Thailand Cracks Down on Shady Massage Parlours

[Katatonica]

17 minutes ago, koolkarl said:

Several years ago, a friend of mine had a traditional massage and now he has a disc problem forever because of it.

I wouldn't try it if it was free.

I had crippling sciatica, that I'd had for years, almost fixed with one massage at a place in Bang Tao, Phuket. Prior to that an ex-England Rugby team physiotherapist had completely failed to help at all by massage nor acupuncture in a lot of expensive sessions. A few more Thai massage sessions and it's absolutely cured. Not a twinge in well over a decade. It certainly can work if done by someone who knows what they're doing.

[klauskunkel]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

A star-rating system is set to be introduced

I could see the sleazy parlors adopting a similar system..., just not with stars.

[Lacessit]

1 hour ago, koolkarl said:

Several years ago, a friend of mine had a traditional massage and now he has a disc problem forever because of it.

I wouldn't try it if it was free.

Massage seems to suit some people and not others. A massage that is too strong is unpleasant for me.

 

Having seen what a chiropractor did to my father by way of nearly crippling him, i would not let that profession anywhere near me.

[Mike_Hunt]

Why, there is were the quality tourists hang out. 

[3NUMBAS]

To many to crack down on ,it can’t bedone

[rumeaug]

Most massage parlors are actually "real/legit" ones. 7 down my street, some Wat Po trained. Forget about happy endings if thats what some want). Now, in certain areas, you'll get just that. Norhing wrong with it in my opinion, except for those who are actually looking for  a real massage and will pay a hefty price for a sub-par mediocre massage at best. 

[Tiger1980]

Tried many massage shops in Hua Hin for a proper Thai massage as trained by Wat Po. Unfortunately no success as they all wanted  to provide the extras. In fact  I was actually thrown out of one shop for refusing to have a happy ending, understandable I suppose as that’s how they make the most money.

 

[Autocan]

If they lift the 2-5pm alcohol ban then there will be a demand for shady massage parlors 6ish. It's all interconnected so I hope the authorities think this through.

[1FinickyOne]

9 hours ago, CharlieH said:

I've never seen the term "nuad Thai,"

It's a Thai word and therefore written in Thai language on almost every shop I have ever seen - though I have no idea about places like Pattaya.. 

[blaze master]

8 hours ago, Ben Zioner said:

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

 

Ya like you didn't come for the temples eh 🤣

[ronnie50]

9 hours 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. 

I've been getting Thai massages for more than 20 years. I've also never heard/seen the term 'nuad'. Agree about laziness and elbows. Wat Po trained used to be the gold standard, as far as I recall. They get a certificate and I believe there already exists a scale of hours trained at Wat Po for the certificate. I usually ask for one hour Thai massage if it's a place or practitoner I haven't been to before. If the first thing she does is bend my feet one at a time and then together, then proceeds to use the palm/heel of her hand to apply pressure to the first calf muscle, then I ask for 1.5 or 2 hours. If she doesn't do any of that and starts digging her thumbs into me - I ask her to use her palms and then I can't wait for the hour to end!

[Smokin Joe]

26 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

I've been getting Thai massages for more than 20 years. I've also never heard/seen the term 'nuad'.

 

In 20 years you never saw or heard the Thai word for"Massage"? That's pretty hard to believe.

[NedR69]

10 hours 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.

^^^^^^^. THIS. ^^^^^ 100%. 

A most accurate description.

[AustinRacing]

Happy ending is an integral part of the profession/tradition.  Where there is demand the supply will be there. 

[Smokin Joe]

11 hours ago, CharlieH said:

In 20 years, I've never seen the term "nuad Thai," used anywhere!

 

 

It is literally on the wall or window of every massage parlor. But they don't use the gibberish transliteration for the word "massage" into English.

 

The signs say "นวด ไทย" (Nuat Thai) and in English it says "Thai Massage"

[safarimike11]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

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

 

 

They really don't have a clue do they?

[safarimike11]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

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

 

 

Mebe they are referring to "Whitewater rafting"?

[DonniePeverley]

11 hours ago, connda said:

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. 

 

 

It's the eco system. They start of as Coyote girls who don't go with customers but just dance. They then get older and go with customers. Then they become bar girls. Then as the years advance some end up on the streets, but most will go into massage - which offers a happy medium between a brothel/safety/and a semi profession. 

 

Not that i would know. 

[NanLaew]

13 hours ago, redwood1 said:

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

WRT "special" massages, it's not so much about giving a "rats azz" as giving a decent hand job.

[NanLaew]

2 hours ago, Smokin Joe said:

 

In 20 years you never saw or heard the Thai word for"Massage"? That's pretty hard to believe.

 

You should see the other stuff he's missed.

[NanLaew]

7 hours ago, Katatonica said:

I had crippling sciatica, that I'd had for years, almost fixed with one massage at a place in Bang Tao, Phuket. Prior to that an ex-England Rugby team physiotherapist had completely failed to help at all by massage nor acupuncture in a lot of expensive sessions. A few more Thai massage sessions and it's absolutely cured. Not a twinge in well over a decade. It certainly can work if done by someone who knows what they're doing.

 

Did you tell your Bang Tao masseuse about your "crippling sciatica" before this one-off miracle massage or not?

[NanLaew]

7 hours ago, klauskunkel said:

I could see the sleazy parlors adopting a similar system..., just not with stars.

Believe me, some of those happy ending specialists are truly stars.

[Lingba]

Thailand cracks down on shady massage parlors that dont pay tea money

[Tatman95]

15 hours ago, proton said:

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.

its not the same though is it

a nice thai ladys silky hand gripping the joy stick

[harada]

It looks more like a crack up to me. 

[koolkarl]

16 hours ago, Katatonica said:

I had crippling sciatica, that I'd had for years, almost fixed with one massage at a place in Bang Tao, Phuket. Prior to that an ex-England Rugby team physiotherapist had completely failed to help at all by massage nor acupuncture in a lot of expensive sessions. A few more Thai massage sessions and it's absolutely cured. Not a twinge in well over a decade. It certainly can work if done by someone who knows what they're doing.

Glad you are cured however I still am not interested in pot luck.

[watchcat]

On 3/24/2025 at 2:57 AM, JoseThailand said:

End of dirty massage shops..

 

Afout time.