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More Control Measures Needed For Fish Spas In Thailand


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More control measures needed for fish spas

By THE NATION

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Following the move by several countries to ban fish spas due to concerns about hygiene, the Public Health Ministry yesterday said it might follow suit. There are some 1,341 fish spas in Thailand.

"We will convene a meeting with fish-spa operators and make them understand what needs to be done," Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said yesterday.

He added that the Health Service Support Department (HSSD) was given the job of determining if extra measures should be taken to ensure users' safety.

"The operators have to be strict about checking users' feet for wounds, and the water should always be clean," he said, adding that open wounds would spread germs in the water and put other users at risk.

HSSD director-general Dr Somchai Pinyopornpanich disclosed that his agency was already discussing the issue with the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Health so as to come up with measures to regulate fish spas.

"Fish used in the spas must be no bigger than four inches, and should have no teeth," he said, adding that the Siamese algae eater or the flying fish would be appropriate.

Somchai also insisted that the spas use ultraviolet rays to clean the tools, have an efficient water-filter system for the tanks as well as ensure that the towels are cleaned properly after use.

"The water in the tanks should be at a 6.5 to 8.5 pH level, be well circulated and free from E coli," he said, adding that very fine filters should be used and half the water in the tank should be changed on a daily basis.

He also said that fish spa operators would be required to check customers' health records.

"People with skin diseases, open or pus-filled wounds, or diabetes should not be allowed to use the services," he said.

Meanwhile, president of the Dermatological Society of Thailand, Dr Noppadol Noppakhun, advised against using fish spas. "It's not very useful. The fish are safe, but you put yourself at risk if other users have communicable diseases or skin diseases," he said.

Vice-president of the Thai Lanna Spa Association, Kaiwit Wongthong, said he never agreed with the idea of a fish spa. "It's a place where germs will spread," he said.

Kaiwit added that the Public Health Ministry should closely regulate these fish spas because the number of complaints was on the rise, adding that his association did not have any fish spas as members.

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-- The Nation 2011-03-10

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"Fish used in the spas must be no bigger than four inches, and should have no teeth," he said, adding that the Siamese algae eater or the flying fish would be appropriate"

:cheesy: ......wouldnt the flying fish.....fly away and escape ?

Would also think the first part of the sentance is stating the obvious...who in their mind would put hteir feet in fish tank with fish that were 4 inches long and had teeth

Also why should someone with diabetes be exluded ?

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Those fish they use are just baby piranhas...:lol:.. Don't understand what theraphy is in it aside from the tickling sensation, but I wouldn't dip my feet in that water for sure. Out of the whole body, the feet is in the shoe or on the floor most of the day, how much bacteria and germs is in that water?! If I were the fish, I would commit suicide.!!!:bah:

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Also why should someone with diabetes be exluded ?

They have problems with sores on their feet. The sores don't heal well, which can cause major issues for someone with diabetes. That's why diabetics are supposed to frequently check their feet & make sure to thoroughly dry them after getting them wet. I would think that the fish spas could be a danger to a diabetic person.

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Don't understand what theraphy is in it aside from the tickling sensation

Most people don't do it for the tickling sensation - they do it because the fish remove the dead skin. It's like getting a pedicure. I did it once just to see what the fuss was about, and I have to admit.....by the end of it, my feet were soft & smooth. However, I won't do it again because it grosses me out.

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They don't enforce regulation of the roads. They don't enforce building regulations. Well, they don't really enforce regulations of anything do they. But they are going to regulate fish spa's! That would be about right for Thailand. :)

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dont mention anything to the authorities about the fish in the ocean around the islands that do the same and chew on more parts then just your feet :rolleyes:

another one for the cheap charlies perhaps ?.....how to get a quick thrill without paying for it......:rolleyes:

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We where near one in Jung Ceylon and a elderly chap was using a fish spa one of his his feet was bleeding when he got it out.!.The little buggers attack a blister on his foot,I will never use them :(

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Completely make it illegal then the police can receive bribes to allow them to keep their shops open. Now that would be about right for Thailand. The police I'm sure want in on the profits as well, it is only fair after all.

They don't enforce regulation of the roads. They don't enforce building regulations. Well, they don't really enforce regulations of anything do they. But they are going to regulate fish spa's! That would be about right for Thailand. :)

Edited by missy53
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due to concerns about hygiene, the Public Health Ministry yesterday said it might follow suit.

Blimey there go the food stalls. When soi chayapoon in Pattaya used to flood badly at the soi Buakhao end before they sorted it I thought it and many other such places around Thailand would be more of a concern than a fish tank thats had a few feet in it. Have you seen the shit that floats up out of those drains?

Edited by sunnyrolfe
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