On 16 May 2025, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Kuala Lumpur, was invited to preside over the closing ceremony of the Capacity Building on Skill Standards for Overseas Thai Labour Force Project, whereby the National Skill Standard Testing for Thai Massage Therapists (Level 1) was conducted for Thai workers residing in Malaysia and all 42 participants successfully passed the testing. The Project was organised by the Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour of Thailand and the Office of Labour Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. In presence were Mrs. Palaporn Ratanaparichon, Director of Skill Standard Testing Promotion Section, Department of Skill Development, Ministry of Labour of Thailand, Ms. Tarinee Limchularattana, Minister Counsellor (Labour), Office of Labour Affairs, and delegation.

 

The Ambassador congratulated the participants who passed the testing and highlighted that this project aligns with the Royal Thai Government’s policy to drive national development through creativity, technology, and innovation, leveraging cultural capital (Soft Power), particularly high-value cultural services, to add economic value and generate income for the Thai people. “Nuad Thai, Traditional Thai Massage” is an essential part of this policy. The project helps Thai workers residing and working abroad to develop their skills and elevate their capabilities to meet the National Skill Standards for Thai massage therapists. In addition, Nuad Thai was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (RL) during the 14th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICS-ICH), held on 12 December 2019, in Bogotá, Republic of Colombia.

 

On this occasion, the Ambassador also discussed with the delegation from the Department of Skill Development and the participants, who had successfully passed the National Skill Standard Testing for Thai Massage Therapists (Level 1). She emphasised the Embassy’s role in the protection of Thai workers and in consular affairs.