Thai Singer, 20, Dies After Multiple Massage Sessions at Udon Thani Parlor

The death of 20-year-old Thai singer Chayada “Phing” Praohom has raised alarms about safety in traditional Thai massage.

Known for her promising career in ‘luk thung’ music (Thai country music), Chayada passed away on December 8, weeks after posting a heartfelt warning about her deteriorating health following multiple massages at a parlour in Udon Thani.

Her case has triggered investigations into the massage shop’s practices, as well as concerns about regulation in the traditional Thai massage industry.

From Minor Pain to Death

According to the Bangkok Post, Chayada first visited the massage parlour in October, seeking relief for shoulder pain after a performance. After her initial session, which included neck manipulation, she experienced neck pain two days later.

Assuming this was normal, she took painkillers and continued with her routine.

A week later, she noticed numbness in her arm but returned to the parlor for a second massage. This session also involved a neck twist, after which her pain worsened significantly.

The first two sessions involved the same masseuse, according to her Facebook Post.

By the time she sought a third session with a different masseuse, Chayada’s symptoms had intensified. She experienced swelling, bruises, and severe numbness, which later spread to her torso.

Eventually, she lost mobility in her right arm.

In her Facebook post on November 6, she revealed that her body was less than 50% functional, describing electric shocks in her fingers and alternating hot and cold sensations. “I want to recover… I want to work again,” she wrote.

Investigations into the Massage Parlor

The Udon Thani Provincial Public Health Office inspected the parlor following Chayada’s death. Officials found that while two masseuses held valid licenses, five others were under investigation, as reported by Thai Rath.

The shop manager, identified as a 60-year-old woman, denied allegations that the parlor offered neck-twisting or manipulation services.

She stated that such techniques are not taught in standard Thai massage training and are considered too dangerous. Additionally, she also revealed that the masseuses are mostly part-timers.

However, she admitted that some masseuses, particularly those with prior international experience, may have performed such methods at clients’ requests.

Despite her claims, the manager acknowledged she could not identify which masseuse treated Chayada during her sessions.

Remembering Chayada

Chayada’s death is a heartbreaking loss to her family and the Thai music industry. With two singles already to her name, she was just beginning to shine and had a bright future ahead of her.

Her mother, a former masseuse herself, fondly remembered her daughter as someone deeply passionate about singing and determined to become a renowned artist.

Her boyfriend also shared that they had plans to get engaged in the near future, adding to the heartbreak of this devastating loss.

Moving Forward

This tragedy has reignited concerns over massage safety, urging authorities to enforce stricter regulations to prevent unqualified practitioners from operating.

As Chayada herself wrote in her final post, “I want my story to be a lesson for those who love being massaged a lot.”