Report Vietnamese Sex Workers Surge in Bangkok Amid Visa Policy Concerns

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

A startling report has uncovered a dramatic increase in Vietnamese sex workers, now surpassing Thai nationals in Bangkok's infamous sex trade. This shift is largely linked to Thailand's inviting tourist visa policies, which have inadvertently turned the kingdom into a hub for foreign sex workers.

 

Channel 7 News unveiled this developing issue, spotlighting how these visa rules have allowed numerous Vietnamese women to enter Thailand, with many ending up in the streets of Bangkok.

 

The report followed an investigative team from 7HD to Soi Nana 4, a well-known hotspot for the city's sex trade. Here, women of various nationalities, predominantly Vietnamese, were found openly offering their services. To dig deeper, the team posed as tourists, engaging with one woman who quoted her services at 1,700 baht.

 

Their attempt to negotiate the price down to 1,000 baht was met with refusal, and the woman confirmed her Vietnamese origin. This scene, according to the investigation, is not an isolated occurrence but a nightly reality in various parts of the city.

 

Airing their findings, Channel 7 included a scene where a concerned citizen implored the police to take action, stating, “the alley is already full.”

 

Despite this visual evidence and direct accounts, a Crime Suppression Division spokesperson confessed it was the first documented evidence of Vietnamese women working the streets rather than online. This prompted an immediate call for Division 1 to undertake an urgent investigation.

 

The burgeoning presence of foreign sex workers has also been observed by locals. Tuk-tuk drivers and residents alike confirmed the noticeable surge, with foreign faces becoming increasingly common in areas notorious for prostitution.

 

Despite the clear rise, the law remains firm; prostitution is illegal in Thailand, regardless of one's nationality. This increase in street-based solicitation has, therefore, become a cause for concern among law enforcement and citizens.

 

 

Police Major General Witthawat Chinkam, who heads the Metropolitan Police Bureau 5, offered insight into the situation. He explained that most foreign women arrive on standard tourist visas valid for three to five months.

 

Many are drawn to the trade not through coercion but by the advice and stories of peers already working in the industry. “They hear from friends that money can be made here, and so they come. But hearing it and doing it isn't legal. Our police forces have been conducting continuous crackdowns,” he stated.

 

Despite ongoing police efforts to curb illegal prostitution, the evidence from Soi Nana 4 suggests the trade's persistence and evolution. Foreign nationals, now a significant part of the scene, have complicated the issue beyond its traditional borders.

 

This dynamic shift in Bangkok's sex trade calls for a reevaluation of visa policies and stronger enforcement of existing laws to effectively manage the city’s thriving red-light activities.

 

As media reports shed further light on these issues, the challenge remains for Thai authorities to adapt and enforce regulations that address both the legal and social ramifications of this ongoing situation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-27

 

 

[Yellowtail]

Any specific bars/areas that should be avoided? 

[JoseThailand]

14 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

He explained that most foreign women arrive on standard tourist visas valid for three to five months.

 

WTF

[JoseThailand]

5 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Any specific bars/areas that should be avoided? 

 

I don't wanna get scammed out of 1700 baht

[Yellowtail]

Just now, JoseThailand said:

 

I don't wanna get scammed out of 1700 baht

You must be a right winger. I like to spread the money around. 

[JoePai]

Excellent, more choice

[Upnotover]

Sounds great, if only they'd give them bars to operate from.  Like the four floors (SG) once was.

[Mavideol]

14 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Excellent, more choice

and better looking and better service

[dinsdale]

33 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Channel 7 News unveiled this developing issue, spotlighting how these visa rules have allowed numerous Vietnamese women to enter Thailand, with many ending up in the streets of Bangkok.

So numerous Vietnamese women with many ending up on the game somehow equates to outnumbering Thais on the game in BKK. Total BS.

[Dmitry2222]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

one woman who quoted her services at 1,700 baht.

 

Their attempt to negotiate the price down to 1,000 baht was met with refusal

 

Looks like the guys from Channel 7 are not handsome at all. 😀

[jts-khorat]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

A startling report has uncovered a dramatic increase in Vietnamese sex workers, now surpassing Thai nationals in Bangkok's infamous sex trade.

 

Right. 🤪

[Quentin Zen]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Their attempt to negotiate the price down to 1,000 baht was met with refusal,

If 1,000 was accepted, they would try to negotiate down to 500, then 200, then 100, then 50.    

 

They must not have been very hansum.    

 

I've never seen a Vietnamese sex worker in Bangkok.   

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

to undertake an urgent investigation.

 

yes, will start immediately.    What, all short-term hotels are full?   

[ikke1959]

Another hub....There are more Thai sexworkers than other nationalities..

[Cameroni]

5 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

now surpassing Thai nationals in Bangkok's infamous sex trade

 

So quality reporting from Channel 7 then.

 

More Vietnamese hookers in Thailand than Thai hookers.

 

Sure, sure...more  Bahn Mi than Boat noodles as well...makes perfect sense.

[watchcat]

12 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Any specific bars/areas that should be avoided? 

 

Bars selling beer.?

[wombat]

Was that 1700 baht with or without condom and did she do anal?

Asking for a friend 

[spidermike007]

This is great news. Haven't seen any. Where are they working? Hooray. Power to the Viet women! 

[WEBBYB808]

There's no prostitution in Thailand.. or is there?  I'm  confused.   Thailand authorities state there's no prostitution, but the media as in this one says differently.   Lol.  Wink wink!

[Bluetongue]

I think a more in depth investigation is required 

[Mason45]

How can anything be surpassed when it doesn't exist?

[ryandb]

Non story, there are no Thai prostitutes I've been informed of this many times. Vietnamese just offering a service Thai's have never provided.

[Celsius]

Another pho ny story

[Pouatchee]

i guess the thais are worried the competition will bring the prices down. Not long ago here on AN there were reports of short time happy endings for 5000bht an hour if memory serves me right... or maybe i read that on stickman... either way seems like the prices exploded and now... thais are in for some competition

[mran66]

I would think thai govt and esp TAT and BoT would be happy as this means  foreigners bring their cash to thailand instead of traveling to Vietnam.

 

If not enough local workers, need to just import workers to satisfy demand and keep forex coming to thailand. 

[AAArdvark]

The police need to investigate more deeply with their crack team

[J Branche]

14 minutes ago, Pouatchee said:

i guess the thais are worried the competition will bring the prices down. Not long ago here on AN there were reports of short time happy endings for 5000bht an hour if memory serves me right... or maybe i read that on stickman... either way seems like the prices exploded and now... thais are in for some competition

That's what happens.  One tourist has no idea and pays the excessive amount, word spreads and others think they can get more.  Same thing happens with rent prices for housing.

Just talk her up, you can't get a fair price move on.  

[Nickcage49]

Illegal. Uh huh. They'll go after the viets because they're talking money away from Thais. Same thing they do with the Africans.

[ThailandRyan]

16 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

You must be a right winger. I like to spread the money around. 

 

16 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

You must be a right winger. I like to spread the money around. 

Would that be Seed Money....

[2long]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

now surpassing Thai nationals in Bangkok's infamous sex trade.

I'm sorry but NO WAY are there more Vietnamese 'working girls' in Thailand than Thais.

[2long]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the team posed as tourists, engaging with one woman

Just one. And don't forget, they don't always tell the truth about age, gender, how many kids and boyfriends they have, so why trust them about nationality?