With glowing reviews and a growing client base, Forrest Thai Massage has become a go-to destination for those seeking authentic healing therapies in Greater Sudbury.
When you take a look at Forrest Thai Massage’s Google reviews, the same sentiments appear over and over again— “amazing,” “incredible,” “best massage I’ve ever had.” Clients have also voted the spa a winner in the Massage Therapists category of the Sudbury.com Reader Favourite Awards in 2023, 2024, and now 2025.
Owner Pennapa Kitpanich opened her spa in January 2020— not exactly an easy time to start a business, when the pandemic hit two months in. But Pennapa persevered, and has been providing relaxation and pain relief to Sudburians for nearly six years.
At that time, Sudbury didn’t have any spas that offered an authentic Thai massage experience. Pennapa wanted to bring the real traditional practice to the community. “As a trained Thai therapist, I felt inspired to share the healing techniques, cultural knowledge, and wellness benefits I grew up with,” she says. “My goal has always been to offer something unique, meaningful, and truly therapeutic for the people of Sudbury.”
Pennapa is a solo massage therapist, so every one of her clients receives one-on-one, personalized care from her only. Her business is home-based, which allows her to create a quiet, private, and comfortable environment for every client.
Pennapa completed advanced training in Thailand, Canada, the US and the Netherlands. In addition to her regular massage therapy training, she studied and practiced Thai Solution Massage (Nuad Benja Phakhi) for over a year before offering it.
Pennapa also offers many medical-style techniques, which help with tension, circulation, and body balance. One of her services is an Advanced Thai Medical Massage, which combines traditional Thai techniques with modern therapeutic tools. The massage combines deep compressions, assisted stretching, acupressure, and myofascial release, to target musculoskeletal imbalances, enhance mobility, and alleviate pain. It can be an effective treatment for conditions like sciatica, frozen shoulder, and tension headaches.
Forrest Thai Massage offers many other services, including Reflex Foot Therapy and Detox Massage, which is a lymphatic drainage massage.
In the spring of 2024, the spa also became the first in Sudbury to offer Yume Head Spa, an authentic, relaxing Japanese head and scalp treatment. “Her scalp massage was divine and rid me of my sleep issues. I slept like a baby that night,” raves one client in an online review.
Pennapa says the best part of her job is being able to help people feel better. “About 90% of my clients come in with some form of discomfort or tension, and it makes me truly happy when I can help relieve that, and see them walk out feeling lighter and more relaxed. Knowing I can make a positive difference in someone’s day is the best part of my work.”
Most of Pennapa’s clients come to her through word-of-mouth. Since opening her business, she’s rarely done promotions or discounts. Instead, she’s focused on providing high-quality, authentic treatments and personalized care. “I think people recognize and appreciate that commitment to quality over quantity, and they share their experiences with others. Their trust and support mean everything to me,” she says.
As a small business owner, Pennapa does everything on her own, from treatments to administration. Being voted a Reader Favourite for the third time makes her proud, as well as reflective about the support she feels from the Sudbury community.
“People here truly appreciate small businesses, and they’re not shy to share good experiences or help one another. Since opening my studio, I’ve met so many genuine, caring individuals who make me feel welcomed and valued. Sudbury has a strong sense of community, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
For more information or to purchase a gift card for Forrest Thai Massage, visit: ForrestThaiMassage.com
This article was sponsored by Forrest Thai Massage, a 2025 Sudbury·com Reader Favourite.