Thailand Surf Therapy: A New Wave of Healing for Wellness Tourism in Asia
Waves for Change and the Tourism Authority of Thailand Join Forces to Advance Science-Based Wellness Through the Power of the Ocean
In June 2026, Waves for Change (W4C) partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus, La Flora Group, La Vita Sana, Memories Surf House, Span Global, and Rise On Wave to introduce Thailand Surf Therapy as part of the Thailand Health Excellence 2026 initiative. By combining the evidence-based Take 5 mental health framework with the physical, emotional, and social benefits of surfing, the partnership aims to create meaningful wellbeing experiences for both local and international visitors while positioning Thailand as a leading destination for Wellness Tourism and Science-Based Wellness in Asia.
Waves for Change (W4C) uses Surf Therapy and the Take 5 model to support mental health, wellbeing, and resilience through meaningful connections with nature, community, and the ocean. Through this partnership, that knowledge is helping shape a new wellbeing-focused tourism offering in Thailand, demonstrating how Surf Therapy principles can be adapted to different cultural contexts while remaining rooted in evidence-based practice.
A key milestone in the partnership was the Surf Therapy Take 5 Coach Training delivered by the W4C Surf Therapy Training Team. The training equipped local coaches, facilitators, and programme champions with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and facilitation approaches needed to implement Surf Therapy within the Thai context. By investing in local capacity from the outset, the partnership has laid the groundwork for sustainable implementation and long-term impact across the region.
We were also invited to join partners at Memories Surf House in Phang Nga Province for the Thailand Surf Therapy Real Experience & Trust Building Journey. The event brought together 36 participants from Thailand’s tourism, wellness, research, and media sectors for a hands-on introduction to Surf Therapy. Led by W4C representative Liaan Papier, participants engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, practical Surf Therapy preparation, Take 5 activities, and real surf experiences at Memories Beach. The programme also included breathwork, floating therapy, sound healing, and reflective practices, demonstrating a holistic and science-based approach to wellbeing through connection with nature and the ocean.
Following the experience, participants completed reflective surveys to capture key learnings and future application opportunities. Feedback highlighted four recurring themes: Gratitude (33%), Fun and Energy (22%), Framework and Tools (22%), and the Trainers and Team (22%). One of the most significant insights was the positive response to the programme’s energetic, interactive, and experiential facilitation style. Participants demonstrated high levels of engagement, curiosity, and enthusiasm throughout the experience, with one participant sharing that he felt “20 years younger”.
Beyond individual learning, the programme fostered strong connections among participants. Through shared experiences in and around the ocean, relationships developed naturally, creating a sense of trust, belonging, and community that extended beyond the training environment. These outcomes highlight the power of Surf Therapy not only as a wellbeing intervention but also as a catalyst for meaningful human connection.
Participants demonstrated a strong understanding of the core coaching and facilitation concepts introduced during the programme. A central takeaway was the importance of the 3 C’s (curiosity, consistency and caring) particularly the role of a caring adult, coach, or facilitator in positively influencing wellbeing and personal development. The Wellness Factors were also identified as critical, with participants recognising the importance of creating physically and emotionally safe environments that are supportive, predictable, and inclusive. There was a clear understanding that safety forms the foundation for meaningful participation, engagement, and wellbeing.
The Take 5 routine was consistently identified as one of the most valuable aspects of the training. Participants appreciated its simplicity, practicality, and ability to create meaningful moments of reflection and connection. Activities such as pair floating enabled participants to practise the Take 5 routine in real time, strengthening both learning and confidence in applying the approach within their own programmes and environments.
The partnership between Waves for Change (W4C) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand represents an exciting evolution of Surf Therapy beyond traditional programme settings. By combining internationally recognised Surf Therapy methodologies with Thailand’s growing Wellness Tourism sector, the initiative creates new opportunities for people to build resilience, manage stress, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and reconnect with nature.
For Waves for Change (W4C), the collaboration demonstrates the adaptability and relevance of the Take 5 model across different environments and audiences. While Surf Therapy has long been used to support young people facing adversity, its core principles, creating safe spaces, fostering connection, building confidence, and developing emotional regulation skills, have broad applications for travellers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and communities seeking meaningful wellbeing experiences.
For Thailand, Surf Therapy offers an innovative way to add value to existing marine tourism assets while responding to growing global demand for evidence-based wellness experiences. The initiative also contributes to the development of sustainable tourism products that benefit local communities, tourism operators, and visitors alike.
Surf Therapy is a process of creating a safe space that gives participants the opportunity to build self-confidence, strengthen mental resilience, learn to manage their emotions, and form meaningful relationships through the power of nature and the sea,” shared Liaan Papier of Waves for Change during the event.
Throughout the entire experience, participants moved beyond simply learning about Surf Therapy to experiencing its impact firsthand. Standing together on the shoreline, supporting one another through challenges, celebrating achievements, and reflecting on the relationship between wellbeing and nature helped deepen participants’ understanding of how the ocean can become a powerful tool for healing, growth, and connection. These shared experiences strengthened trust among partners while laying the foundation for the future development of Thailand Surf Therapy.
The Thailand Surf Therapy initiative continues to gain momentum through the Rise On Wave network, which is adapting Waves for Change’s Take 5 approach for the Thai tourism context. Three pilot programme concepts the Wave Reset Program, Ocean Balance Program, and Surf & Soul Program are already being explored to support stress management, emotional wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth for executives, entrepreneurs, travellers, and individuals seeking meaningful wellness experiences.
The next phase of the partnership will focus on reviewing key learnings, expanding Surf Therapy Take 5 training opportunities, supporting local facilitators and champions, strengthening research and evidence generation, and developing long-term pathways for integration within Thailand’s wellness tourism strategy. These discussions will help guide the sustainable growth of Surf Therapy as part of Thailand’s broader Science-Based Wellness vision.
As this collaboration continues to grow, it highlights the potential of Surf Therapy to create transformative experiences that connect people more deeply with themselves, their communities, and the natural world while positioning Thailand as a leader in Science-Based Wellness and innovative wellness tourism experiences across Asia.
What’s Next?
Follow the Waves for Change journey as we continue expanding Surf Therapy partnerships around the world and creating opportunities for people to thrive through connection, wellbeing, and the power of the ocean.
Learn more about Surf Therapy and Waves for Change, and follow the development of Thailand Surf Therapy as it helps shape a new generation of Science-Based Wellness experiences across Asia.
📍 Location: Memories Surf House, Phang Nga Province, Thailand
👥 Partners: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Waves for Change, Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus, La Vita Sana, La Flora Group ,Memories Surf House, Span Global, Rise On Wave
📸 Photo Credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand, La Flora Group, Memories Surf House, Waves for Change
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