The Religious Commission expressed concern over a parade clip mocking "Thai massage" in a lewd manner, which could lead to misunderstandings among foreigners and harm the image of this intangible cultural heritage. They called on government agencies to block its dissemination and amend laws to increase penalties for violations.
On 28 August 2026 at the Parliament, Ms. Thiwalrat Angkinan, Member of Parliament for Phetchaburi and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Commission on Religion, Arts and Culture, revealed that the commission reviewed a video clip of the candle procession at Bing Temple, Chok Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The clip depicted Thai massage in a lewd and pornographic parody style, implying links to prostitution under the title "Traditional Thai Massage Vat Bing," which was widely shared online.
The incident caused significant discomfort among the public and Thai massage professionals because "Thai massage" is registered by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Such presentations may mislead foreigners into thinking that Thai massage is associated with or disguises sexual services.
The commission invited relevant agencies—including the Department of Cultural Promotion, Department of Health Service Support, Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Culture Office, Provincial Public Health Office, Provincial Buddhist Office, Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, Chok Chai Subdistrict Municipality, and the Thai Massage Association—to participate in a meeting to devise preventive measures against similar incidents, despite the involved parties having issued apologies.
Ms. Thiwalrat stated that representatives from Chok Chai Subdistrict Municipality explained the parade was organized by a local community group intending humor, but it stemmed from ignorance. Following public criticism, the organizers and municipality issued an official apology and established future regulations prohibiting lewd or immoral content in parades.
Meanwhile, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Buddhist Office clarified that Bing Temple served only as a gathering point for the candle procession tradition. Monks and the abbot were not involved in conceptualizing or approving any lewd expressions within the parade.
The commission chairperson said the meeting was deeply concerned that such incidents could damage the dignity and status of "Thai massage" as a UNESCO-registered intangible cultural heritage. Therefore, they proposed that government agencies urgently implement concrete preventive measures.
They recommended that the Department of Cultural Promotion, as secretariat of the Cultural Heritage Promotion and Preservation Committee, exercise authority under the 2016 Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotion and Preservation Act, coordinating with enforcement of the Computer Crime Act to promptly suspend the online dissemination of messages, images, or videos that degrade or harm the nation’s cultural heritage.
At the same time, the meeting noted that although the current 2016 act allows ordering cessation of harmful acts, it lacks clear criminal penalties for those who violate or degrade registered cultural heritage. They therefore suggested amending the law to establish appropriate and more effective sanctions.
Additionally, they proposed coordinating with the Ministry of Interior to consider revising subordinate legislation under the 1966 Establishment of Premises Act to close loopholes that allow the term “Thai massage” to be used as a cover in establishments such as bathhouses and massage parlors, which contradicts the purpose of Thai massage as a health and therapeutic practice.
The Department of Health Service Support stated it will tighten inspections of health massage establishments under the 2016 Health Establishments Act, focusing on standards and ethics to prevent disguised prostitution. It is also revising laws to clarify ethical and professional codes for massage providers. Any violations of morality will be met with legal actions up to license revocation.
“Thai massage is not a subject for sexual parody or a tool for lewd humor; it is a healing art, a health care practice, and a precious global cultural honor for humanity. All Thais must collectively cherish, protect, and proudly preserve it,” Ms. Thiwalrat said.