Behind The Scenes Of The Thailand Sex Trade
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THE CULTURE
In order to begin to understand what goes on behind the scenes in Thailand's sex industry, you need to have some basic knowledge of Thai culture. I will not proclaim to be an expert on Thai culture, as I am not Thai, however my 10 years experience living in Thailand, my ability to speak the language and my time as a teacher, makes me far more qualified to comment on this issue than women's rights activists, NGO's and tourists that have never lived in this country. The reality is that the way Thai people view prostitution is very different than the way western people do. Prostitution has been an active part of Thai society for hundreds of years. Many people in the west believe that Thailand's sex industry exists to cater to western men, and that if foreigners were not travelling to Thailand seeking sex, Thai women would not be forced into prostitution.
What these people do not realize is that most of Thailand's sex trade workers cater to a Thai clientele. It is common for Thai men, both married and single to use the services of sex trade workers in karaoke bars, brothels and massage parlors. Most of the places frequented by Thai men are not available to tourists. Prostitution as a profession, and the use of prostitution as a service, is generally considered as very normal in Thailand. Thai law prohibits the sale or distribution of any sexually explicit images, nudity, pornography or anything of this nature. In reality sex for hire is available on a massive scale in every part of Thai society.
THE VICTIMS
We have all heard the stories of the poor girls that are sold by their parents into prostitution, the exploited children and the underage girls forced to sell themselves. There may be cases of this in Thailand, however I can tell you that they are rare, and this is certainly not the situation in most cases. Most of the women working in Thailand's sex trade industry have made a decision to work as prostitutes because it is easier and more profitable than conventional work. There are plenty of jobs available for unskilled workers, many of these are filled by Burmese immigrants, because not enough Thai people will accept jobs that require physical labor for low wages.
Many people try to paint the men as the victims, because many middle aged men come to Thailand looking for love, and end up being conned out of thier life savings. Many of these men probably deserve everything they get, as they should not be expecting that a 19 year old beautiful woman is going to fall in love with them instantly because they have money. There are many stories of men losing their entire life savings after being conned by a bar girl, and many of the girls are in business to do just this. It is probably, in many cases, more accurate to describe a Thai bar girl as a predator, rather than a victim.
THE RISKS
Now the risk of AIDS is often talked about when discussing prostitution in Thailand. Nowadays most sex trade workers practice safe sex using condoms, and this has helped reduce the risk of contracting HIV. I would definitely recommend using protection if you are using the services of a sex trade worker, in Thailand or anywhere else in the world. The risk of being cheated out of large sums of money is always a concern in Thailand, in any business arrangement. It is often said that the best looking women in Thailand are actually men, and this is a very real concern. You want to be careful if you meet a tall girl with large breasts and she looks too good to be true. There are many ways to spot a katoey (transsexual) however there is always the exception to the rule. You can reduce the risk of an unwanted encounter with a transsexual by avoiding bars and nightclubs that they are known to frequent.
THE MYTHS
One of the most common myths is that Thai women working as prostitutes are eager to marry a western man in order to get a ticket out of Thailand. Many western people might think of Thailand as a third world country, Thai people view their country as the center of the universe, a global economic superpower (as Americans view America). Compared to Myanmar and other surrounding countries, Thailand is a land of opportunity and they do dominate economics in the region. The fact is that most Thai prostitutes are not interested in leaving Thailand, and many of them are not interested in getting married.
The idea that The Vietnam War is responsible for creating the sex industry in Thailand is completely false. Thailand has had an active sex trade for more than a century, and for the most part foreigners have little to do with it. Today there are approximately 3 million sex trade workers in Thailand, and less than 1 million of those have any access to foreigners.
