Recieved today 12/01/2006
On December 1st. 2006, Anantasuk School of Traditional Thai Medicine, Hua Hin Thailand. Dr. Anthony James receives "Aacharn", Master Instructor recognition from the Wat Po Association for Traditional Thai Medicine, Anantasuk School for Traditional Thai Medicine and Wangklaikangwon Industrial Community & Educational College.
This college and it's programs are under the direct patronage of the King of Thailand. In attendance were the Director, Mr. Surasak Srinoi, Deputy Deputy Director Jaturin Wattanaprateep and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Technical Director for Distance Learning Television Mr. Banpo Deekum. Also present were faculty and staff of the Anantasuk Traditional Thai Medicine and Massage School. The recognition meets recognition criteria of Thai Ministry of Education Department.
Dr. James was given the award in recognition of his work and contributions in the field of Traditional Thai Medicine and Thai Massage Therapy. His accomplishments include: publishing the first book on Thai Massage in the english language "Nuat Thai, Traditional Thai Medical Massage", Metta Journal Press, 1984. Becoming the first licensed Thai Massage practitioner in the United States (Dekalb County, GA 1984), The first recognized Thai Massage Instructor in the US, AOBTA 1990 Member #37), Founder and President of ITTA, the International Thai Therapists Association ,(1992). Organizer and leader of "The Thailand Externship Training Program for non -thai practitioners" 1986 to present, his contribution to Prime Minister Thaksins "Task Force For Traditional Medicine in Thailand" (1998 to present), Chief Thai Massage consultant Thai Consulate USA(1998 to present), Founder, Director and Chief Instructor of the professional, full time, residential training and certiication program based on Traditional Thai medicine in the west "The Thai Yoga Center", Grass Valley, CA USA".
Dr. James is currently working as a lead instructor, documenting all aspects of Traditional Thai Medicine and Massage in cooperation with Wangklaikangwon College, under patronage of HM King Bhumibol. The project is scheduled for completion in May of 2007.
The award itself was presented by the Director Mr. Surasak Srinoi
This award notes the first such formal international recognition by the Royal Thai Gov't for Traditional Thai medicine and Thai Massage for a Non-Thai Master Instructor and practitioner.
Congradulations to Dr. James and all who contributed to this prestigious award.
For more information and pictures of this award ceremony go to: Award Photographs and Slide Show