Thailand's International Image, Just Sex Tourism?

[Birdman]

...don't know what kind of movies you watch. The only A-rated comedy, which was not shot in Thailand, I know with a minor Thai connection, was "Meet the parents", where a package tour to Koh Samui was a wedding present.

I never said nor did I intend to convey that these Thai hooker jokes involved plots or settings with any connection to Thailand whatsoever! They are purely gratuitous. A Thai hooker joke is always good for a cheap laugh, and they are used widely. Thai related gay insult jokes in American movies are also common, usually about funny uncles marrying Thai boys. Sometimes I am truly AMAZED at how some people misread posts.

I can't remember even 1 Western movie with a Thai hooker joke. Although I have seen thousands of movies.

[EnhancePlus]

Most people in the states see LOS as the land of whores, political instabilty, beautiful beaches and a haven for pedos. It's too bad.

What is the reference you are citing for "most people"?

I'm just making a wild'a guess but it would be that "most people" in the states don't even know where Thailand is... But this is to me just another example of assuming that this perspective is widespread without any evidence.

I work in a very creative industry that runs the whole gamut of social backgrounds. Yeah, I have had people think it was Taiwan 555.

[Freddie_fly]

You guys are too much involved in the bar scene. You do not know about the hordes of tourists which visit Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Arun, Budhamonton, the Floating Market, Wat Po, Traimitr, Ayuthaya, the Klongs, the crocodile farm, Damnoen Saduak...day by day. Big tour groups flock to Bangkok for that daily from Asia and Europe. And none of that package tourists is interested in the bar scene at all.

Of course they don't write their comments here on this expat forum. But if you would read the major tourist forums on the net, you would get a completely other picture of personal views from Bangkok. No one mentions bgs and piss ups.

Right On!

There's also places like Phu Prabat - the latest new Unesco World Heritage Site for Thailand, that few people even knows about. Thailand is also a favourite destination amongst asians who comes on religious pilgrims, not only to big temples in bangkok, but forest temples, and famous meditation centers.

Sorry but I think you guys are living in some other place, all those big tour groups take them to the "family" places by day and then run them all down to the "real tourist landmarks", ie Patpong, nana, cowboy. at night.

Simple fact is everyone here who is talking about "beautiful scenery and wonderful temples" is just blinkering themselves to the common fact that, outside a few areas, Thai's just want to sell you things and make you part with your money as quickly as possible and if that means selling you a girl then "HEY" we have many beautiful women....come on inside.

I have been here 30 years and it has never changed. I have lived in small villages and big towns and every one of them had a place to buy girls, So dont tell me Thailand is sellig itself as a Green, spectacular tourist resort, because for everyone of those guys trying to sell you scenery,culture,temples and history, I could introduce you to 5 guys who want to sell you "beautiful young lady".

Dont get me wrong, I love this country and what it has given to me, a Beautiful wife and a fantastic daughter, but take off the rose tinted glasses for gods sake. and please dont quote me your "I think" statistics about happy families enjoying Pattaya. I lived in Pattaya for 15 years it is a slease hole of the first order, and anyone saying that 50% of tourist who go there is looking for culture and watersports needs some serious medication. ( well maybe not the watersports...).

Many people have quoted here about Thailand, firstly the ones from the USA, you can discount them as 84% of americans cant even show you England on a map (yes I know we left them way too early and didnt teach them how to speak proper English) let alone Thailand. All the others have a good job here and make lots of money and dont want to rock the boat (especially when they have just met a good girl).

After 30 years here I can say with some accuracy, that Thai/Falang marriages work as good as Farang/Farang marriages, they will never stop for you at a pedestrian crosssing, oh and it doesnt matter if they work in a bar or not, if they like you then they will stay with you, if you have to pay them then your technique is wrong.

regards

Freddie

[Jingthing]

Birdman said: I can't remember even 1 Western movie with a Thai hooker joke. Although I have seen thousands of movies.

There are several. I can't easily reference by name either as there is no "hook" to the jokes to remember them by. They are just a cheap guaranteed laugh, thus repeated by hack writers, again and again.

Here is a classic typical one from a very big box office movie, Snakes on a Plane, did you miss it?

