by Lesley Warner
Today I was shopping around for a massage and I found
myself in the Thai Blind Massage Institute (TBMI). I have always been a
little nervous about where I get a massage due to a serious back injury that
I do not want to aggravate. I was relieved to find out after speaking to
Sayan, the founder of the institute, that all the masseurs on his premises
are certified by a Ministry of Health recognized organization and must have
a minimum of 2 years training. After experiencing a relaxing hour listening
to soothing music and dozing as the lady (you can choose a lady or a man for
your massage) massaged away all my stress and worries of the week, I sat and
enjoyed a coffee on the terrace with the sponsor, Mr. Henri and Sayan.
Sayan,
the founder of the Thai Blind Massage Institute with one of the masseuses
I asked Sayan why, when and where he got the idea to open
a massage parlour with the blind? He said, “It was an idea that came to me
two years ago when I was talking to some blind people that were not having a
very good time in their employment and seemed unable to do anything about
their unfair treatment. I know that there are many blind people who need
work and I want to help them and make a good working environment for
them.” Well he certainly succeeded in his ambition. The institute is a
clean, friendly environment where the whole ambience of the place is
relaxing. The 12 blind staff are happy earning 50%, and with the benefit of
a nice secure place to live on the premises free of charge. Henri told me
that Sayan’s plan was always to run the place as a welfare institute, not
a commercial one. This is why the rates are so reasonable: 1-hour 120 baht,
2 hours 240 baht.
Always
a friendly smile to greet you
The Blind Foundation for the employment of the blind
(under patronage of Her Majesty the Queen) does spot checks on the premises
and rings the blind employees direct to check their conditions of employment
and living. The Foundation does this several times a year to make sure that
everything is ok and the blind people are happy in their work. Sayan smiled
and said, “They will visit sometime soon but they never say when; they
just arrive. This is not a problem for us.”
You can have your massage in the fan room or in the
air-conditioned room; there is a waiting area inside and out where you can
be served coffee. The institute also provides a home visit service for those
of their customers that are too indisposed to be able to get to the
institute.
Henri says, “Everyone leaves happy and contented and
it’s better if you book an appointment, especially during the high season
so you will not be disappointed.”
For more information telephone (038) 251 547-9 or just go
along to the Jomtien Complex Condotel on Thappraya Road.
