ไทย
PHUKET, Thailand – 8 September 2026 – Songklanagarind Traditional Thai Medicine Hospital, Phuket in collaboration with New Massage Association, France, and Thara Spa & Beauty, Qatar, officially launched the 2nd NewMa Asia Massage Championship 2027 at the press conference held at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus.
The international championship aims to elevate professional massage standards, promote knowledge and experience exchange, strengthen international professional networks, and position Phuket as a leading destination for massage, wellness and holistic health.
The press conference was honored by the presence of Associate Professor Dr. Pun Thongchumnum, Vice President for Phuket Campus, Prince of Songkla University, and Dr.TTM. Kunanya Somphet, Director of Songklanagarind Traditional Thai Medicine Hospital, Phuket, who welcomed participants and expressed their support for the international championship.
The event also featured Mr. Julien Elis of New Massage Association, France, and Ms. Thippawan Noree of Thara Spa & Beauty, Qatar, who presented the objectives and vision of the championship.
The NewMa Asia Massage Championship 2027 brings together massage therapists, wellness professionals, educators and industry leaders from around the world to demonstrate professional excellence, exchange knowledge and build international networks.
The championship goes beyond technical massage skills. Competitors are evaluated on multiple aspects of professional excellence, including overall presentation, technique, ergonomics, massage flow, innovation, client interaction and overall client experience.
The championship aims to recognize outstanding massage therapists, promote professional development, establish internationally recognized standards and elevate the reputation of massage therapy worldwide.
The inaugural edition welcomed 130 participants, more than 40 international jury members and approximately 300 attendees from over 25 countries, establishing a truly global community of massage and wellness professionals.
The 2027 championship features seven competition categories:
- Asian Traditions
- Western Traditions
- Nuad Thai Inspired
- Sports Massage
- Face & Head Massage
- Spa Wellness & Relaxation
- Spa Esthetics
The competition will be divided into three divisions:
- Asian Division – participants from Asian countries
- International Division – participants from outside Asia
- New Talents Division – students or professionals with less than two years of experience
Special awards will also recognize Best Table Setup, Best Innovation and Best Empathy, highlighting excellence in presentation, creativity and client-centered service.
A major highlight of the 2027 edition is the All Star Championship, a special competition open to previous medal winners, as well as eligible participants, jury members and teachers.
The All Star Championship provides an opportunity for experienced professionals and previous champions to return to the stage and showcase their expertise at an even higher level.
The press conference also featured special Master Demo and Champions Demo sessions, allowing media representatives and guests to experience massage techniques and professional expertise from practitioners representing several countries.
The demonstrations highlighted the diversity of massage techniques and professional approaches across Asia and the international wellness community.
The press conference concluded with a special panel discussion under the theme:
“From Thai Wisdom to Global Standards: Empowering the Next Generation to Shape the Future”
The discussion explored the future of massage and wellness through three key perspectives:
Thai Massage & Soft Power
Exploring opportunities to transform Thailand’s massage heritage and cultural wisdom into international cultural and economic value.
From Therapist to Global Professional
Examining how massage therapists can develop from service providers into globally recognized professionals equipped with professional standards and international competencies.
Building the Next Generation of Massage Therapist
Focusing on developing future professionals with technical expertise, creativity, client-centered thinking and the readiness to contribute to the global wellness industry.
The NewMa Asia Massage Championship 2027 will take place from 22–24 January 2027 at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Phuket, Thailand.
In addition to the seven competition categories, the event will feature 18 Professional Masterclasses presented by world-class massage educators, complimentary student workshops, live demonstrations by Masters and Championship Winners, a Wellness & Spa Product Exhibition and international networking opportunities.
Hosting the championship at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus reflects the university’s commitment to education, research, knowledge exchange and international experience. Students will have opportunities to participate as volunteers, gain valuable international experience and interact directly with world-renowned massage professionals.
Collaboration with Songklanagarind Traditional Thai Medicine Hospital, Phuket further strengthens the commitment to promoting Traditional Thai Medicine and supporting Phuket’s development as an International Wellness Destination.
The NewMa Asia Massage Championship 2027 is more than a competition to identify outstanding massage therapists. It is an international platform for learning, professional development, knowledge exchange, international networking and opportunities for the next generation.
From Thai massage wisdom, to global professional standards, and toward a new generation shaping the future, the championship seeks to connect traditional knowledge, professional practice, education and the wellness industry—helping strengthen Thailand and Phuket’s role in the international health and wellness landscape.