"This bird's gonna go down like a Thai hooker!"

I do not believe you have watched thousand of movies without noticing these!

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qi...06120245AACXye5

Edited June 13, 2009 by Jingthing

[relaxed]

You guys are too much involved in the bar scene. You do not know about the hordes of tourists which visit Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Arun, Budhamonton, the Floating Market, Wat Po, Traimitr, Ayuthaya, the Klongs, the crocodile farm, Damnoen Saduak...day by day. Big tour groups flock to Bangkok for that daily from Asia and Europe. And none of that package tourists is interested in the bar scene at all.

Of course they don't write their comments here on this expat forum. But if you would read the major tourist forums on the net, you would get a completely other picture of personal views from Bangkok. No one mentions bgs and piss ups.

Right On!

There's also places like Phu Prabat - the latest new Unesco World Heritage Site for Thailand, that few people even knows about. Thailand is also a favourite destination amongst asians who comes on religious pilgrims, not only to big temples in bangkok, but forest temples, and famous meditation centers.

Sorry but I think you guys are living in some other place, all those big tour groups take them to the "family" places by day and then run them all down to the "real tourist landmarks", ie Patpong, nana, cowboy. at night.

Simple fact is everyone here who is talking about "beautiful scenery and wonderful temples" is just blinkering themselves to the common fact that, outside a few areas, Thai's just want to sell you things and make you part with your money as quickly as possible and if that means selling you a girl then "HEY" we have many beautiful women....come on inside.

I have been here 30 years and it has never changed. I have lived in small villages and big towns and every one of them had a place to buy girls, So dont tell me Thailand is sellig itself as a Green, spectacular tourist resort, because for everyone of those guys trying to sell you scenery,culture,temples and history, I could introduce you to 5 guys who want to sell you "beautiful young lady".

Dont get me wrong, I love this country and what it has given to me, a Beautiful wife and a fantastic daughter, but take off the rose tinted glasses for gods sake. and please dont quote me your "I think" statistics about happy families enjoying Pattaya. I lived in Pattaya for 15 years it is a slease hole of the first order, and anyone saying that 50% of tourist who go there is looking for culture and watersports needs some serious medication. ( well maybe not the watersports...).

Many people have quoted here about Thailand, firstly the ones from the USA, you can discount them as 84% of americans cant even show you England on a map (yes I know we left them way too early and didnt teach them how to speak proper English) let alone Thailand. All the others have a good job here and make lots of money and dont want to rock the boat (especially when they have just met a good girl).

After 30 years here I can say with some accuracy, that Thai/Falang marriages work as good as Farang/Farang marriages, they will never stop for you at a pedestrian crosssing, oh and it doesnt matter if they work in a bar or not, if they like you then they will stay with you, if you have to pay them then your technique is wrong.

regards

Freddie

I am a retired 50 year old and I have been to Thailand 5 times in the last year for pleasure and have yet been to any bars or even seen what I could say 100% sure was a hooker. I have not been to Pattaya, Patpong etc. Is it because I am getting laid so much already here in USA? I would never think of traveling 18 hours or so for sex but then again some people are not as fortunate as I.

[longstebe]

I am a retired 50 year old and I have been to Thailand 5 times in the last year for pleasure and have yet been to any bars or even seen what I could say 100% sure was a hooker. I have not been to Pattaya, Patpong etc. Is it because I am getting laid so much already here in USA? I would never think of traveling 18 hours or so for sex but then again some people are not as fortunate as I.

Are you female?

[charmonman]

I have been visiting or living in Thailand since 1987 and there has been a huge change in the tourism industry since then. In 1987 I would say a large majority of tourists and expats were young to middle-aged men and a large majority of them were at least partly here because of Patpong, Nana, Cowboy and the rest.

Now, from my own observations, there seems to be an even split between male and female (sometimes I think the females are slightly in the majority) and there is an incredibly large number of middle-aged to elderly couples - completely different from 1987.

As for the nightlife, in 1987 it was almost all sex-oriented in some way. Now there is much more variety and places like Nana and Cowboy seem almost a bit marginalized. As for Patpong, it barely qualifies as a sex-tourism attraction anymore, at least compared to the way it used to be. It is easier to find an English pub these days than a go-go bar.

