Bangkok: The government is advancing plans to open the Thai Massage College, aiming to enhance the skills of Thai massage therapists and improve the industry’s quality. This initiative is expected to stimulate the economy by over 144 billion baht.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, deputy government spokesman, announced that the Ministry of Public Health has launched the ‘Thai Massage College of Thailand.’ This move is part of a policy to elevate the profession and standards of Thai massage, gaining international recognition and contributing to the health economy’s growth as a Medical and Wellness Hub. The college will function as a division-level agency, focusing on producing and developing personnel skilled in treating seven specific symptom groups, including muscle pain, frozen shoulder, and knee pain.

Mr. Anukul highlighted that the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine currently leads efforts to enhance the quality, standards, and services of Thai massage. The newly established college will organize training programs, certify standards, and serve as an international knowledge exchange center for Thai massage. The college plans to develop those who have completed the 150-hour Thai massage course, offer specialized training for 20,000 Thai traditional medicine assistants, and prepare 1,000 new Thai massage instructors. Training will be conducted across 18 Thai traditional medicine centers and 38 universities nationwide, with applications available on the college’s Facebook page.

Passing the assessment will provide therapists with specialized skills and the potential for higher compensation. This initiative is expected to build trust in Thai massage as a healthcare option, gaining acceptance both domestically and internationally, while significantly adding value to the nation’s health economy.