I haven't seen the documentary so can't comment on whether it is negative or just factual.
I do know that the number of prostitutes across the European Union's 28 members states ranges between 700,000 and as many as 1.2 million. In Germany alone, the industry is estimated to be worth $16.3 billion, according to Germany's Federal Statistics Office. This is in itself evidence that it is possible for a government to gain much needed revenue from the world oldest profession while reducing social stigma and disease - if the income is used wisely.
Pattaya is the region's sex capital and that is simply a fact of life. The Thai government can either regulate it and benefit or keep it informal and act offended.