A traditional Thai massage is a clothed, therapeutic treatment based on pressure points and assisted stretching. It is not a sexual service. Some premises use the name for something else, which is where the phrase “Thai massage happy ending” comes from. This guide explains the difference and how to tell which one you are walking into.
What a traditional Thai massage is
- You wear loose, comfortable clothing and lie on a mat or low mattress on the floor
- The practitioner uses thumbs, palms, elbows and feet to apply pressure along lines of the body, and moves you through assisted stretches
- Oil is not normally used
- A session usually runs for 60 to 120 minutes
- Practitioners are trained, often through a recognised course in Thailand or the UK
How to tell a legitimate place
- A council licence. Most London boroughs license massage and special treatment premises, and the licence should be displayed.
- A price list by treatment and length, not a list of extras.
- A normal front of house. A reception area, staff dressed professionally and a street entrance that looks like a business.
- Qualifications that the practitioners can name.
- Bookable and reviewed on mainstream review sites, like any other treatment business.
- Normal opening hours and no pressure.
Warning signs
- No prices shown, or a price that changes once you are inside
- A locked or buzzer entrance with no clear sign of what the business is
- Staff chosen and described by their looks rather than their training
- Being asked if you want “extras” or “more”
- Ads that give only a phone number, or that appear in classified listings next to adult services
None of these proves anything on its own, but together they point towards an adult service, not a therapy clinic.
If you want an adult massage
Ask for one by its name. The styles are different and are explained in the adult massage guide, and a legitimate therapist who is asked for a sexual service should refuse and may ask you to leave. Do not treat refusal as part of the game.
If you are worried about someone
Some people working in massage premises are being exploited. Signs include someone who seems unable to leave, does not control their own money or documents, lives on the premises or appears frightened. If you are concerned, contact the Modern Slavery Helpline or Crimestoppers. In an emergency call 999.
The law
Massage premises need a licence in most London boroughs. Offering sexual services from premises where two or more people do so is brothel keeping, which is an offence. The UK law guide sets out the rules, and the happy ending massage guide explains the term.