The recent deaths of a Thai singer and a Singaporean tourist after visiting massage parlours in Thailand have sparked widespread shock and prompted health warnings from medical professionals.
Chayada Prao-hom, a 20-year-old singer, died on Sunday in a hospital in Udon Thani. Her health reportedly declined after receiving three massage sessions since October to relieve shoulder pain. Following her first session, Chayada shared on Facebook that she was bedridden and experiencing spreading numbness. Subsequent massages worsened her condition, leaving her partially paralyzed and unable to lift her right arm.
In her post on November 6, Chayada recounted having two “neck twist” massages and another session with a “heavy hand.” Her condition deteriorated further, and she ultimately died due to a blood infection and brain swelling. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether the massages contributed to her death. Officials confirmed that the parlour and masseuses involved held valid licences.
In a separate incident, 52-year-old Singaporean tourist Lee Mun Tuk died shortly after a 45-minute oil massage in Phuket’s Patong Beach area. Lee fell asleep during the session and began showing distressing symptoms. His wife declined an autopsy, opting to return his body to Singapore for the funeral.
These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of massage practices, prompting doctors to caution against potentially dangerous massage techniques. While investigations are ongoing, the tragedies serve as a reminder to approach therapeutic massages with care, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
