As the tourism sector remains buoyant, small operators are likely to face labour shortages during the high season as larger businesses offer more competitive salaries.
Krod Rojanastien, board advisor for the Thai Spa Association, said about 30% of more than 8,000 spas and Thai massage venues nationwide lack the necessary amount of therapists, particularly small operators, as the number of foreign arrivals keeps increasing.
Hotel spas have sufficient staff for the high season as they pay competitive wages based on higher service charges, as most of their guests are high-end customers.
In some popular destinations like Koh Samui and Phuket, independent operators share spa therapists with other operators to serve growing demand, said Mr Krod.
This results in poor service and could leave a bad perception about the spa service industry if this situation persists, he said.
Mr Krod said the labour shortage is gradually easing as positive tourism sentiment encourages small operators to hire more skilled staff to prepare for the high season.
More independent spas are now increasing daily wages to more than 600 baht, which he said is a satisfactory rate for experienced workers in this field.
As roughly half of the more than 100,000 skilled therapists registered with the Department of Health Service Support have returned to work, Mr Krod said the new government should continue promoting this career, organising training and upskilling programmes to capitalise on the rising trend of health and wellness tourism.
La-iad Bungsrithong, board advisor for the Thai Hotels Association, said the labour shortage is not a critical concern as most hotels have gradually increased their staff, hoping to avoid the severe shortages that plagued last year's high season.
Mrs La-iad said hotels have been offering more benefits to lure a new generation of workers, such as flexible work hours and hiring part-time workers and interns to fill operational jobs, especially in the food and beverage field.
Some may adjust their daily wage, for example increasing from 400 baht to 1,000 baht during the high season, she said.
Mrs La-iad said it is unlikely domestic and international tourist numbers will suddenly surge in the final quarter to an unmanageable level as hotels can now adjust supply management to meet demand.
She said the average occupancy rate in Chiang Mai should grow marginally to 70-75% from 65% during the high season last year.
Kantapong Thananerngroth, president of the Thai Tourism Promotion Association, said the high season may have fewer tour guides for domestic tours as they opt for outbound tourism. Roughly half of domestic tour companies still lack guides, he said.
Staffing shortages at local attractions are rampant, especially at learning centres, museums and archaeological sites, as well as for local transport, said Mr Kantapong.
He recommended the new government add more tour guides and skilled industry workers as a national agenda item, targeting the younger generation.
