Thailand’s Bold Move: Decriminalising Sex Work Sparks National Debate

[snoop1130]

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is causing a stir with a proposal to develop an entertainment complex that would bring underground businesses, including sex work, into the formal economy. This initiative aims to boost government revenue through taxation, funding crucial welfare programmes in education, public health, and infrastructure.

 

Surang Janyam, director of SWING, an organisation advocating for sex workers' rights, underscores the importance of decriminalising sex work. "During Covid, many sex workers were left without compensation or welfare. Over 50% of the 500 sex workers we spoke to expressed a desire to be part of the labour system and pay taxes."

 

Brothel owners also support the plan, citing protection from extortion and illicit payments as key benefits. In Pattaya, focus groups revealed unanimous backing for the proposal, with local businesses ready to comply with taxation for legal protections.

 

 

 

 

However, Surang clarifies that the goal is decriminalisation, not legalisation, aiming to abolish laws criminalising the profession. Critics fear potential increases in child exploitation and trafficking. Surang counters that existing laws can address these issues and stresses that participation should be voluntary, allowing freelance workers to operate as small business owners.

 

Public perception remains a major obstacle, with moralistic debates often overshadowing economic arguments. Surang argues that economic realities should take precedence over subjective morality. "People need jobs and income. Morality is just an excuse to avoid tackling the real problem," she concludes.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-02

 

[MalcolmB]

Unfortunately even if it is decriminalized it will be a job probably reserved for Thais.

 

So sadly none of us on this forum will be able to get a job making love to sex tourists.

[Watawattana]

42 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

So sadly none of us on this forum will be able to get a job making love to sex tourists.

Dang, and I was going to apply.

 

Not sure I could live on a weekly income of 101 Baht though.  Who would give me that odd 1 Baht?  All of them!

[Watawattana]

No matter what happens, the sex industry will continue.  Legal, decriminalised or illegal.  For me, I'd have thought the Government might like the extra tax revenue.

[Gobbler]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

a proposal to develop an entertainment complex that would bring underground businesses, including sex work, into the formal economy.

Where are these "underground" businesses?

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

Unfortunately even if it is decriminalized it will be a job probably reserved for Thais.

 

So sadly none of us on this forum will be able to get a job making love to sex tourists.

Yeah, I really feel for you, as I understand how disappointed you are to not be able to do your dream work.

 

This comment was approximately what was expected from you. Totally weird and full of delusional fantasies.

[Gottfrid]

1 hour ago, Gobbler said:

Where are these "underground" businesses?

Let´s explain it for you. With underground, they mean not registered or legal. Not that everyone work at cellar level. So, is it better now?

[Gottfrid]

Yes, that is the right way to go. They need to protect them, or enforce the existing laws. There are no middle ways here. They have been neglected for far too long.

[gk10012001]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Critics fear potential increases in child exploitation and trafficking.

I don't see how decriminalizing adult behavior would contribute to child exploitation.  Laws about that exploitation should still be enforced .  Same for trafficking.  If things were monitored or licensed wouldn't that make it harder to exploit?