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 Offshore, word of the Thai spa sensation has spread rapidly. There is
growing international interest in Thai spa expertise and 'Made in
Thailand' spa, health and beauty products, particularly herbal
treatments. Spa operators looking to add a Thai touch to their spa menu
have been in contact with TAT offices seeking help and advice in
sourcing information and local contacts for Thai spa resources
available – products and therapists included.
As the visibility of Thai spas spreads internationally, greater awareness of the distinctive qualities of Thai spas is driving up worldwide demand for Thai spa products and services. In response to market demand, the Thai government has embarked on a major venture to take the Thai spa concept abroad. Thai spa products and services will be promoted overseas under the 'Thai Spa Goes International' banner.
The growing demand for Thai spa products and services is being mirrored by an increase in demand for professionally-trained and highly experienced spa therapists and masseuses, both at home and abroad. To develop sufficient staff resources to meet the sector’s personnel needs, a much-expanded recruitment effort, intensive training and certification is imperative.
As the Thai spa concept takes root worldwide, an increase in demand for Thai herbal products is expected. With "Thai-ness" and Thai herbs being the core ingredients of the Thai-style spa, this is an area that supports cross-sector linkages. Herbal products and herbal teas, food supplements, cosmetics and beauty products are slated to be the key product categories with high potential on the world market. According to the Department of Export Promotion targets for 2005, Thailand’s exports of health and beauty products is slated to generate US$8.72 million representing an increase of 28% over 2004.
Following in the footsteps of Thai cuisine and Thai food exports, spa expertise and therapists are next on Thailand's list of "hot exports".
Thailand hosted the SpaAsia Wellness Summit in the royal seaside resort of Hua Hin in September 2005 and will be hosting ISPA 2006 Thailand, the International Spa Association’s Asia-Pacific Conference and Exhibition, from May 3-5, 2006. ISPA 2006 Thailand, with ‘The Best of the East’ as its theme, is seen as the perfect opportunity to reinforce the country’s positioning as the Spa Capital of Asia and launch Thailand as a leading world class spa destination and supplier.
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 Thai Spa Goes International
 Beginning of Thailand's Spa
Aqua Culture
Massage
Thai Spa Cuisine
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