Of course the international media are way behind the curve on this, and they won't give up on the cliche easily, given how easy it is to sell sensationalized stories about Thailand to their readers.

[Jingthing]

Now, from my own observations, there seems to be an even split between male and female (sometimes I think the females are slightly in the majority) and there is an incredibly large number of middle-aged to elderly couples - completely different from 1987.

Yeah, right.

INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS BY SEX

JANUARY - DECEMBER 2007

Country Sex

of Residence Male D(%) Female D(%)

East Asia 5,084,892 + 11.12 2,896,313 - 13.95

ASEAN 2,371,144 + 13.53 1,384,410 - 5.69

Brunei 8,615 + 14.96 3,815 - 26.18

Cambodia 69,398 - 20.92 39,378 + 4.77

Indonesia 148,602 + 20.24 85,317 - 9.79

Laos 311,044 + 128.91 210,018 + 43.50

Malaysia 995,323 + 5.43 556,636 - 12.29

Myanmar 50,291 + 20.81 24,892 - 2.10

Philippines 106,670 + 2.83 92,203 - 6.46

Singapore 538,354 + 6.52 260,746 - 16.63

Vietnam 142,847 + 2.78 111,405 - 1.28

China 628,904 + 9.52 374,237 - 18.48

Hong Kong 251,269 + 8.74 196,788 - 15.27

Japan 927,646 + 8.14 321,054 - 26.28

Korea 625,979 + 15.01 449,537 - 19.33

Taiwan 266,567 - 1.01 160,466 - 21.17

Others 13,383 + 22.55 9,821 - 6.42

Europe 2,423,003 + 20.80 1,266,767 - 3.74

Austria 48,700 + 6.15 25,450 - 17.42

Belgium 47,859 + 9.44 21,183 - 8.32

Denmark 85,645 + 20.91 49,361 - 7.42

Finland 83,556 + 29.96 54,776 + 14.81

France 243,267 + 15.99 108,384 - 1.63

Germany 364,070 + 16.25 173,130 - 11.10

Italy 111,227 + 18.76 47,696 - 4.00

Netherlands 118,927 + 14.95 64,420 - 9.02

Norway 72,471 + 20.78 37,605 - 10.29

Russia 159,448 + 65.95 120,323 + 26.99

Spain 54,222 + 21.21 30,492 + 4.84

Sweden 228,264 + 34.15 146,056 + 6.51

Switzerland 103,928 + 16.05 48,094 - 14.25

United Kingdom 513,917 + 10.76 232,505 - 17.41

East Europe 77,936 + 51.59 53,402 + 21.65

Others 109,566 + 28.85 53,890 + 5.11

The Americas 551,221 + 6.81 266,343 - 13.81

Argentina 3,450 + 49.42 2,161 + 43.59

Brazil 6,770 + 27.66 4,256 + 17.47

Canada 95,265 + 10.54 54,498 - 14.50

USA 430,030 + 4.89 193,608 - 16.08

Others 15,706 + 27.36 11,820 + 25.11

South Asia 526,778 + 22.92 158,796 - 10.12

Bangladesh 35,791 + 17.41 12,208 - 10.21

India 387,424 + 28.45 118,813 - 7.26

Nepal 16,309 - 3.60 4,229 - 32.73

Pakistan 39,006 + 12.99 8,755 - 17.40

Sri Lanka 34,325 - 0.46 9,914 - 23.52

Others 13,923 + 32.18 4,877 - 4.65

Oceania 458,253 + 27.41 273,030 + 2.04

Australia 400,002 + 29.95 238,124 + 3.23

New Zealand 56,158 + 11.64 33,770 - 7.22

Others 2,093 + 35.03 1,136 + 125.84

Middle East 328,093 + 20.04 125,798 - 5.08

Egypt 9,033 + 4.54 3,235 + 11.36

Israel 81,888 + 16.94 41,124 - 13.65

Kuwait 27,316 - 3.77 7,767 - 26.03

Saudi Arabia 18,899 + 5.36 5,347 - 9.86

U.A.E. 69,446 + 23.66 28,676 - 7.04

Others 121,511 + 31.81 39,649 + 14.22

Africa 64,331 + 17.36 40,610 + 2.57

South Africa 27,736 + 15.65 18,533 - 4.77

Others 36,595 + 18.69 22,077 + 9.67

Grand Total 9,436,571 + 14.88 5,027,657 - 10.34

Source of Data: Immigration Bureau, Police Department.

