BANGKOK – Medical professionals in Thailand are raising alarms about the potential dangers of neck massage techniques following the deaths of a 20-year-old singer and a 52-year-old Singaporean tourist after visiting local massage parlors.
The Tragic Death of Chayada Prao-hom
Chayada Prao-hom, a promising young singer in Thailand’s Luk Thung and Mor Lam music scenes, sought neck massage therapy in October to relieve shoulder pain. Following her initial session, she reported numbness and difficulty standing, which worsened after two more treatments.
Her condition deteriorated over the next few months, and she was hospitalized with complications including transverse myelitis—a rare neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. Despite efforts to save her, she passed away on December 8 due to septicemia, leaving her fans and the nation in mourning.
A Tourist’s Fatal Encounter
In a separate case, Lee Mun Tuck, a 52-year-old tourist from Singapore, visited a massage parlor in Phuket’s Patong district. During a 45-minute oil massage session, he reportedly became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Investigations revealed that the establishment was operating without proper licensing, prompting scrutiny of unregulated massage businesses.
Medical Warnings on Neck Manipulations
Doctors in Thailand have emphasized that neck-twisting massage techniques, commonly offered in traditional Thai massage parlors, can carry significant health risks. These techniques may cause damage to blood vessels leading to the brain or spinal cord, potentially resulting in strokes, paralysis, or other life-threatening complications.
Medical professionals are urging individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or spinal problems, to avoid such treatments. They also advise the public to seek massage services only from certified and reputable establishments.
Government Crackdown on Unlicensed Parlors
The tragic incidents have prompted Thai authorities to launch investigations into unlicensed massage parlors. Efforts are underway to tighten regulations and enforce strict training and certification standards for massage therapists to ensure public safety.
While Thai massages are celebrated worldwide for their therapeutic benefits, these recent tragedies underscore the importance of caution when undergoing treatments involving the neck and spine. Health experts are urging greater awareness of the risks associated with unregulated massage practices and the need for stricter oversight to prevent future incidents.
