On 28 September 2018, the Royal Thai Embassy, in collaboration with Thai Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) owners in South Africa, hosted the “Authentic Thainess – Thai Spa and Massage Experience” in Pretoria.

         “Authentic Thainess” is the latest initiative by the Royal Thai Embassy that aims to promote the ingenuity of Thai SMEs businesses and the positive contribution that they have toward employment and skill development of local South Africans. The initiative aims to offer South Africans from both public and private sector first-hand information and experience about Thai businesses in Africa and their contribution toward local community. The first edition with the theme of “Thai Spa and Massage” was hosted by H.E. Mr. Komate Kamalanavin, Ambassador-Designate of the Kingdom of Thailand to South Africa, with distinguished guests from the South African Authorities, members of diplomatic communities, as well as SMEs owner in the area of Thai Spa and Massage.

         In his opening remarks, the Ambassador-Designate highlighted the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises as the engine of growth for the local economy, as well as offer career opportunity and skill development for local South African who seeks career opportunity in the hospitality industry The Ambassador-Designate also stressed the sincere effort of the local Thai business owners to work with local community in providing a truly authentic and professional Thai services and to work closely with local authorities to improve the image of the Thai spa and massage business as a whole.

            The event combines informative seminar, conducted by Ms. Wassamon Wattanavarodom, owners of Rachawadee Thai Spa who is among one of the first pioneer in the Thai Spa and Massage business in South Africa, offer a comprehensive picture of the history of Thai Massage, as well as the local South Africans who found their passion and career in the arts of Thai massage. The guests also experienced a personal Thai Massage session, which demonstrated the arts and crafts of Thai massage, which have over 2,500 years of history in the making.

            The Royal Thai Embassy aims to host another “Authentic Thainess” event very soon, which will focus other aspects of Thai products and services to draw the interest of the local people toward Thai food.