THE REALITY
The reality is that prostitution in Thailand is socially acceptable and part of life in Thailand. This has been a part of Thai society for hundreds of years, and was introduced to foreigners during the Vietnam war. There are plenty of opportunities for Thai women to work as waitresses and cooks, cleaners etc., however many of these jobs are filled by Burmese because Thai people do not want to accept these jobs. Unfortunately it is very common for major networks to run stories on this subject, written by people that have very limited experience in this country, and they really are not well enough informed to be making any comments on the topic.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights groups are focused in their efforts to put an end to horrible crimes such as human trafficking and child prostitution. I support their efforts as much as anyone, however the problem is that many of them come to Thailand full of passion and dedication to their cause, but absolutely lacking in experience and knowledge. I have attached a video below that is a prime example of a human rights group that is miss informed and publishing non factual and miss leading information. This is unfortunate because it takes away their credibility when they are truly trying to accomplish something good. There are plenty of human rights issues in Thailand that need to be addressed, however many organizations are focused in all the wrong places.
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MPG -
Thanks for the commments.
My point of view on this subject is often missunderstood. I am not saying I agree with the trade, I am simply asking that people who have strong opinions condemning it, should first get their facts straight. And those people that have never been here to witness it must realize that it is a complex issue that you can not understand unless you have witnessed it yourself. Travelling to a country on holidays a few times for a few weeks or months here and there does not mean you have an understanding of their social and political issues. Many people have a strong opinion on this subject, without having any experience to base it on.
Unfortunately this is the case with many subjects, people who have a little knowledge like to voice their opinions loudly and that makes good, sensationalised news which people tend to believe.
MPG - Thanks for the comment,very well put!
In an intersting twist to this story, I have interviewed several upper class professional Thai women who are disgusted with the way they see this topic reported in western media. In one of these interviews, I asked "why do you think Thai women sell sex?", the answer was "for the same reason western women do". This might surprise some people, as popular opinion is that Thai women are faced with a much different set of problems. Perhaps people will be more open to hearing the opinions of educated, professional Thai women rather than the opinions of a western man. This is a story I am working on and it will be published soon.
It's only a part of night life. But only not even 1% of total population of Thailand not engaged in the sex industry as it is exaggerated by media. Thai people are lovely people and Thailand is the best country to spend rest of any one life peacefully, happily and economically.
regards/James
James,
I happen to agree with you, and that is what this article was all about. I do not like the way the media portrays Thailand when it comes to prostitution, and I am trying to set the record straight!
I agree with some of your comments made, but... I happen to work with the women in the sex industry, I go out into the bars, clubs etc. and interact with the women the men who use the service. However some women are trafficked in and yes there are some have made the choice to be their. However, unfortunately the majority of the women I have come into contact with regardless if forced into in the industry or by choice - WANT OUT! Many suffer with PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, low confidence, low self-esteem, no self-worth, nightmares dependant on sleep medication on some form of drugs etc. With the demands to send money back to their families, they feel they have no choice...Even if there are low paid jobs...How eager would you be take a job paying ($2 -$8 a day, after slogging hard at work for 12+ hours per day.
Light,
Thank you for commenting. I guess if you have come to Thailand with the idea of helping sex trade workers get out of the business, you will see a different side of it than I have. Just as people who have come to Thailand with the sole intent of using thier services will see another side of it. I believe I did state in my article that I realize some women are trafficked (I only said that it is not common). I am also well aware that many of the girls working in this industry have severe mental health issues and in some cases, drug problems. I have also written several articles about this:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Phuket-Girl
The idea that working for $8 per day is not a real option? I refuse to accept that, indeed there are millions of Thais that work in the restaurant and hotel industry, in factories, or other low paying jobs. They do not feel sorry for themselves, they enjoy their lives.
If you have failed to see this, then you really don't have much of an understanding of Thailand and Thai culture.
