Suratthani: Counting down to the International Thai Massage and Health Festival 2026, the event is set to unite 10 Thai massage associations from 8 countries worldwide. Opening the stage for knowledge, career opportunities, and international networking, the countdown to the 'International Nuad Thai and Wellness Festival 2026' is under the theme 'Healing Hands, Global Heritage.' This international festival is a collaboration of 10 Thai massage associations from 8 countries worldwide, along with an international network of partners, to promote knowledge, develop personnel, and elevate Thai massage to international standards. It will be held from September 1-6, 2026, at Suratthani Rajabhat University, Suratthani Province.
According to Thai News Agency, this event provides a platform for professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and those interested in the wellness industry to learn from experts, exchange experiences, and network with industry professionals from various countries. It also offers new perspectives for advancing careers internationally. One of the key highlights is a seminar and career guidance session for those seeking to work abroad, featuring representatives from the International Thai Massage Association and relevant government agencies, who will provide information and advice on opportunities and pathways to employment overseas.
The event features two sessions: Global Business Insight, presenting an overview of the Thai massage and wellness market and opportunities abroad; and Working Abroad, delving into career paths for Thai massage therapists overseas, with perspectives and real-world experiences from leaders, organizations, and experienced professionals from various countries. For those seeking to enhance their skills, the event offers diverse knowledge in areas such as Sports Massage, Medical Massage, Yoga, Thai massage techniques for the future, elevating Thai massage to a luxury experience, and the future standards of the Thai massage profession, along with workshops and demonstrations from expert instructors. Simultaneously, the event provides opportunities for professionals from diverse backgrounds, including visually impaired individuals, to access learning through workshops.
Another important highlight is the International Thai Massage Competition for the Royal Trophy bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, for professionals seeking to challenge their potential and achieve the highest honor. This competition offers Thai massage therapists the opportunity to showcase their skills against competitors from around the world, covering Thai massage, oil massage, foot massage, and herbal compress massage. Furthermore, the event includes a grand ceremony honoring the teacher, Phra Pupu Chiwok Komarapat, on September 4th, 2026, to show respect to the masters who passed on the art of Thai massage. This rare event will precede demonstrations by expert instructors and the competition. In addition, the event features an exhibition showcasing health products and innovations, knowledge exchange, business matching, and networking opportunities to promote Thailand's wellness industry to the global market. On September 1st, the first day of the event, the opening ceremony w ill be presided over by Mr. Danuphorn Punnakant, Assistant Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. They will also witness the signing of an MOU between 10 organizations and a panel discussion on "The Future of Thai Massage: What Changes Do We Want to See in the Next 5 Years?" with representatives from agencies related to Thai traditional medicine, tourism, workforce development, exports, professional qualification institutes, and the business sector.