‘Stay down’
Image adapted from: Core Stone Massage
Earlier this week, Public Health said it will consult with the COVID-19 Centre to consider reopening massage parlours around Thailand under 1 condition: they can only provide services to the areas below the waist.
All dirty jokes aside, Thares Karassanairawiwong, director of Health Service Support Department, said that massaging the upper body may pose a higher risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.
The final decision about the reopening will be made by the COVID-19 centre.
Masseurs petitioned to reopen
The Public Health’s below-the-belt proposal was a response to an outcry by massage parlour operators and masseurs demanding the reopening of their businesses.
On Monday, the group rallied to Government Complaint Center to sign a petition to the Prime Minister, saying it’s not fair to keep their businesses shut amid the easing, reported Khaosod English.
Image credit: Readthecloud
Pitak Yotha, the leader of a masseur federation, said many parlours already closed down their businesses for good as they couldn’t deal with the financial loss.
“I’d like the government to think of the Thai massage enterprise, which is the unique identity of Thailand, and it has brought so much reputation to the country.”
We wish the government will soon find a way to reopen massage parlours, so masseurs can go back to live their normal lives again.
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