Thai massage training programme opens in Hua Hin
A Thai massage training programme has opened in Hua Hin as part of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s push to develop wellness-related services, including alternative medicine, spa treatments and Thai massage.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sitthichai Sawatsan presided over the opening of the Ingmanee Manual Therapy training programme on 1 June at the Naresdamri meeting room at Hua Hin City Municipality.
The project, which is being held during the 2026 fiscal year, was initiated under the province’s Wellness Economy policy. Officials said it forms part of the “Prachuap Next Move” strategy, which aims to strengthen selected economic sectors, including alternative medicine, spa services and Thai massage.
The training programme has received 207,872 baht in funding from the province’s 2026 integrated administration budget.
Ingmanee Manual Therapy is described as a form of Thai folk medicine that focuses on balancing the body’s structure through hands-on treatment. Officials said the practice supports the wider wellness health approach, which has become increasingly relevant as more people seek treatments linked to health and wellbeing.
The first phase of the course has 20 participants from the public and private sectors. Five instructors and assistant instructors are taking part in the training, which runs from 1–15 June at the Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor’s Residence in Hua Hin district.
Participants will complete 10 hours of training per day over 15 consecutive days, for a total of 150 hours.
The course is led by Ajarn Prasopsuk Ingkawara, a specialist teacher and Thai massage instructor who provides advanced training to Thai traditional medicine practitioners and assistants.
She has worked with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine since it was established under the Ministry of Public Health in 2002.
After completing the programme, participants from private wellness businesses are expected to return to their workplaces and offer Ingmanee therapy services.
Thai traditional medicine practitioners from the public sector are expected to pass on the knowledge to other personnel at public healthcare facilities.
Officials said the project is intended to help private-sector providers and wellness businesses increase their income, while allowing public healthcare facilities to offer a wider range of Thai traditional and folk medicine services.
They added that the programme would also give patients, tourists and other service users more options for treatments aimed at supporting balanced health, including physical and mental wellbeing.
