Before I started Intervention 3, which I decided would focus on improving the image of massage parlors, I had the opportunity to explore around Berlin, Germany, and Prague, Czech Republic. I noticed the differences in the decor of Thai massage parlors in both countries, even though they are neighboring.
Thai massage parlors in Berlin tend to be more enclosed, possibly due to the city’s architecture, which consists of older buildings, making the limitations for designing the parlors quite high. This is similar to London, where the buildings are old, space is limited, and there are few windows, making the parlors less visible from the outside. Most of these parlors choose to decorate in brown and green tones, with patterns and fonts that clearly express Thai identity. They also use various symbols, such as lotus flowers, jasmine flowers, the Thai flag, and “Kanok” patterns, which are unique designs from Thailand often seen in temple murals.
However, Thai massage parlors in Prague have a more modern look. They lack the traditional patterns found in the parlors in Berlin. The color tones are similar but noticeably brighter. The glass windows are not covered, allowing a more open view to make the interior space appear larger (a technique architects often use for limited spaces). There are some Thai-style decorations, but significantly fewer in terms of ornaments, patterns, and fonts.
The clear differences might be because most of the massage parlors in Berlin are owned by Thai people who have relocated there, while the parlors in Prague are typically owned by locals who hire Thai masseuses. I had the chance to meet the owner of one massage parlor in Prague, who told me she had visited Thailand and loved it, especially Thai massages. This inspired her to start a business in Prague. She decorated the parlor entirely herself, blending in Thai elements to maintain a sense of Thai culture. She doesn’t know how to give massages herself, so she hires Thai masseuses to do the work.