Thai Penitentiary Offers Exceptional Massage Services
Experience Authentic Thai Massage at Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Center
In the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand, lies a unique establishment that offers more than just a massage experience - the Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Center. This correctional institution has a vocational training center that specialises in traditional Thai massage, providing incarcerated women with a chance to learn a valuable skill and reintegrate into society.
The Thai traditional massage training program at the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center is a remarkable initiative. It equips women with the skills to become certified traditional Thai massage therapists. This program operates a massage and spa service called "Naree Thai Massage & Spa," open to the public.
The training is extensive, with the standard curriculum for Thai massage in Thailand being an 800-hour course that spans over two years. The prisoners not only learn the practical aspects of massage but also delve into philosophy, anatomy, and other physiology courses.
Each treatment given by the trainees contributes to their professional experience, helping them earn their certification. The Women's Correctional Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends.
Visitors are encouraged to wear loose clothing that they can easily move around in for their massage. The center offers one-hour traditional Thai massages, two-hour Thai massages, and one-hour foot massages.
After serving their time, women may face difficulties finding jobs, which can contribute to high reoffending rates for women in Thailand. This training program aims to break this cycle by providing women with employable skills.
The Dignity Network, established by Thunyanun Yajom, is another initiative that supports this cause. It offers a Thai massage and spa training program called Naree Spa, which employs more than 500 ex-prisoners over the past decade. There are five Dignity Network centers around Chiang Mai, each with different hours that can be found on their respective websites.
Women in Thailand encounter greater difficulties and discrimination than men within the legal system due to factors like poverty, a lack of legal knowledge, and inadequate legal assistance. Initiatives like the one at the Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Center and the Dignity Network are making strides towards addressing these issues.
Thai massage, or Nuad Thai, is incredibly important to Thailand's traditions and history and has earned UNESCO recognition. By supporting these initiatives, visitors not only enjoy an authentic Thai massage experience but also contribute to the empowerment and rehabilitation of the women involved.
Reservations at the Dignity Network centers are made in person, and appointments at the Women's Correctional Center must be made in person on the same day. The Women's Correctional Center also houses a museum with information about the program on site. Additionally, the center has a restaurant, boutique, and beauty salons that hire prisoners and allow them to get hands-on work experience.
With the second highest incarceration rate in the world according to the Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research, initiatives like these are crucial in providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration for women in Thailand.
- Enhance your travel experience in Chiang Mai by visiting the Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Center, a unique establishment offering traditional Thai massage sessions that contribute to the rehabilitation and employment of incarcerated women.
- For those seeking adventure and cultural immersion, consider the educational and self-development opportunities offered by the Thai traditional massage training program at the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center.
- When planning your visit, remember to include home-and-garden attractions like the center's museum, restaurant, boutique, and beauty salons, which offer insights into Thai lifestyle and history.
- For food-and-drink enthusiasts, the center's restaurant provides an authentic Thai dining experience, while supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of the incarcerated women.
- To fully embrace the Thai way of life, incorporating philosophical insights and practices learned through these programs can be an enriching addition to your health, travel, and lifestyle routines.
