide professionals with professional skills in the treatment of seven muscle-related conditions, enhancing their experience and money possible. The seven conditions covered in the program include frozen shoulder, set hand, piriformis illness, herniated disk, hemiparesis, paralysis and leg pain.
At present, just government-employed professionals and workers at private institutions are legally allowed to demand for treatment procedures aimed at curing these muscle-related conditions, massage therapists are never permitted to do so.
However, the government plans to update regulations to help those who finish the new coaching programme to demand for their services to. The secretary says the change may help enhance the skills of Thai masseurs and market the country’s holistic hospitality sector.
He said Thai treatment contributes 190 billion ringgit annually to the business, and with the development of the coaching programme, that may develop.
By teaching 20, 000 experts in advanced methods, the government aims to increase the financial effects of Thai rub while improving the livelihoods of practitioners.
Mr Somsak said certified practitioners– those who complete at least 150 hours of training –will help boost Thailand’s reputation in the global wellness market.
” Thai massage is more than just a cultural treasure– it’s a form of soft power”, said the minister.