Thailand aims to set a new world record in massage

The "World Record for Thai Massage" project, is set to draw at least 840 pairs of contestants, hence beating the current world record of 232 pairs massaging en masse set by Australia two years ago, and will be held in Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani and Phuket.

Chiang Mai provincial public health officer Wattana Kanchanakamon said at the launch today that the project, a collaboration between the Public Health Ministry, the Department of Export Promotion, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and THAI, aimed to promote Thai massage to the world.

The bid, which would raise cultural awareness of Thai culture just like Muay Thai, Thai food, Thai architecture and the wai, the gesture that pays respect to others, would also promote health tourism in Thailand.

The project, launched at Chiang Mai's Royal Park Rajapruek with 199 pairs massaging en masse, will also be held in Ubon Ratchathani with an expected 214 pairs, then Surat Thani with 400 pairs and Phuket with 500 pairs, with the closing ceremony to be held in Bangkok, he said.