Q. What is expected of students at ITM?
A. ITM teaches group lessons and so it is expected that everyone respects each other, that dress is appropriate for the classroom, students listen to and are courteous to the teachers, ask questions when more information is needed or instruction is not understood, practice massage after class and that assignments are completed on time.

Performing Thai massage requires loose and comfortable clothing. Please wear loose trousers and top but please do not wear jeans, dresses or skirts.

Thailand and many Asian cultures consider the feet as dirty and the head as the highest spiritual location of the body. We respect these ideas by not sitting or standing on pillows in the classroom that are intended to lay the head on. Also, please don’t point with your feet or show the bottom of your feet to others or images of the King, Buddha and other respected icons of Thai culture.

Q: What is it like to study at ITM?
A: ITM students come from all over the world. ITM has trained students from 137 countries. When you study at ITM you will meet other people who are excited about learning Thai massage – many may have no experience but want to learn and others will have experience in other forms of massage but want to learn about the tremendous benefits of Thai massage.

ITM is right in the middle of a very international city with many restaurants, temples, choices for entertainment, shopping with numerous attractions and activities.

ITM is a family owned and operated business. Chongkol, Atchara, Kate and Liz teach and are involved in all aspects of ITM and with the students. We believe that your experience in Thailand should not just be educational but also fun. We are happy to answer any questions you have and help you find activities to make your experience in Thailand everything you want it to be.

Q: What classes should I take?
A: ITM offers many classes depending on the amount of time you have in Chiang Mai and your objectives.

We have classes as short as two day and as long as our advanced course of 11 weeks. ITM has classes for the curious and the professional therapist looking to add new skills to their massage practice.

Look at the Courses section of our website for a full list and description of ITM courses.

Q: How many students in a class?
A: Class size varies but student to teacher ratio is usually low. Classes tend to be larger during the peak season of November to February when the weather in Thailand is the best. ITM has 3 buildings and many options for classrooms for teaching.

Q: What style of massage is taught at ITM?
A: The founder of ITM, Chongkol Setthalorn, was the lead teacher at Shivaga Komarpaj Thai Massage School (formerly the Old Medicine Hospital School). He helped to design the Thai Massage instruction and routines that are the standard in Chiang Mai for Northern Style Thai Massage.

Chiang Mai is the center for study for Northern style Thai massage which is characterized by gentle stretching, palm and thumb work on energy lines, and compressions to open, balance and relax the body.

Southern style Thai massage is characterized by stronger pressing on the energy lines and less stretching. This style of massage is most commonly taught in the Bangkok area.

Q: I have studied Thai massage at other schools, what class should I take at ITM?
A: We will talk to you about what training you have had and your understanding of Thai massage and help you decide what classes you should take. Ideally, we strongly recommend that you start with Level I as it is a good foundation of Thai Massage. Techniques in advanced levels always refer to routines and techniques learned in Level I.

Q: Can I return to ITM and continue my study at higher levels?
A: Yes, ITM students may return and continue study at the next level(s). Students who graduate the Level V - Teacher training or Certified Advanced Practitioner and Teacher Training Program (CAPT) may return at any time to refresh their study and assist in teaching at no cost.

Q: If I miss any class day due to illness or emergency situation, can I come back to make up the class with the future week schedule?
A: Yes, we understand that unexpected events can happen and you may return within 1 year at no cost to complete your program if space is available. A letter from a licensed doctor is required in case of illness.

CAPT student who requires emergency leave of the country prior to completion of the program, with approval from the school, may arrange for return schedule to join future CAPT group within 2 years. The school will assign student to appropriate week of the future group to complete the program. There will be administrative fee of 20% of the total program fee plus additional increased tuition fee (if any).


Q: How many days can I miss class and still able to graduate?
A: Generally 90% attendance is required to complete a course and receive a Certificate of Completion. Students in the CAPT program must attend 90% and students who wish to receive USA’s NCBTMB continuing education credits must attend 100% of classes.

Q: Are meals provided?
A: ITM is located in the heart of the city and many options are available for eating meals. Classes break from 12:00 to 13:00 for lunch and many restaurants are located within a minute’s walk of the school. Thai, vegetarian and western foods are available at a very low cost – as little as 20 Baht per dish.

Q: After taking classes at ITM, can I perform Thai massage in my country?
A: Every country has its own regulations about providing massage to the public. ITM is recognized as a continuing education provider by the USA, Canada, UK and Australia so therapists in these countries can use education at ITM for their professional education requirements. Please check with the appropriate local authority before you offer massage to the public.

Q: Is Thai massage safe?
A: Yes, if it is done properly. The teaching at ITM stresses safety. The textbooks clearly identify precautions and contraindications for massage

Q: I have some physical limitations, can I still perform Thai massage?
A: Yes. ITM offers many options for students who may have physical limitations. Teachers will help you find ways that you can adjust your posture and modify massage techniques. You may also find that ITM’ s Table, Chair, Foot Reflexology or Oil Massage courses more appropriate for you.

Q: What type of clothes should I wear at school?
A: Thai massage requires loose, comfortable clothing for both the therapist and client. You should wear full length, loose fitting trousers and light top. Ladies, please no skirts and revealing tops.

