Thai massage therapists find community, support in self-defense classes

Jenny Wangat took a deep breath before walking up to the instructor who was holding the boxing pad. She brought her fingers together to one point, and slightly bent her wrists, so that her hands formed two “beaks.” Then she lunged.

Hitting the pad with both hands, she shouted, “No!”

The strike, often used to hit vital points such as the eyes and groin, was one of many exercises taught in the first self-defense class organized by Hollywood Career College, a school for aspiring massage therapists in Thai Town. In addition to learning various maneuvers, massage therapy students practiced projecting their voices to deny unwanted advances and call for help.

Psychiatric social worker Wanda Patomrit helped coordinate the program's sessions. Asia Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers' Stop Project Hate, which provides services and education to survivors of hate crimes. The class was taught by Meredith Gold of RAW Power, a self-defense and empowerment training program.

The surrounding areas have historically experienced high rates of hate crimes and harassment, Patomrit said. One victim was so traumatized that she stopped working as a massage therapist. Speaking to a class of 34 students, Patomrit explained that stereotypes about the industry make massage workers especially vulnerable to sexual and physical harassment and assault.

“So I want you to be able to learn the skills, learn to assert your boundaries, and feel safe while giving massage,” Patomrit said.

Massage therapy is one of the most common professions for Thais in the United States.

To learn more about the mental health challenges facing massage therapists, The Times attended self-defense classes and held a public discussion in Thai and English with members of Nuad Thai and Spa Assn. America. Some people were granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of their experiences and privacy concerns.

Sexual harassment and assault

One of the most common calls Patomrit receives is about sexual harassment and assault during a massage session. According to Patomrit, this is largely due to stereotypes that associate massage therapy with sex work.

“National reporting following the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings highlighted that Asian women working in [massage businesses] particularly vulnerable to racialized and gender-based violence,” Patomrit said. “He also emphasized that under-reporting is common due to mistrust, cultural stigma and language barriers.”

During public comment, one participant recalled getting angry when clients made inappropriate requests during her first year as a massage therapist. As her career progressed, she reminded herself that she had the power to control her massage parlor, telling clients that she could finish the massage, but if they wanted anything else, they needed to leave.

“Looking Asian, they might look down on us,” she said, “but no, I want to show them that we are professionals.”

In a self-defense class at Hollywood Career College, Gold demonstrated potential scenarios. For example, if a client makes inappropriate remarks, Gold advised leaving the room immediately.

But what if the interaction escalates?

Umarin Wakhter, director of the Hollywood Career College, said that one day a client grabbed her by the arms and tried to pull her on top of him. Gold showed the class how to use elbows and body weight to pull away from a client while yelling, “Let me go!”

Gold acknowledged that such responses and actions can be uncomfortable, especially in an industry that revolves around customer service.

“We don’t want to hurt anyone,” Gold said. “But if it's me or [the client]oh no, I'm fighting. And I can still be kind and supportive and gentle and helpful and know how to kick ass if I have to.”

Vanirada Nomai, also known as “Cookie,” said she had never thought about how she would deal with problems like these. Now, after taking classes, she says she has “more knowledge and opportunities.”

Financial motives and difficulties

Krittiya Kanthachot, assistant professor of sociology at Srinakharinwirot University, interviewed owners, managers and therapists of Thai massage businesses in Los Angeles County from 2015 to 2017. for research exploring the struggles of Thai women in the Thai massage business.

A third said they immigrated to the U.S. to further their education but became distracted when business opportunities arose, and 20% said they hoped to achieve the American dream through job opportunities.

Member of Nuad Thai and Spa Assn. from America said the promise of higher income attracted her to the business. She used to work in a restaurant, but the grueling work for little pay forced her to look for work elsewhere, especially since she had a child to raise.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists in the Los Angeles area earned an average of $62,410 in 2024, 18% lower than the average for all occupations.

The high cost of living in Los Angeles and healthcare costs, plus the need to support a family back home in Thailand, can quickly eat into your savings. Many massage therapists are independent contractors who pay out of pocket or purchase their own health insurance. Relatives in Thailand have a false impression of how much people in the U.S. earn, Kantachot said.

“They tell me, ‘Life in the U.S. is depressing,’” Cantachot said. “The thing is… the amount of money they earn is not that much compared to what Thais living in Thailand think.”

Problems with industry rules and regulations

In 2015, Los Angeles County replaced local permitting requirements with certification by the California Board of Massage Therapy. Massage therapists were required to complete 500 hours of training at an approved school, pass a background check, and pass an exam.

The change was intended to protect clients by ensuring massage therapists have sufficient knowledge to provide safe services, Cantacote said. But some who had worked in the industry for decades—especially immigrants who were older and had only an elementary education—had it tough.

Thai massage therapists who did not understand English well had difficulty mastering course material that included anatomy and other technical topics, Kantachote said. Those who sent money to relatives back home were especially worried, since going to school meant a reduction in working hours and earnings. Some said they were tricked into enrolling in unaccredited schools and then didn't know how to sue to get their money back.

“So they just give up,” Cantachot said. “This resulted in pioneers and those who were not CAMTC certified becoming unemployed.”

Advocate and find support in your community

When asked where to find support for work-related issues, several panelists referred to Nuad Thai and Spa Assn. as the main resource.

Founded in 2016, the association helps massage therapists continue their education in the field and stay up to date with new policies, advocates for amendments to laws governing the massage and spa business, and counters negative stereotypes associated with the industry.

The association invited police officers to speak to members about the law, organized self-defense classes, and worked closely with CAMTC and the Thai Consulate to ensure members received the support they needed.

Ahmos Netanel, executive director of CAMTC, said the nonprofit has had a close relationship with the association for many years and that its goal has always been to protect the public while remaining inclusive. CAMTC has accepted certification from massage schools that teach in languages ​​other than English and recently voted to accept education from Thailand for certification purposes.

Industry stakeholders, including CAMTC and representatives from the Nuad Thai and Spa Association, prepared a report for the California Legislature on the pros and cons of the CAMTC-endorsed exam requirements. The test requirement was suspended in 2018, and this year the Legislature voted to eliminate it permanently.

In Facebook groups, neuromuscular therapist Jesse Anoraj often answers questions from Thai massage therapists seeking clarification on qualification criteria.

“Any person who needs help with anything around the country related to massage therapy, if they post it, they will respond,” said Arthur Vongfan, a medical massage therapist at the listening session, as other participants laughed in agreement.

A block from Hollywood Career College is a worker center run by the Thai Community Development Center, which provides connections to lawyers, therapists and interpreters, especially when dealing with police. The center's outreach program officer frequently visits massage parlors to educate workers about labor laws and their rights as workers.

“A lot of people, especially those who are undocumented, feel alone,” she said. “They don't know what rights they have. That's why I communicate personally. I go to Thai businesses, such as restaurants and massage parlors, where Thais work. I tell them what resources Thai CDC must offer support to employees.”

Massage therapists can also help make their workplaces safer. On some websites, clients leave reviews of massage companies about “how far they can go,” Patomrit said. When an employee says no, the feedback advises others not to try.

“So when you communicate boundaries… you're not just protecting yourself,” Patromit said. “You’re also protecting your community and your workers.”

That's why in his self-defense classes, Gold made sure that every blow was followed by a loud “No!”

“In a crisis,” she said, “our voice is our best weapon.”

Translator Lena Disomlert contributed to this report.