Thai singer dies from neck injury allegedly linked to massage in Udon Thani
A Thai female singer died yesterday morning from complications caused by a herniated cervical disc, allegedly linked to a massage at a shop in the Isaan province of Udon Thani.
The singer, Chayada “Phing” Praohom, who was associated with Guitar Record, became bedridden and received intensive care at Udon Thani Hospital before her death, yesterday, December 8. Since mid-October, she has been updating her fans about her condition through her Facebook account.
The 20 year old singer revealed that she initially sought a massage at a shop in Udon Thani to relieve shoulder pain. However, her condition worsened, eventually requiring hospitalisation. In one of her posts, she expressed her regret.
“I felt pain, so I just wanted a massage, but I never expected it to be this dangerous. I lost my money to the massage and my health.”
Phing explained that she first felt pain in the back of her neck two days after her initial massage but dismissed it as a normal after-effect. She later returned to the same shop for a second massage with the same masseuse.
Two weeks after the second session, her pain intensified, and she struggled to lie on her back or face. Assuming it was still a normal reaction, she went for a third massage, this time with a different masseuse.
She reported that the new masseuse applied excessive pressure, leaving her shoulder bruised for weeks. Subsequently, she experienced numbness in her fingertips, fever-like symptoms, and pain radiating from her shoulder to her legs. Her left side began to lose sensation.
Masseuse remains unidentified
Phing eventually lost control over the left side of her body, regaining only partial control overall. Despite her deteriorating condition, she remained hopeful of recovery. Tragically, her health continued to decline, and she succumbed to her condition.
In her posts, Phing emphasised that both masseuses at the shop twisted or flicked her neck, which she believed caused her severe symptoms.
The Udon Thani Provincial Public Health Office has since inspected the massage shop, located near a public park in the province. Of the seven masseuses employed there, two were found to hold valid licenses, while the remaining five are under investigation.
The shop’s manager, whose identity was not disclosed, told Channel 7 that the business has been operating since 2005. She stated that most of the masseuses were part-time workers but claimed the shop verified their licences before hiring. However, she was unable to confirm which masseuse treated Phing.
The manager added that licensed masseuses are trained to avoid twisting, flicking, or bending clients’ necks, though some customers specifically request such techniques. She expressed shock over the incident, stating that she always advises clients to seek medical attention if their symptoms worsen, as massages can only provide limited relief.
Police are currently investigating whether the massage shop or its staff can be held responsible for Phing’s death.
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