Thailand Cracks Down on Shady Massage Parlours

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

The Thai government is ramping up efforts to restore the esteemed reputation of nuad Thai massages, as concerns grow over shady establishments tarnishing its reputation.

 

Facing a significant shortage of 50,000 skilled practitioners, the Ministry of Public Health is taking decisive action to uphold the integrity of this cultural practice, which is often improperly linked to brothels due to inconsistent standards and the presence of disreputable businesses.

 

Kosit Suvinijjit, Adviser to the Minister of Public Health, emphasised the importance of distinguishing genuine practitioners. Only certified therapists should be permitted to use the term "nuad Thai," he asserted, referring to its recognition by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2019.

 

"Thai massage is a noble profession and should be respected," Kosit stated firmly, highlighting the significance of protecting this tradition.

 

In a bid to rectify these issues, the ministry has unveiled a new initiative—the Skilled Local Massage Practitioner programme. This involves a pilot scheme for 100 trainees to ensure that the historical techniques, passed down through generations and temples, are preserved.

 

 

 

Additionally, a tiered certification system, ranging from a 60-hour beginner course to an 800-hour advanced level, will be launched, offering practitioners the chance to enhance their skills and improve their earning potential.

 

The move, reported by the Bangkok Post, also includes adjustments in pricing strategies to reflect the therapist’s level of training, ensuring that more qualified practitioners command higher wages.

 

A star-rating system is set to be introduced, aiding customers in identifying legitimate therapists while recognising properly trained professionals in the industry.

 

Moreover, the ministry has ambitious plans to train 20,000 new specialists in specific areas such as muscle pain relief, frozen shoulder therapy, and stroke recovery.

 

This initiative is anticipated to enhance job opportunities while eliminating the unsavoury associations that have plagued Thai massage.

 

By implementing stricter regulations and targeting unscrupulous operators, the government aims to restore the dignity and pride associated with Thai massage—one authentic practice at a time.

 

In contrast, not all encounters with Thai massage—or the police—are controversial. At the Nongtrud Police Station in Trang's Mueang district, visitors are greeted with an unexpectedly warm reception. Police Lieutenant Pakronkrit Thongsuk, a professionally trained Thai massage therapist, provides relaxing massages to guests, helping to reduce stress, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-24

 

 

[JoseThailand]

End of dirty massage shops..

[redwood1]

There are plenty of Non Happy Ending massage shops around....Who gives a rats azz if someone wants a special massage..

[CharlieH]

In 20 years, I've never seen the term "nuad Thai," used anywhere! So I dont see any danger of that being misrepresented. Every shop I have ever seen or used just states "Thai massage" where from my experience, you're twisted like a pretzel with absolutely no thought or consideration given to contraindications, general health questions, etc. Probably shown what to do by the girl in the next cubicle when it's quiet. Zero actual knowledge of anatomy and physiology in most places.

There may well be "legitimate" and correctly trained ones out there, but I suggest they are few and far between compared to the "happy ending" variety.

[DonniePeverley]

It's not even the dirty massage shops. You basically have anyone with hands just turn up take a days training and are let out on customers. They have no ideas on pressure, experience, look for signs of relaxation etc They just basically apply oil and rub up and down (literally). 

 

I've gone out of the tourist zones, some old skool massage shops and dayam they are wonderful, a proper throwback. The joints may not be in the best condiiton but these are masseuses who put some pressure on, respond by experience to know where you are feeling pain and relaxation. 

 

The problem i feel in tourist zones comes from fatigue. Ladies can suffer from exhaustion like anyone else. You see short cuts (like using objects, or elbows). 

[Aussie999]

24 minutes ago, JoseThailand said:

End of dirty massage shops..

didn't actually say that

[BritManToo]

6 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

In 20 years, I've never seen the term "nuad Thai," used anywhere! So I dont see any danger of that being misrepresented. Every shop I have ever seen or used just states "Thai massage" where from my experience, your twisted like a pretzel with abosolutely no thought or consideration given to contra-indications, general health questions etc. Probably shown what to do by the girl in the next cubicle when its quiet. Zero actual knowledge of anatomy and physiology in most paces.

There may well be "legitimate" and correctly trained ones out there, but suggest they are few and far between compared to the "happy ending" variety.

Soapy massage places often have 'op ap nuat' in Thailand script outside.

[JoseThailand]

I like the term "body massage" like they use in soi Honey

[CharlieH]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

Soapy massage places often have 'op ap nuat' in Thailand script outside.

Something Ive never been too, as soon as I see "soapy" you kinda know whats coming, literally...lol

[Aussie999]

7 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

It's not even the dirty massage shops. You basically have anyone with hands just turn up take a days training and are let out on customers. They have no ideas on pressure, experience, look for signs of relaxation etc They just basically apply oil and rub up and down (literally). 

 

I've gone out of the tourist zones, some old skool massage shops and dayam they are wonderful, a proper throwback. The joints may not be in the best condiiton but these are masseuses who put some pressure on, respond by experience to know where you are feeling pain and relaxation. 

 

The problem i feel in tourist zones comes from fatigue. Ladies can suffer from exhaustion like anyone else. You see short cuts (like using objects, or elbows). 

elbows, and "objects" are part of traditional Thai massage.... and I do NOT mean sexual.

[DonniePeverley]

3 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

elbows, and "objects" are part of traditional Thai massage.... and I do NOT mean sexual.

 

 

I didn't mean sexual. I was referring to the poor quality of massages in some areas - particular tourist zones. I've been getting massages long enough to know that when they begin digging in elbows, as opposed to hands, they are tired and it's a short cut. The objects are also sometimes used to be lazy. 

