UK Visa Clampdown and Police Raid Cast Shadow Over 170 Years of Thai–UK Relations
By Nopporn Wong-Anan
This year marks the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United Kingdom—an occasion being celebrated with formal receptions, cultural showcases, and renewed commitments to deepen bilateral cooperation. Yet, just as both countries toast to their historic friendship, a pair of developments in the UK are dealing a blow to Thailand’s aspirations to project its soft power abroad—especially in one of its most iconic cultural exports: traditional Thai massage.
On 9 April 2025, the UK Home Office officially removed “Sports Massage Therapist” from its Skilled Worker visa eligibility list—just weeks after delisting “Thai Massage Therapist.” Under the new rules, only those already in the UK with valid work permits may renew them. New applicants are no longer eligible, regardless of their qualifications or experience.
What’s more concerning is that this visa reclassification reflects a downgrade of massage occupations to below degree-level status, signalling that these are no longer considered skilled jobs under UK immigration criteria. For thousands of Thai therapists who have trained rigorously in the healing arts of Nuad Thai, the message is clear: their profession no longer meets the UK’s threshold for skilled migration.
To compound matters, in mid-June, West Yorkshire Police and immigration officers raided Yonlada Thai Massage in Huddersfield on suspicion of illegal activity. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals on charges related to controlling prostitution and the detention of four Thai women who were found working illegally. Though the case is under investigation, sensational UK media coverage has already linked Thai massage to criminality—casting a long shadow over the thousands of legitimate Thai-owned wellness businesses operating professionally across Britain.
This is a painful irony. In 2019, UNESCO officially recognised Nuad Thai as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, celebrating its value as a traditional healing practice passed down through generations. Yet just six years later, Thai massage is being marginalised in one of its most important overseas markets—victim to reputational damage, regulatory downgrades, and policy misalignment.
At a time when Thailand is preparing to host the Splash Soft Power Forum from 8 to 11 July to promote its cultural and creative sectors, the UK’s actions send a contradictory signal. Instead of celebration, Thai wellness professionals are facing exclusion.
One constructive path forward lies in the ongoing Thailand–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. While most attention has focused on trade in goods, the FTA presents an opportunity to include labour mobility and services—paving the way for Thai massage therapists to be reinstated as recognised skilled workers under a formal bilateral framework. I personally proposed this idea to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her London visit in May, where she led a business delegation to promote Thai soft power and business opportunities.
Though suspended as Prime Minister, Ms. Paetongtarn continues to serve as Minister of Culture—a role that allows her to address pressing issues through cultural policy and leadership. This position places her in a strong position to champion heritage protection and reform, ensuring that Thai traditional wellness is not only admired, but also respected and safeguarded.
Still, Thailand must also look inward. Despite their exceptional hands-on skills, many Thai therapists face barriers abroad due to limited English proficiency and a lack of international certification. If Thailand truly wants to globalise its wellness economy, it must invest in language training, accreditation, and regulatory compliance for its workforce.
Soft power only succeeds when a country’s culture is not merely appreciated but embraced. That embrace must rest on professionalism, credibility, and legal standing. The 170th anniversary of Thai–UK friendship offers more than a moment to celebrate history—it should be a catalyst to ensure Thai soft power has a place in the future.
—
Nopporn Wong-Anan is a former journalist who is now running a Thai massage salon in central London.