Step into the world of Thai massage, or “Nuad Thai,” and discover a healing tradition as rich and vibrant as Thailand itself. More than just a massage, it’s a profound blend of ancient wisdom, spiritual mindfulness, and therapeutic touch that has evolved over millennia.

Roots in Ancient India

The story of Thai massage begins not in Thailand, but in ancient India, over 2,500 years ago. Its legendary founder is Shivago Komarpaj, often called the “Father Doctor” of Thai medicine, who was a contemporary and personal physician to the Buddha. His teachings, influenced by Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, traveled to Thailand with Buddhist monks around the 3rd or 2nd century B.C.. These monks preserved the healing art within temples, where it became an integral part of monastic life and healing rituals.  

A Legacy Preserved at Wat Pho

While Thai massage was practiced widely across the country, much of its documented knowledge was tragically lost during the Burmese attack on Ayutthaya in 1767. This critical loss spurred a monumental effort to preserve the tradition.  

Enter Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and most revered temples. Even before it became a temple in the 7th century, this site was known as a center for medicine. Under the visionary leadership of King Rama I and especially King Rama III in the 19th century, Wat Pho was transformed into Thailand’s first public university. King Rama III commissioned scholars to engrave traditional medical knowledge, including detailed Thai massage techniques, anatomy, and pressure points, onto 1,431 marble tablets throughout the temple grounds. This groundbreaking initiative codified the practice and made it accessible to everyone, ensuring its survival and widespread dissemination.  

In 1955, the Watpo Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School was officially founded at Wat Pho, solidifying its role as a premier training center for authentic Thai massage, attracting students from around the globe.  

Global Recognition and Enduring Spirit

Today, Thai massage is celebrated worldwide for its holistic benefits, from relieving stress and muscle tension to improving flexibility. Its deep connection to Buddhist principles of metta (loving-kindness) means each session is often seen as a spiritual service, performed with compassion and care.  

In recognition of its profound cultural importance, UNESCO added Nuad Thai (Traditional Thai Massage) to its prestigious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. This global acknowledgment underscores the enduring value of this ancient art, a testament to the dedicated preservation efforts centered at Wat Pho.  

When you experience Thai massage, you’re not just receiving a treatment; you’re connecting with a living piece of Thai history and culture.