From 5 to 25 May 2026, the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (Khon Kaen Business School: KKBS) at Khon Kaen University organised the first session of the “100-Hour SPA MANAGER Training Programme“. Asst. Prof. Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, presided over the opening ceremony. Jinnapas Dominic, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Asia Pacific Tourism Center and lecturer responsible for the minor in Medical and Health Tourism Business Management, served as Project Manager. The programme took place at the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, Khon Kaen University.
(Asst. Prof. Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D., Dean of KKBS)
(Jinnapas Dominic, Ph.D., Project Manager)
The objective of this training was to enhance the potential of health and spa personnel by providing them with knowledge, understanding, and skills in business management for spa establishments in accordance with professional standards. It also aimed to increase the number of qualified personnel eligible to apply for a licence as an operator of health establishments — specifically spa businesses — as mandated by law. This initiative supports the raising of standards within Thailand’s spa and wellness industry.
Throughout the training period, participants received instruction from distinguished speakers representing government agencies, academia, and the spa and wellness business sectors. The curriculum covered both theoretical and practical aspects of key topics, including laws and professional ethics, health and hygiene, first aid, nutrition, Thai herbs in spas, facial and body care, aromatherapy, holistic health, hydrotherapy, exercise for health, health promotion through Thai wisdom and therapeutic massage, as well as marketing planning, personal development for spa operators, spa business management, and case studies of successful international spa businesses.
The programme successfully trained 17 participants, all of whom completed it according to the criteria, achieving a 100% completion rate. This outcome reflects the participants’ commitment to developing their knowledge and skills in spa management. The graduates will be able to apply this knowledge in their professional practice, develop their establishments, and elevate the quality of spa and health services in alignment with professional standards and the demands of the rapidly growing wellness industry.
(Jinnapas Dominic, Ph.D., Project Leader)
Jinnapas Dominic, Ph.D., the Project Manager, noted that the 100-Hour SPA MANAGER Training Programme, also known as KKU Spa Manager, is the first such programme offered by Khon Kaen University in the Northeastern region. It was established to promote and elevate health and beauty entrepreneurs, enabling them to develop their businesses into standardised health spa services and further expand into the medical and wellness tourism sector, which is growing steadily in the Isaan region.
Jinnapas Dominic, Ph.D. further noted that the programme plays a key role in providing local entrepreneurs with access to standardised knowledge and training, thereby reducing the cost barriers associated with business development. The Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (Khon Kaen Business School) at Khon Kaen University hopes that this academic service programme will serve as a vital mechanism to support local entrepreneurs in elevating their businesses to national and international standards.
(Nichapa Gojarnsri, Participant)
Nichapa Gojarnsri, a participant, stated that she decided to join the SPA MANAGER Training Programme at the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (Khon Kaen Business School) on the strength of the institution’s quality and standards. She also aimed to apply the acquired knowledge to further develop and expand her spa business. She believes that the spa business in Khon Kaen province and the Northeastern region holds significant growth potential, as Khon Kaen is a business and tourism hub in the region, well placed to support the expansion of health and spa businesses in the future.
(Thaphat Sakolkasempan, Participant)
Thaphat Sakolkasempan, a participant, expressed great satisfaction with the programme. He highlighted that it offered a comprehensive range of knowledge on spa business operations, encompassing legal aspects, operational standards, relevant practices, and professional spa business management techniques as prescribed by the Ministry of Public Health. He also appreciated the opportunity to exchange knowledge with faculty members, speakers, and entrepreneurs from various regions, which broadened his perspectives and enriched his experience for business development. He believes the programme is highly beneficial for career advancement and elevating spa businesses, as well as promoting the health and cultural identity of the Northeastern region on a broader scale. He commended the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (Khon Kaen Business School) at Khon Kaen University for initiating this inaugural programme and expressed confidence that participants would gain sound theoretical and practical knowledge applicable to their future business endeavours.
This project represents a further significant undertaking for the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (Khon Kaen Business School) at Khon Kaen University, promoting lifelong learning and developing quality personnel to support the growth of the health industry, health tourism, and the wellness economy at both regional and national levels. This initiative aligns with the faculty’s strategies of “Bridging Academia and Industry for Future Success” and “Innovative Revenue Generation Initiatives”, and reflects the organisational values of PRIME — particularly Professionalism and Innovation Focus. Furthermore, it contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which strengthens the means of implementation and revitalises the global partnership for sustainable development.
News/Photos: Banphod Philaphan
Photos: SPA MANAGER Training Program
