Legal measures for regulating health massage According to Home Health Care Business Act, B.E. 2559 (2016)

Abstract

This research aims: to study the history and concepts of spas and massage for health; to examine the laws related to health massage business, and to provide recommendations for addressing issues related to health massage business to meet future standards.

            The research findings indicate that ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Hebrews, Persians, Indians, and Chinese utilized water for healing purposes, which later evolved into spas and health massage practices. In Thailand, spas emerged around the year 2538 BE (1995 AD), leading to the enactment of the Health Establishment Act in 2016 (BE 2559). However, challenges persist post-enforcement, including issues with the licensing and registration process, license duration, and penalty comparisons.

            The researchers suggest several recommendations based on the study. Firstly, implementing measures to scrutinize license applicants to prevent corruption during the licensing process, including the establishment of a review committee comprising qualified individuals, ideally between 7 to 9 members. Secondly, reducing the license duration to 3 years to ensure regular reassessment. Thirdly, setting standards for license renewal equivalent to or more stringent than the initial licensing process. Lastly, increasing the duration of imprisonment and imposing higher fines as penalties for violations.