Thailand's House committee on religion, arts and culture has urged state agencies to stop online material that sexualises Thai massage, following an explicit parody during a Buddhist Lent candle procession in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The committee said the clip could mislead foreign viewers into associating traditional Thai massage with prostitution, damaging the reputation of a practice listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Thiwalrat Angkinan, Bhumjaithai MP for Phetchaburi and chair of the committee, outlined the panel's concerns at Parliament on 28 August 2026.

The footage came from the Buddhist Lent candle parade at Wat Bing in Chok Chai district, Nakhon Ratchasima. It was posted widely online under the title "Traditional Thai Massage Vat Bing" and portrayed Thai massage in an obscene, sexually suggestive manner, the committee said.

Committee seeks online controls and tougher penalties

The committee invited the Department of Cultural Promotion, Department of Health Service Support, Nakhon Ratchasima provincial culture and public health offices, the provincial Buddhist office, Nakhon Ratchasima City Municipality, Chok Chai Subdistrict Municipality and the Thai Massage Association to discuss ways of preventing a repeat.

Chok Chai municipality representatives said the procession had been organised by a local community group seeking to create humour, but that it reflected a lack of awareness. The organisers and municipality have since issued formal apologies and set rules for future parades banning obscene material or content contrary to public morality.

The committee proposed that the Department of Cultural Promotion use powers under the 2016 Act on the Promotion and Preservation of Cultural Wisdom Heritage, alongside the Computer Crime Act, to quickly block online text, images or videos that demean or harm national cultural heritage.

It also called for amendments to the 2016 law. While it can order harmful activity to stop, the committee said it lacks clear criminal penalties for people who violate or degrade registered cultural wisdom heritage.

Massage venues face closer scrutiny

The panel further proposed coordination with the Interior Ministry to amend subordinate regulations under the 1966 Service Establishments Act. The aim is to prevent the term "Thai massage" being used as a cover at bathhouse-massage establishments, which it said conflicts with the discipline's healthcare and treatment purpose.

The Department of Health Service Support said it would intensify checks on health-massage businesses operating under the 2016 Health Establishments Act, covering standards and ethics, to prevent concealed sex services.

It is also revising the law to set clearer ethical and professional conduct requirements for massage providers. Breaches of public morality could lead to legal action, including licence revocation.

The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Buddhist Office said Wat Bing had only served as the community meeting point for the candle procession. Monks and the abbot had no role in designing or approving the obscene performance.

"Thai massage is not a sexual joke or a tool for obscene entertainment," Thiwalrat said, describing it as a healing and health-care discipline and a cultural honour of global value.

Join the discussion?

30 August 2026

View full article

Thailand: “Thai massage is a proud UNESCO cultural heritage.”

Foreigners: “Yes, we’re aware.” 😂

So, next step? Arresting all the Thai girls in massage shops in Sukhumvit? 😂

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

"Thai massage is not a sexual joke or a tool for obscene entertainment," Thiwalrat said, describing it as a healing and health-care discipline and a cultural honour of global value.

This is of course very true. But every time I've had a Thai massage I've ended up in some pain, and very 'happy' that it's ended...