Spa industry to get serious

PHUKET: About 150 owners of Phuket businesses running spas or offering spa services will meet to set standards and to introduce self-regulation, Pakin Raktae-ngam, President of the new Phuket Spa Business Association, announced this morning. “This is the first time a serious attempt will be made to clarify the concepts and the standards of Phuket’s spas,” K. Pakin said, adding that Public Heath Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan will be invited to chair the meeting, at a date and venue to be determined. “The meeting will focus on four concepts: improving the quality of the structures where spa services are offered; staff training and development; the quality of products used and services provided; and setting standards for spas on Phuket. “Afterwards, we will set up a committee to inspect and assess the quality of spas and spa services offered,” he said. K. Pakin explained that Phuket’s resort spas and day spas together can handle about 80,000 customers a month, but currently serve only about 18,000 customers a month because of the many negative factors affecting Phuket tourism. “Spas add to Phuket’s appeal, encouraging tourists to come here, and also help to generate revenue during the low season. They can generate about 80 million baht a month for the island,” K. Pakin said.