Please note: The information you receive here is from my experience at the school in February 2002. This information is likely to be correct, but please contact the school for exact information.
- What courses are offered at the Wat Pho (Po) Thai Traditional Medical School?
The main courses are: General Thai Massage Course, Advanced Thai Massage Course, Thai Foot Massage Course, Oil and Aroma Massage Course, Infant and Child Massage Course.
- What are the costs of these courses?
As of September 2006, General Thai Massage Course is 8500 Baht; Advanced Thai Massage Theory and Practice is 12,000 Baht (must have finished the General Thai Massage Course first); Thai Foot Massage Course is 6500 Baht, Oil and Aroma Massage is 6500 Baht, Infant and Child Massage is 5000 Baht.
- How long do the courses take to complete?
General Thai Massage Course is 5 days (6 hours per day), 6 days (5 hours per day), or 10 days (3 hours per day); Advanced Tha Massage Course is also 10days (6 hours per day); Thai Foot Massage Course is per arrangement with the teacher, as well as the Oil and Aroma Course. Please contact the school directly about learning times during the year (contact information below).
- Can I reserve a place?
Reservations are not necessary. Just come on the same day you wish to start. Come at 8:15 - 8:30 in the morning on that day and bring with you: The course fee in Baht, three photos of passport size (1 for the school, 1 for your certificate, 1 for your teacher's book), loose clothing.
- What day can I start?
The school is open everyday! You can start on any day of the week and finish your courses without skipping any day.
- How large are the class sizes?
Wat Pho desires to keep the class sizes small. Teachers have normally only four students, but sometimes six students are assigned to a teacher. Even at this larger size, you can still receive excellent training.
- What languages do the teachers speak?
Teachers that I encountered speak Thai and some English. The training is very 'hands-on' and by following the example of your teacher and asking if it is right or wrong will compensate for any language barriers. Interpreters are welcome to join you during your training!
- Do we get a lunch break?
Lunch is one hour of the day. Wat Pho (Po) serves lunch on the top floor of the school with a nice view of Bangkok for very reasonable prices. They also offer cold water and other drinks in the lobby. There are also other street cafes nearby.
- Where can I stay in Bangkok while I go to the school? Although there are cheap (and sometimes dirty) accommodations in the tourist area knows as Banglamphu (Khao San Road), you will still need to catch a bus or taxi to the school everyday. I stayed at a very clean and affordable place that is within walking distance to the school. Please visit the 238 Guest House website for more information. Ton, the proprietor, is extremely friendly and helpful and speaks excellent English, as well as three other languages.
- How do I contact the school?
The school's contact information is as follows:
Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School
2 Sanamchai Road, Wat Po, Tatian
Bangkok 10200 Thailand.
Tel. (from overseas) +66 2 221-2974 or +66 2 622-1687
Fax. (from overseas) +66 2 225-4771
Email: WatPoTTM@netscape.net
- Do you have more information on Bangkok (Krung Thep)?
Please visit Lonely Planet's online guide to Bangkok for information about climate, getting around, etc.
- Are you sponsored by this school or any other affiliate?
No. This website was made by me from my desire to help spread the knowledge of Thai massage techniques and the school I attended. This site is dedicated to Thailand and its people, my teachers at this school (Preesha, Aey and Ooy), and the family at 238 Guest House. I hope you found this information helpful to you!
Namaste and Kawp Kuhn Kraap!
Keitan