Kru Kruang Sribuaphan: Pioneer of Thai Massage for the Blind

Kru Kruang Sribuaphan is a pioneer in the Thai massage industry for blind individuals in Thailand. He was born in 1944 in Chaiyaphum Province. At the age of eight, he experienced health issues that led to the loss of his vision.

In 1974, he heard a radio announcement about Thai massage training by Luang Bures Bamrungkan at Wat Pari Nayok. Despite being the first blind person to apply, his determination allowed him to learn and master the skills.

Later, in 1979, Kru Kruang and his wife, Aurora Sribuaphan, founded the Callfield Foundation for the Blind. This foundation was established to continue the mission of Ms. Genevieve Caulfield, a pioneer in blind education in Thailand. The foundation focuses on teaching traditional Thai massage to the blind, enabling them to gain employment and self-confidence.

Throughout his career, Kru Kruang has trained and taught more than 1,000 students in Thai massage, allowing them to establish their own careers and achieve self-sufficiency.

International Experience

• 1990: Attended a seminar on blind employment in Xi’an, China.

• 1996: Participated in a professional seminar for blind individuals in Guangzhou, China.

• 2000: Taught traditional massage to blind individuals in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

• 2005: Conducted a traditional massage training program in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia.

• 2006: Attended a professional seminar on blind massage therapy in Japan.

Today, Kru Kruang continues to work as a massage therapist and instructor for blind individuals. He remains committed to his profession and vows to continue as long as he has the strength.