Thank you TravelinAsia for sharing your article about 'Nicky', however I feel that your last comment and your article are a bit of a contradiction...."They do not feel sorry for themselves, they enjoy their lives"... Yet, Nicky who went into the sex industry willing seemed to end up with mental health problems, self-esteem issues etc. Don't get me wrong I am not trying to paint a picture that every person is not happy or enjoying their life... However, the true reality, when the make-up, glamour and money is striped away and you really hear the real story underneath it is not always a pretty one. To me it sounds like Nicky was telling you her side of the story in away to make it sound very glamorous and she was in control...but from your final points she clearly was not! What did she really gain from it? The money, the success of her business, still did not make her happy or stop the possible mental health problems that seemed arise? You also did not answer question. Would you be happy to accept $2-$8 per day for working very hard 12+ hours a-day in a job that you did not particularly enjoy (described as 'a dead end job'? I work tying to set the women up in income generational projects, so they can find others ways to work, in a job they enjoy and earn a decent salary... offering education, life long learning skills etc. The success and the change, transformation and 'real happiness, brighter future and enjoyment for life' in women who initially told me "...that they chose to be in the sex industry, and are happy!..." and initially come across like they are enjoying it all, is quite something to see. I am also aware of the amount of conning that women do to the men... Alot of the women feel that want to get as much as they can, for the type of role they play, it is a game of deception and lies... The men cannot be so naive to this, if they are going to play in the industry. What price would you put on your body? Please again do not get me wrong as I not completely taking sides either, as I mentioned in my first comment "...I interact with the women and the MEN who use the service...", so also get to hear the MEN'S stories as well both from the tourists and the local Thais... I don't disagree with you I have met some Thais that really do enjoy life or want to enjoy life. I suggest that if you get a chance read the autobiography 'My Name LON...You Like Me?' by Derek Sharron. It is very honest account of the game of deception, lies and conning played by the women but also very good account of the general Thai culture, political and economic backdrop and how women really feel about being in the industry. Thank you for sharing your views and high lighting issues from an unbiased perspective.
Light,
You seem to have clearly read and understood my articles. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on them, and thank you for having an open mind about it. I don't think my comments were contradictional, I think you misunderstood? I was saying that those people that choose to work for a low salary as apposed to in the sex industry do not feel sorry for themselves, and they enjoy thier lives.
Nicky chose a different path, and money was not what made her choose this path. Nicky came from a wealthy family, and she could have had plenty of money doing anything she wanted to do.
I will check out the book that you recommended, I am always interested in hearing what others have to say.
To answer your question, I would certainly NOT be happy with a low salary, but I am not Thai. I can offer you plenty of examples of people that would be happy to earn $8 per day.
cheers
Jesse(TravelinAsia)
It's important to know that nobody is forced into this kind of work. People have the choice and freedom to work in a bar. The reasons why they do pick up this kind of work is very understandable and has not to much to do with culture rather than wishes for a prosper life.
Soi 6,
I think what you say is true in most cases, however you should choose your words carefully. I would not say "never", but I would say it is rare. I do disagree that it has nothing to do with culture, that seems pretty obvious to me. I do think it is understandable why people choose this occupation, however I am not sure it will lead to a prosperous life.
great article thanks for the good read !
People choose this trade for very different reasons. I agree with your point of view.
Good work.
youmeget
Those girls are hot.
Prometheuskid.. you could not find anything more constructive to say other than "those girls are hot"? You strike me as the kind of character that looks at the pictures and doesn't read the text. Maybe you should stick to comic books or playboy magazine?
I live here to and I agree with alot of your statements. I have been the customer in many cases and had a great expeience. My family is Thai and my wife of 14 years understands like most Thai wives that sex is not love and can be put in a different category then what westerners think. I have many "bar girl" friends with my wife. That is their job just like any other and are treated just like other women who work for a living.
Peter, thank you for your comments. As an expat with years of experience living in Thailand, I am sure you know what you are talking about. Unfortunately people in the west don't seem to understand this.
Just as every person on this Good Earth is different from every other one, so it goes in the Thai sex trade: each person and situation has a different story with some good, some bad and everything in between. Generalizations do nothing to advance the concept of tolerance, Peace, and working together to solve the problems we all face in our connected world. And it is all connected.
