Thailand shapes Thailand Surf Therapy as science-based coastal wellness model

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised the “Thailand Surf Therapy Real Experience and Trust Building Journey” on 18–19 June 2026 in Phang-nga, ahead of the official presentation of the concept, experience format, and development direction for the Thailand Surf Therapy model at Thailand Health Excellence 2026 on 30 June 2026.

The activity was delivered in cooperation with Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus; La Vita Sana; Memories Surf House; and Waves for Change from South Africa, an international organisation specialising in surf therapy. A total of 36 tourism partners, wellness operators, and media representatives joined the programme to explore how surf-based, science-based wellness can add value to Thailand’s coastal tourism offer and support its quality-led wellness direction.

Mr. Nat Kruthasoot, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, said, “Thailand Surf Therapy is being developed through co-creation, knowledge exchange, and science-based wellness. By combining international surf therapy knowledge with Thailand’s coastal assets, local identity, and service standards, the model can create meaningful wellness experiences that respond to modern traveller behaviour and generate long-term value for visitors, communities, and tourism businesses.”

The Thailand Surf Therapy model applies surf lifestyle, ocean-based activity, and structured wellness knowledge to the Thai tourism context. It is designed to promote emotional and mental well-being through safe, nature-connected experiences, while creating new opportunities for coastal destinations and local operators.

The two-day programme opened on 18 June with “Discover Talk: Surf Therapy for Emotional Healing”, led by Mr. Lian Papier from Waves for Change, followed by an introduction to basic surf therapy preparation covering techniques, safety, and participant readiness by Memories Surf House. Participants then joined a Surf Therapy Experience at Memories Beach to see how surf-based activities can form part of a structured wellness journey.

The programme continued on 19 June with Wellness Experience Activities under the concept “Science-Based Wellness and Emotional Healing”. The session included Surf Therapy at Memories Surf House and “Wellness-Breath with the Ocean” at La Solaya Hotel’s Thai Sala, combining water floating and Tibetan singing bowl sound therapy to broaden the coastal wellness experience.

The model is being further developed through the Rise On Wave network, supported by Span Global, which is applying the Take 5 approach to the Thai tourism context. The pilot concept focuses on executives, business owners, and travellers seeking emotional stress management, with three proposed formats: Wave Reset Program for three to five days, Ocean Balance Program for seven to 14 days, and Surf & Soul Program for 14 days or more.

At Thailand Health Excellence 2026 on 30 June 2026, TAT will present Thailand Surf Therapy as part of the wider direction to position Thailand as a leading destination for wellness tourism and science-based

Source: TAT News
https://www.tatnews.org/2026/06/tat-shapes-thailand-surf-therapy-as-science-based-coastal-wellness-model/