Thai Spas Find Niche Markets amid Competition.

Byline: Somporn Thapanachai

Aug. 4--Anda Tropical Spa is confident that its unique resort-style spa in Bangkok's busy Chaeng Watthana district can successfully compete in the increasingly crowded day spa market.

After its soft opening two weeks ago, Anda Tropical Spa, located in a 200-square-wah house near Impact Muang Thong Thani, has received a positive response from customers who found it a perfect alternative to resort spas operated in beach cities such as Hua Hin.

Sri-anong Sritien, managing director of De Andaman Spa (Thailand) Ltd, the operator of the spa, said she did a thorough study and found that there was strong business potential in Chaeng Watthana as there were no day spas in the area.

She said that even though the number of spas had doubled in the past three years, there was still room for new operators who provide high quality services, especially those using natural products.

There are four types of spas: destination spas, hotel spas, day spas and medical spas. Currently the Thai Spa Association is co-operating with the Public Health Ministry to set benchmarks for the industry.

In Thailand, there are approximately 250 spa outlets, employing some 4,000 people. There is no official record of the size of the industry but a recent survey found that 3.3 million people spent US$85 million (about 3.54 billion baht) on spa services last year. Of that amount, 85 percent were foreigners or tourists.