Prostution in Thailand, like anywhere else in the world is an attractive draw for many women who want easy money. But I disagree with the idea that since it is prevalent in Thailand, that it is also accepted in Thai society. I am an American of Asian heritage and I had an experience in Thailand that contradicts your statement that prostitution is such an accepted part of Thai society. I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel often around SE Asia and a few years back I'd traveled to Thailand with a caucasian boyfriend. We stayed at the JW Marriott and one night had dinner at a very local Thai hot pot place across the way. There was not one tourist in the restaurant. After we were seated, the waitress came over to us. She did not look at me or even talked to me when I tried to engaged her in conversation, and she was frosty to me to say the least when everywhere else I've been in Thailand the people were engaging and warm. My bf at the time tried to engage her in conversation though her english was quite good, she was not nice. She then turn to me and spoke Thai to me and I told her I did not understand. Suddenly, she was a lot nicer. We come to find later that she thought I was a prostitute since I was quite tan from being on the beach in Koh Samui. The prostitutes may be accepted in the nightclubs but they are still looked down upon and not truly accepted in Thai society.
@Tourist,
Yes I know exactly what you are talking about, I have seen this many times. As a tourist you have a different outlook than I do as somebody who has lived in Thailand my entire adult life.
I agree that prostitutes are looked down upon by Thai society. I think that you may have missunderstood my point regarding this issue. I am well aware that prostitutes are looked down upon by many Thai people.
I will explain it like this, in the USA, there are many professions that are looked down upon, especially by people who might stay at a place like the JW Marriott.
If you are (or appear to be) a janitor, a garbage man, a gas station attendant ... well you won't get a very warm welcome in the lounge at the Marriott.
Prostitutes make up the lower class in Thailand, and they get treated accordingly. This doesn't mean that the sex trade is not an accepted part of the society. It is not uncommon in this world to discriminate against people who make up an important part of your society.
What's a katoey? Just kidding. Great article. I live in Thailand too. See my HUB at JacksBlogs.
i live in thailand too, and your summary is spot on. i might add that prostitutes are often looked down upon as lower class not only because of their profession, but also most come from the poorer rural parts of thailand (e.g., Isan). And Thailand is very much a stratified class society. Secondly, I might add that some thai wives accept their husbands' patronage of prostitutes. If the husband is wealthy enough, he will take on a mistress (mia noi or minor wife) rather than frequent places of prostitution... which is really only a different type of paid companionship.
finally, the wages are just too lucrative. i was talking with a girl on soi 6/pattaya last sunday, and she makes 60,000 baht a month (~$2000), with customers paying 600 baht per hour. She said she bought her parents in Rayong a truck and was making payments on their farm. In contrast, I pay my maid 10,000 baht a month, and most degreed office workers I know are paid 8000 to 14,000 per month. So just do the math....
Sorry to see what we humans are doing to each other. I love Thailand and I love this people. I am also sorry for this girl in the video you posted in your hub.
@Delphine,
If you want to feel sorry about what humans are doing to each other, just read the Phuket Gazette. Thailand's biggest problems have nothing to do with the sex trade. There is a serious lack of law and order in Phuket, and human rights are almost non existant in Thailand. You can read a recent report of a Thai man that was a serial rapist, raping Nepalese migrant workers. The Thai police have refused to prosecute him for this .. see PG : http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/201
I agree with the post. I live here and although I have never been with a prostitute. I talk to them regularly. Spot on.
MPG Narratives Level 4 Commenter 19 months ago
Interesting how the West views the Thai sex trade as deceptive and only having been around since the Vietnam war. It is apparent by your article that the trade is part of Thai culture and has been around for longer than foreigners have been travelling there. Interesting topic TravelinAsia, I'm sure many people will make up their own mind about whether they agree with the trade or not, no matter which country it is practiced.