[Cameroni]

So it is an esteemed cultural treasure but only NOW are they introducing a national certification system. Before that it was the massage schools who issued certificates based solely on their own standards with no supervision whatsoever.

 

Goes to show how superb verbal cultural teaching works in SE Asia.

[proton]

Would not have one for free, the last one in 2008 almost crippled me. Too many are not trained properly and as for happy endings I can do that myself for no charge.

[KhunBENQ]

Nuad is only found in Thai script and simply meaning massage.

Signs for foreigners show massage.

It's not rocket science to distinguish between traditional/legit shops and the little brothels covered as massage.

[Aussie999]

11 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

I didn't mean sexual. I was referring to the poor quality of massages in some areas - particular tourist zones. I've been getting massages long enough to know that when they begin digging in elbows, as opposed to hands, they are tired and it's a short cut. The objects are also sometimes used to be lazy. 

My Thai wife's mother is a registered remedial masseuse, in Thailand, and uses elbows, depending on the location giving trouble.... objects are usually used on the soles of the feet.

 

By the way, where did I suggest you meant "sexual?"

[ozz1]

Omg that's half the country gone what will we do

[Ben Zioner]

22 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

Something Ive never been too, as soon as I see "soapy" you kinda know whats coming, literally...lol

Well, I don't believe you. Don't mislead the members...

[ChipButty]

I doubt anything will happen, they are every 500 meters down the road where I live, 

[bubblegum]

28 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

In 20 years, I've never seen the term "nuad Thai," used anywhere! So I dont see any danger of that being misrepresented. Every shop I have ever seen or used just states "Thai massage" where from my experience, you're twisted like a pretzel with absolutely no thought or consideration given to contraindications, general health questions, etc. Probably shown what to do by the girl in the next cubicle when it's quiet. Zero actual knowledge of anatomy and physiology in most places.

There may well be "legitimate" and correctly trained ones out there, but I suggest they are few and far between compared to the "happy ending" variety.

Guess it depends on where you live.

[Robert_Smith]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

"Thai massage is a noble profession and should be respected,"

....so should the happy ending. I always show respect with a generous tip.

 

bob.

[actonion]

Any Massage should be given by a fully medicaly l trained physiotherapist,   the others do more damage 

[connda]

It will never, ever be able to do that.  The BIB are now The Happy Ending Police? 

 

Prostitution is primarily a bar-scene phenomenon aimed at tourists.  That discounts the Thai prostitution scene complete which is the 90% of the iceberg under the water.  That prostitution takes the form of Karaoke clubs as well as Shower Massages where you pick a gal out of the "Fishbowl" or "Sideline" and enjoy a 90 minute boom-boom.  Those are aimed directly at Thai guys.  They will never close them down - too much money involved. 

[connda]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Soapy massage places often have 'op ap nuat' in Thailand script outside.

For those who wish to look for it, the script for Ap Op Nuat is:  อาบ อบ นวด  👈 Literally - "Shower Bake Massage"
These are legally run businesses.  This is where Chuwit Kamolvisi made his money.  These establishments are a Thai institution.  They aren't going anywhere.  And they are not aimed at non-Thais.  Most non-Thais probably don't ever know they exist - well, unless you're a Western expat who lives in the Thai community and can read and write Thai.  The BIB may bust a few for show, then it's back to business as usual. 

[JoseThailand]

48 minutes ago, Robert_Smith said:

....so should the happy ending. I always show respect with a generous tip.

 

bob.

 

there is nothing better than a happy ending from a gorgeous ladyboy

[Robert_Smith]

2 minutes ago, JoseThailand said:

 

there is nothing better than a happy ending from a gorgeous ladyboy

and a woman too!

 

bob.

[connda]

Just now, connda said:

For those who wish to look for it, the script for Ap Op Nuat is:  อาบ อบ นวด  👈 Literally - "Shower Bake Massage"
These are legally run businesses.  This is where Chuwit Kamolvisi made his money.  These establishments are a Thai institution.  They aren't going anywhere.  And they are not aimed at non-Thais.  Most non-Thais probably don't ever know they exist - well, unless you're a Western expat who lives in the Thai community and can read and write Thai.  The BIB may bust a few for show, then it's back to business as usual. 

 

1 hour ago, JoseThailand said:

End of dirty massage shops..

Here's what is really going down.  The Thai government is going to use a carrot, not a stick.  They are offering certifications.  Well, some stick - my guess in the near future, in order to use the term "Nuat Thai" on your establishment, the owner will need to be certified by the government to a certain level and their staff will also need to be certified to minimum standards.  What you may see if they implement this is the police notifying massage establishments that they have a year to comply with certification or else they must take the term "Nuat Thai" off of their signage.  Which actually may not be a bad thing.  If you certify the owner will be able to print the term "Nuat Thai" or "นวดไทย" or "Certified Traditional Thai Massage" on their signs. With the certification, these massage shops can then charge a higher price for services minus Happy Endings.  It's gonna be all about the wording on signs.  Nothing much else really. Well, imho. 

[connda]

7 minutes ago, JoseThailand said:

 

there is nothing better than a happy ending from a gorgeous ladyboy

bob smith - is this your alter ego?

[oxo1947]

8 minutes ago, JoseThailand said:

there is nothing better than a happy ending from a gorgeous ladyboy

 

 

We will just have to take your word for that  joseThailand.....................

[connda]

41 minutes ago, actonion said:

Any Massage should be given by a fully medicaly l trained physiotherapist,   the others do more damage 

Tosh.

[Liverpool Lou]

2 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

End of dirty massage shops..

Not a chance.