Issue 42

For many the health and wellness industry is all about relaxation, but for those involved in the sector it requires constant professional development.

Thailand’s health and wellness sector has an international reputation for quality. In order to maintain this, industry professionals must seek to continuously improve themselves. This is something recognised by the head of the Thai Spa Association.

“The long-term success of this business increasingly depends on qualified individuals who can deliver treatments with substance,” says Krod Rojanastien, the president of Thai Spa Association and sales and marketing manager of Chiva-Som International Academy.

Established in 2003 following the success of Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Hua Hin, the academy was founded to create a standard training facility dedicated to the industry. It has been accredited by the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC), which is the education arm of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC).

“All of our courses at the academy have been developed from experience gained in Chiva-Som's 19 years in the spa and health business, with the aim to drive Thai spa therapists to an international level,” Rojanastien adds.

Chiva-Som Academy is one of many institutions that not only provide Thai massage courses, but also training in the wider fundamental principles of wellness, such as spa treatments that require extensive anatomical knowledge.
“Primarily, students should understand … anatomy and physiology, such as the body, organs and skeletal systems, for instance,” says Rojanastien. “Today, education is vital. Standards are also important. For spa and wellness, we have been focusing on education, standards and innovation.”

The academy delivers highly effective training programmes focused on spa, holistic and aesthetic therapies to develop the skills of practitioners.

“Our courses cover foundation, massage therapy, beauty therapy, health and wellness therapy, physiotherapy, and development and management for people who would like to have their own business,” says Rojanastien.

“[We provide] quality education both in theory and practice on all courses offered to produce highly trained therapists not only capable with knowledge and skills but also the attentiveness and enthusiasm to provide services to the clients sincerely and effectively,” says Rojanastien.

The work of the academy is helping to ensure Thailand’s position as a market leader in the health and wellness sector for years to come.

For more information, visit www.chivasomacademy.com

Words by Natthinee Ratanaprasidhi