On 27 – 28 February 2025, the School of Integrative Medicine at Mae Fah Luang University, in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the World Massage Federation, the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), co-hosted the Thai Massage Competition and the Universal Massage Championship (UMC) 2025 at Mae Fah Luang University. The winners of each category were awarded Royal Trophies graciously bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University, and Mr. Chokchai Wichienchaiya, the Director-General of the Department of Empowerment of Person with Disabilities.
Dr. Teerawat Wongvoratat, President of Landmark Nuad Thai, explained that the event, with support from Chiang Rai Province, several government agencies, and private sector sponsors, aimed not only to promote international knowledge exchange but also to encourage Thai people to protect and preserve the wisdom of Thai massage from misuse or association with unethical practices.
The President of Mae Fah Luang University stated that Thai massage is both a science and an art of traditional medicine, deeply connected to Buddhist principles and local culture. It has been an integral part of Thai life for centuries. She also emphasised the significance of Thai massage being recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2019. MFU has been offering the Applied Thai Traditional Medicine programme since 2005, producing graduates who serve as medical professionals in healthcare institutions across Thailand. For nearly two decades, the programme has enhanced Thailand’s healthcare system by integrating the four branches of traditional Thai medicine: Thai traditional medicine, Thai traditional pharmacy, Thai traditional massage, and Midwifery for Thai Traditional Medicine into public health services.
The event featured a demonstration of Royal Thai Massage by the School of Integrative Medicine’s Applied Thai Traditional Medicine programme and an exhibition on Thai massage. The competition attracted participants from various countries, offering a valuable opportunity for academic, technical, and cultural exchange that will contribute to the further development and preservation of Thai massage.
Additionally, the "World Thai Awards 2025" were presented to individuals with outstanding contributions to the promotion and preservation of Thai massage. The Thai Massage Competition was held in alignment with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s philosophy of "Giving… without End", in celebration of Her Royal Highness’s 70th birthday. It also marked the 6th anniversary of UNESCO's recognition of Thai massage as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Universal Massage Championship 2025, following Olympic standards, attracted competitors from Thailand and 31 other member countries of the Universal Massage Championship (UMC) to compete in six categories: Thai Massage, Asian Freestyle Massage, Western Massage, Sports Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Wellness and Spa.
This was the first time that an international competition of this scale has been hosted in Chiang Rai, Thailand, allowing UMC’s member countries to witness Thailand’s leadership in Thai massage and event organization. Moreover, participants had an opportunity to participate in the cultural and sightseeing tour of Chiang Rai, further promoting the province as a global wellness tourism destination.
