Massage training expands to muscle care

The Ministry of Public Health is amending regulations to promote traditional Thai massage as a key driver of health tourism and economic growth.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

Unveiling the plans yesterday, 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 ministry aims to prioritise high-quality standards for Thai massage to expand its reach globally.

He said the Nuad Thai College of Thailand, which opened last month and is run by the ministry, has launched a training programme for 1,000 masseurs, with plans to expand to 20,000 participants by the end of the year.