Code of Ethics

As a member of the International Association of Thai Massage (IATM), each practitioner commits to upholding the highest professional, ethical, and practice standards as outlined below.

Professional Competence

Members shall:

  • Provide services based on sound professional knowledge and proper training.
  • Practice only within the scope of their education, certification, and legal permissions.
  • Maintain and improve professional competence through continuing education.
  • Represent qualifications, credentials, and experience truthfully.

Client Welfare and Informed Consent

Members shall:

  • Place the client’s safety, dignity, and well-being at the center of all services.
  • Obtain voluntary and informed consent before treatment and when modifying care plans.
  • Clearly explain treatment purpose, methods, benefits, risks, and limitations.
  • Respect the client’s right to refuse or discontinue treatment at any time.

Confidentiality and Records

Members shall:

  • Keep all client information and communications strictly confidential, except where disclosure is required by law.
  • Maintain secure and accurate client records in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.
  • Provide clients access to their records upon request where legally permitted.

Professional Boundaries

Members shall:

  • Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times.
  • Never engage in sexual, romantic, or exploitative relationships with clients.
  • Avoid dual relationships or conflicts of interest that may impair professional judgment.
  • Avoid treating close family or friends unless transparency and proper documentation are maintained.

Respect, Inclusion, and Non-Discrimination

Members shall:

  • Provide respectful and inclusive services without discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.
  • Respect diverse cultural traditions and healing practices.

Professional Conduct and Business Ethics

Members shall:

  • Conduct all professional and business activities ethically and honestly.
  • Use truthful, respectful, and professional language in all communications and advertising.
  • Clearly communicate fees, policies, and service expectations.
  • Avoid false, misleading, or exaggerated claims about treatment benefits.
  • Dress and behave in a professional manner at all times.

Scope of Practice and Safe Techniques

Members shall:

  • Provide only techniques for which they have received adequate training.
  • Exercise sound judgment in applying bodywork techniques.
  • Refrain from diagnosing medical conditions or performing regulated medical procedures unless legally licensed.
  • Avoid treatment where contraindications exist unless appropriate medical clearance is obtained.

Professional Collaboration and Referral

Members shall:

  • Cooperate respectfully with other healthcare professionals.
  • Refer clients to qualified practitioners when conditions exceed the member’s scope or competence.
  • Not discourage clients from seeking medical or mental health care when appropriate.

Substance Use and Professional Readiness

Members shall:

  • Not provide services while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or intoxicating substances.
  • Maintain professional readiness to ensure client safety.

Professional Image and Public Education

Members shall:

  • Promote a professional image of Thai massage and bodywork.
  • Educate the public responsibly regarding realistic benefits of treatment.
  • Avoid affiliation with businesses promoting sexualized or misleading services.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Members shall:

  • Comply with all applicable local, regional, and national laws and public health regulations.
  • Maintain appropriate business, liability, and professional requirements where applicable.
  • Ensure truthful and compliant insurance or reimbursement claims.

Accountability and Ethical Enforcement

Members acknowledge that:

  • Violations of this Code may result in investigation and disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of membership.
  • Members have an ethical responsibility to report serious professional misconduct affecting public safety.

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