Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Permanent Secretary of Labour, held discussions with the Association Française Nuad Thai & Spa and conducted visits to Thai spa and massage establishments and Thai workers in Paris during his participation in the OECD meetings from April 7–10, 2026. The visit aimed to enhance the quality of Thai workers and expand opportunities in overseas markets.
The discussions clearly indicated that Thai massage remains in high demand in France, while practitioners must possess professional skills and complete training in accordance with recognized standards. As a result, efforts are being accelerated to upskill Thai workers to meet market demand and strengthen confidence among overseas employers.
The Permanent Secretary of Labour emphasised the importance of raising standards for both workers and establishments, with plans to promote the concept of “certified quality Thai massage shops” overseas, similar to the Thai Select certification mark, to enhance credibility and add value to Thai services on the global stage.
At the same time, he instructed relevant agencies to intensify efforts to prevent labour exploitation and improve communication of accurate information so that Thai workers can access lawful employment opportunities, reduce risks, and receive appropriate protection.
This field visit reflects the Ministry of Labour’s proactive role in “creating income, enhancing skills, and protecting Thai workers overseas”, as well as advancing Thai massage as a concrete form of soft power within the global economy.
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Division of Public Relations
