Workers of massage parlors, spas file lawsuit against gov’t, demand THB200 million

A file photo of masseuses at Thonglor Dala Massage in Bangkok’s bustling Thonglor area. Photo: Thonglor Dala Massage / Facebook
A file photo of masseuses at Thonglor Dala Massage in Bangkok’s bustling Thonglor area. Photo: Thonglor Dala Massage / Facebook

A group of massage parlor owners as well as masseuses filed a lawsuit against the government on Tuesday demanding THB200 million (US$6 million) in compensation. 

After such places were ordered shut for months by authorities without any compensation, more than 200 people working at massage parlors and spas arrived at the Civil Court in Bangkok this morning to file a lawsuit against the Finance Ministry. They accused the ministry of indifference in supporting their venues, which have been shuttered for months due to lockdown measures. 

The group claimed that they have been treated unfairly, leading to financial losses. 

“They told us to shut our places to help the nation but we’re the ones who deal with the damages,” said Pitak Yotha, director of the Charawi Association for the Conservation of Thai Massage. “Because of the government’s order, many of us became broke and fell into debt. We’ve endured long enough.”

Massage parlors were among the first venues ordered shut since the third-wave outbreak in April. The reopening is yet unknown. 

Related

Failed by gov’t that scorns sex workers, Patpong looks after its own

 

 



Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply


BECOME A COCO+ MEMBER

Support local news and join a community of like-minded
“Coconauts” across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Join Now
Coconuts TV
Our latest and greatest original videos
Subscribe on