Spas in Maldives should be built like those in Bangkok, Male' city councillor Saeeda Rashad from the now-dissolved Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has said.

Speaking at the 182nd meeting of the fourth session of the Male' City Council, Saeeda said building spas in Maldives, similar to Bangkok, will bring relief to patients.

"I would like to say, there are spas in Bangkok, right? Why don't we design our spas the same way? Then it will be better for patients too, to get foot rubs and things. I think it will be better to keep open," she said.

Noting that a large number of Maldivians travel to Bangkok to seek services from spas, Saeeda said it is better to have similar "open spas" in Male'.

"All Maldivians go to Bangkok for spas. So wouldn't it be better if open spas like that were here in Male'?" she added.

The Economic Ministry has asked the city council to make a decision on the operation of spas in Male'. A committee from the city council is now seeking opinions from relevant parties.

At today's city council meeting, Mayor Adam Azim said a large number of businessmen have requested the council to make a decision on granting permission to operate spas.

Azim said the law requires the city council to issue permission to operate a spa in Male'.

The mayor has asked the council committee to present its decision on the operation of spas in Male' to the council’s formal session next week.