Virgin Active seeks code of conduct for Thai fitness club industry
INTERNATIONAL health-club operator Virgin Active is proposing that the health and fitness industry in Thailand launch a national code of conduct that would be independently overseen and, among other things, would seek to forbid contracts with minimum commitment periods of over 12 months and significant upfront payments for club memberships.
To push forward this code of conduct without delay, Virgin Active says it will be contacting other health and fitness club operators with the proposal over the next few months. Virgin Active was acquired by South African investment firm Brait for more than Bt70 billion in 2015. It has five clubs in Thailand with plans to open 15 more over the next five years. It offers a range of contracts, including flexible and longer term, and does not charge upfront payments.
Virgin Active said it had noted the recent news about True Fitness’ abrupt closure with deep concern. It is offering affected True members access to Virgin Active’s clubs in Bangkok for free until the end of the month, with some restrictions to limit disruption to its existing members.
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, said: “We have found Thailand to be a great country to operate in. The health and fitness sector has exciting growth prospects, and as responsible operators we continue to invest in fantastic clubs which provide our members with world-class facilities.
“We are focused on expanding our business, getting more people active and creating more jobs. However, a minority of less responsible players are in danger of damaging the sector’s reputation. This has to stop and we are proposing steps … to ensure that this cannot happen in the future.”