Q: What do I need to bring to school?
A: Proper clothes (please see the FAQ about clothing), notebook, pen/pencil, multi color pencils (at least two colors) and multi color markers (at least three colors). Also, please bring at least two passport-sized photos. You should also bring clothes that you can add and take off as you need to keep comfortable – givers of massage tend to get warm and the receiver tends to get cool and so it is very difficult to adjust the room temperature for everyone.

Q: Where do I stay in Chiang Mai?
A: See the link for accommodations on our website. ITM is located right in the heart of the city and there are many choices for lodging with many within walking distance. Most accommodations on our list offer special rates for ITM students.

Q: Do you provide transportation to the school?
A: ITM is located in the heart of the city and many options are available for accommodation and many restaurants are located within a minute’s walk of the school. You will not need transportation if you stay near the school and you can even walk to the city center in about 15 minutes. If you want to get out of the city or explore the city more you have many choices for renting transportation. You may refer to the Getting Around Chiang Mai link on our website for information about transportation in Chiang Mai. Also, please see the link for accommodations on our website.

Q: I have some experience with Western massage, can I start classes at ITM at an advanced level?
A: Western and Eastern massage principles and techniques are very different. While experience in other massage modalities may provide you with a better knowledge of the body and manipulation, our experience is that a thorough grounding in the basics of Thai massage is essential. Please talk with us and we can decide together what level is best for you.

Q: I do not speak English very well, will I be able to learn?
A: All classes are taught in English and we have workbooks in Japanese, German and French to assist speakers of these languages. Thai massage has been traditionally learned by observing and feeling – so English is not absolutely essential but clearly will make it easier for you to learn.

Q: Do I need a VISA to travel to Thailand?
A: Most visitors may enter Thailand without a visa for 30 days. Entry and length of stay varies by country of origin. Travelers should consult the Thailand Embassy for specific information prior to making travel plans.

For longer stays you should apply for a visa before leaving home. A tourist visa allows the visitor to stay for 60 days, and a non-immigrant education visa for 90 days. Before traveling to Thailand check with the Thai embassy in your country or ask your travel agent for advice.

Look at the VISA section of our website for information about Visa requirements and lengths of stay in Thailand.

For more information go to: www.thaiembassy.com

Q: I plan to attend the 11 week CAPT program. What do I need to do to stay in Thailand for this long?
A: For longer stays you should apply for a visa before leaving home. A tourist visa allows the visitor to stay for 60 days, and a non-immigrant education visa for 90 days. You should enter Thailand within 90 days of the visa being issued otherwise it will be invalid. Some countries have special agreements with Thailand regarding the issue of visas. Before traveling to Thailand check with the Thai embassy in your country or ask your travel agent for advice.

Tourist and non-immigrant visas may be extended after you have arrived in Thailand. Visitors who wish to extend their stay may leave the country on a “border/visa run” to nearby Myanmar, Laos or Cambodia. Check with a travel agent in Chiang Mai and they can assist you with travel and additional information. Please always check with the Thai Embassy before making any travel arrangements.

Look at the VISA section of our website for information about Visa requirements and lengths of stay in Thailand.

For more information go to: www.thaiembassy.com

Q: I came to Thailand with a 90 day non-immigrant visa (education), how can I extend my visa to stay longer?
A: Tourist and non-immigrant visas may be extended after you have arrived in Thailand. Please make sure you applied for a “multiple-entry” visa. Visitors who wish to extend their stay may leave the country on a “border/visa run” to nearby Myanmar, Laos or Cambodia. Check with a travel agent in Chiang Mai and they can assist you with travel and additional information. Visas may be extended for 15 days. Please always check with the Thai Embassy before making any travel arrangements.

Look at the VISA section of our website for information about Visa requirements and lengths of stay in Thailand.
For more information go to: www.thaiembassy.com

Q: When is the best time to come to Thailand?
A: The most pleasant time to visit the north is the cool season between November and February when rainfall is negligible, humidity is relatively low, and temperatures are mild (warm days and cool nights). Please see our Climate and Clothing section of our website for more information on temperature, rainfall and what to wear. Classes also tend to be larger during this period.

Q: What is the weather like in Thailand?
A: Northern Thailand has three distinct seasons:

• The Hot (Summer) Season extends from March through April. Daytime temperatures can be unbearably hot during this period.
• The Rainy Season, from May through October.
• The Cool (Winter) Season, from November through February.

The most pleasant time to visit the north is the cool season between November and February when rainfall is negligible, humidity is relatively low, and temperatures are mild (warm days and cool nights). Please see our Climate and Clothing section of our website for more information on temperature, rainfall and what to wear.

Q: What ages can attend ITM?
A: ITM requires that students be at least 15 years old to attend any of our programs. We have had students as mature as 75

Q: Does ITM provide child sitting services so that I can attend class?
A: ITM does not offer child sitting at the school but there are services nearby that we can help to arrange for you.

Q: I plan to travel to Thailand with my family, can we rent a house with a kitchen and multiple bedrooms and baths?
A: Many local residents advertise housing for rent - please check local newspapers and businesses such as the internet cafes for residents advertising their homes for rent.

Q: Can I attend ITM if I am pregnant?
A: Always check with your doctor if you have any questions about your ability to safely perform any physical activity. Practicing Thai massage may be physically demanding for people who have not been active or have had sedentary jobs. ITM offers many options for students who may have physical limitations. Teachers will help you find ways to modify massage techniques. You may also find that ITM’s Table, Chair, Foot Reflexology or Oil Massage courses more appropriate for you