Massage, no sex - so quit asking

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Traditional Thai masseuse Arshareeya Wajadee: “Everyone here knows if they’re asked (for a sexual service), to say ‘get out’†Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS Source: News Limited

GOLD Coast massage therapists are regularly asked for sex and have had to erect signs to tell randy prospective clients they won’t be rubbed the wrong way.

Genuine massage therapy businesses have also been forced to include “no sexual services’’ notes on their pricing menus, and are being phoned at all hours by men looking for more intimate relaxation.
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Arshareeya Wajadee, who runs a popular traditional Thai massage parlour on Davenport St in Southport, said illegal brothels which fronted as genuine therapy centres were giving real masseuses a bad name.

Southport-based traditional Thai massage business owner Arshareeya Wajadee complains that illegal brothels fronting as massage therapy centres are giving real masseuses like her a bad name Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS Source: News Limited

Wajadee added the perception was so common when couples came in for a massage, wives often asked for curtains to be left open so they could keep an eye on what was happening to their husbands.
“Everyone here knows that if they’re asked (for a sexual service), to say ‘get out’,†she said.
“I’m very strong with that. Everyone here is fully qualified in original Thai massage.
“I think the Government and police should do something – not just send them to court and then they go back to normal.â€

Arshareeya Wajadee says all her staff are fully qualified in original Thai massage techniques Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS Source: News Limited

While Australian laws theoretically give all workers the right to a sexual harassment-free workplace, a prevalence of illegal operations fronting as massage parlours mean local therapists deal with it regularly.
Gold Coast councillor Margaret Grummit, who sits on the Prostitution Licensing Authority, said an education campaign could help to change the misconceptions around the parlours.
“It’s a cultural thing that Australians think massage parlours are brothels,†she said.
“Perhaps some education is needed.â€
Strict laws about sexual harassment in the workplace do nothing to protect Gold Coast massage therapists from it happening regularly.
Across the road from *Arshareeya’s at Sabai Thai, the *owners have installed a 2m-high sign on the front of their shop in an attempt to stop the unwanted propositions.
“Please Read!!! Strictly NO sexual services. Please Do Not Ask Anymore!†the sign says.
Another therapist, who did not want to be named, said men called her mobile number – displayed on a sign outside the shop – every week asking if she performed sexual services.
“I say no and they just hang up,†she said.
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