A foundation advocating for sex workers has put forward a draft bill in parliament to decriminalise sex work and extend labor protections to those in the industry. Submitted by the Empower Foundation at 10:30 on Thursday, the bill was received by an adviser to House Speaker Sophon Zarum. This move aims to replace the outdated 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act, which criminalises voluntary sex workers.

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The proposed Sex Service Provider Protection Act seeks to categorise sex work as legitimate labor, offering sex workers the same rights and protections as other professions. Representatives from the House Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights, along with MPs from the People’s Party and Pheu Thai Party, were in attendance during the submission. The current laws leave sex workers vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination, according to the foundation's spokesperson.

“This bill is not an endorsement of sex work,” explained a representative of the Empower Foundation. "It’s about respecting the decisions of those who engage in this work and ensuring they receive fundamental rights." The new legislation purports to address safety concerns not only for sex workers but also for clients and business operators by establishing a clearer legal framework.

As this draft moves through parliamentary processes, advocacy groups, experts, and policymakers will need to discuss the broader implications. If passed, the law could significantly change the landscape for sex workers, offering more security and reducing stigma. The legal journey of the bill is likely to spark wide-ranging discussions on workers’ rights and public safety.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 28 May 2026

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If you are a sex worker please register? Yeah Right.

I think the person who wrote this article made a typo. Maybe he meant six workers as there isn't any sex workers in Thailand.

Great news. When you have a culture that pays 15,000 baht a month for an unskilled worker, willing to work 50-60 hours a week, and being lorded over by an unsympathetic and often tyrannical boss it lowers the choice of options. And when you consider that someone who spends the time, effort, and fortune to get ahead in life, by getting a four year college degree, and then only earns 3,000 to 5,000 baht a month more, something is very, very broken. 

So, let's take it easy with the judgments ok? Some of us were more fortunate in this life, than others. Some have limited options. Some see this work as an opportunity to lift themselves up, from a life of poverty, and help their family in the process. Many are hoping to meet a good guy, who can help them to live a more comfortable and financially stable life.

Nothing wrong with any of that, as long as you are not lost in the very dark world of the judgment and condemnation of others, and as long as the woman takes care of herself, and is fortunate enough to not run into seriously horrible creeps along the way.

Register and pay tax.

lthe fact prostitution is illegal in Thailand when a large proportion of income is earned by sex workers and sex related businesses.

Proves the law is an ass.

Sex workers should have rights as their careers have plenty of ups and downs.

Let’s see if it gets anywhere this time. It’s been up for debate for years and keeps getting bypassed.

1 hour ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Register and pay tax.

Why not, most of them are evading their tax duties right now.

Just now, Peter Crow said:

Why not, most of them are evading their tax duties right now.

It makes sense, especially when all Thais will have to file tax returns in the future. Apart from that they might even enjoy a pension when they are phased out by a younger competition.

The move to decriminalise sex work in Thailand is not new. The problem most of the workers involved don't want any part of it. They would prefer to stay out of sight and off any official record.

1 hour ago, Thingamabob said:

The move to decriminalise sex work in Thailand is not new. The problem most of the workers involved don't want any part of it. They would prefer to stay out of sight and off any official record.

Of course, consumed a Soi 24 sweet little butterfly, a couple of times last week, she is from Phuket and said her mother would kill her if she knew...

Imagine the massacre if they all at once went above ground.

Edited May 29May 29 by Peter Crow

21 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

If you are a sex worker please register? Yeah Right.

Why not if it gives them some rights?

20 hours ago, Rams86 said:

Maybe he meant six workers as there isn't any sex workers in Thailand

Says who?

4 hours ago, jippytum said:

lthe fact prostitution is illegal in Thailand when a large proportion of income is earned by sex workers and sex related businesses.

Proves the law is an ass.

A large proportion? You're asserting that there is more income earned from prostitution in Thailand than from all other incomes, where has that 'statistic' come from?

5 hours ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Register and pay tax.

...and receive benefits.

Lie down for an hourly wage (taxes and bar fine deducted)!

4 hours ago, Peter Crow said:

hours ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Register and pay tax.

Why not, most of them are evading their tax duties right now

No, they're not evading tax, illegal activities cannot be taxed by the Revenue Department

Trouble is that if the bill goes through and they get the protections and rights that other professions do (not saying the shouldn't though), then sex workers will be liable for tax... talk about a hard one (forgive the pun) to collect and manage.

There would be a few strings attached and freelancers probably wouldn't qualify, only in designated and licenced locations like soapy massage places etc. Talk about a can of worms to sort out. Bet it just gets kicked into the long grass as problematic, to say the least, to implement properly.

I doubt it would benefit many sex workers. The current system of barfines means most can operate within the law, and I doubt any decriminalisation will mean that sex workers can openly solicit their wares or that brothels will be legal. If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it!

5 hours ago, Peter Crow said:

Why not, most of them are evading their tax duties right now.

All of them avoid tax. You don’t think where it say’s occupation they are going to say hooker do you.