Norwegian expert issues warning after two deaths linked to massage clinics in Thailand - ScandAsia

[Karoline Rosenkrantz Paasch]

A recent series of incidents involving massage clinics in Thailand has prompted warnings from a Norwegian expert following the deaths of two individuals. Thai singer Ping Chayada Phraohom, 20, died after visiting a massage clinic in Udon Thani, leading her family to file a lawsuit against the establishment. A report indicated that while medical professionals cited blood poisoning and fungal infection as the official causes of death, a physician noted that the massage did not directly cause her death. However, he stated that the events following the treatment may have worsened her condition, according to The Pattaya Mail.

After receiving treatment, Ping was hospitalized multiple times and ultimately transferred to the intensive care unit, where she died shortly afterward. The masseuse involved has denied wrongdoing, expressing shock over the allegations, while health authorities inspected the clinic and found no significant issues.

In a related case, a Singaporean tourist, Lee Mun Tuk, also tragically lost his life shortly after receiving a massage at a salon on Patong Beach. Reports indicate that the 52-year-old reportedly fell asleep during his treatment and seemed highly stressed upon leaving the salon. As in Ping’s case, the cause of Lee’s death remains unclear, yet the incident has raised alarms among experts regarding specific massage techniques.

Norwegian expert issues warning​

Ola Lillenes, information director at the National Research Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Norway, emphasized that individuals with underlying health conditions should exercise caution when considering such treatments. “Techniques involving manipulation of the spine and neck, often referred to as cracking, or massages applied with excessive force can pose serious risks,” he explained. Lillenes further noted that these risks include neurological damage such as paralysis, herniated discs, strokes, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding both deaths, with no autopsies conducted thus far. In Lee’s case, his wife declined an autopsy, stating she did not suspect any criminal wrongdoing due to her husband’s sedentary lifestyle.

While Ola Lillenes emphasizes that individuals planning to receive massages in Thailand should not be overly concerned, he advises caution for those with underlying health conditions before agreeing to such treatments.

Source: Dagbladet Norwegian expert massage thailand