You say you are not a prude but your judgemental tone suggests otherwise.
In Thailand there are thousands of ladies receiving money, for services rendered, every night. Few are weak, bullied, controlled or trafficked (a few are and that is unacceptable). Not all work in bars; some are students, some are wives, some work massage, most are just trying to survive and support their families. The fact that, culturally, they are able to regard sex as just another bodily function means they can detatch themselves from the emotion and bigotry that is often associated with their perceived title as whores. They are nothing like 'prostitutes' in western countries.