Remark : Overseas Thai Residents are not included

http://www2.tat.or.th/stat/web/static_download.php?Rpt=ita

and the results show over 9 million MALES

and over 5 million FEMALES

The TAT website will only spit out stats up to 2007, but close enough.

Also note the trend lines in that year, men UP 14 percent, women DOWN 10 percent.

Edited June 13, 2009 by Jingthing

[relaxed]

I am a retired 50 year old and I have been to Thailand 5 times in the last year for pleasure and have yet been to any bars or even seen what I could say 100% sure was a hooker. I have not been to Pattaya, Patpong etc. Is it because I am getting laid so much already here in USA? I would never think of traveling 18 hours or so for sex but then again some people are not as fortunate as I.

Are you female?

hahaha..thats a good one. I am male. Don't get me wrong I would like to check these areas out. Maybe I will on my next visit in a few months. I do like Thai ladies very much as well and have my share of them here in Los Angeles.

[david_dyer]

As for the nightlife, in 1987 it was almost all sex-oriented in some way. Now there is much more variety and places like Nana and Cowboy seem almost a bit marginalized. As for Patpong, it barely qualifies as a sex-tourism attraction anymore, at least compared to the way it used to be. It is easier to find an English pub these days than a go-go bar.

Of course the international media are way behind the curve on this, and they won't give up on the cliche easily, given how easy it is to sell sensationalized stories about Thailand to their readers.

This is probably what many people still think about thailand, It has changed more than people think. spot on, the 70's and 80's were pretty bad as far as sex tourists go but the gov had a healthy flow of tourist $.

in the 90's many bars and clubs were closed down (will find the referance).

today, as far as pathong goes, well, every town has the strip. I challenge everyone to name a major town anyplace in the world that does not have a bar or a brothel.

As mentioned manytimes in this topic, many people do visit the temples, beautifull beaches, ride the ferry to kohpanang and wait 8 hours for the ferry change to koh samui, etc...

for me, just walking a street with "tuk tuk - massage - tuk tuk - massage" all up the street is a little amusing but annoying, but it is just a part of the experiance.

Personally I only travel to see my special lady of 8 years (physics teacher in suratthani) and travel the lesser known attractions and forrests in the area, and just live thai style.......

thailands image is not that bad here in australia, and from experiance (people around me) sex tourism is not even discussed. but every one wants a gift brought back.

Edited June 13, 2009 by david_dyer

[yabaaaa]

Most people in the states see LOS as the land of whores, political instabilty, beautiful beaches and a haven for pedos. It's too bad.

What is the reference you are citing for "most people"?

I'm just making a wild'a guess but it would be that "most people" in the states don't even know where Thailand is... But this is to me just another example of assuming that this perspective is widespread without any evidence.

Vietnam war vets will know

[chiangdan]

It seems like half of the stories about Thailand that make the international news are about its sex tourism image and industry.

Do you think the David Carradine death will contribute to this bad image or do you think most people will assume he would have done it anywhere and not equate it with Thailand alone?

Yes I think it will and it is a real shame. I love Thailand it is a wonderful place deep in culture with wonderful people. However Thailand does promote itself on the sex industry. Ask the next stranger you see walking down the street in your country what he knows about Thailand and am sure they will say bargirls cheap sex, Pattaya. They won't mention the great food, beautiful beaches or wonderful place for a family holiday. Thailand is known around the world as a place to go to fulfill your wildest sexual fantasy with anyone or anything you like for less than the price of a cup of coffee. It will continue to attract the deviates and sexual predators untill it cleans up it's image and I hope it does clean itself up.

Yes I love Thailand but not the image it displays of itself to the world.

[chiangdan]

It seems like half of the stories about Thailand that make the international news are about its sex tourism image and industry.

Do you think the David Carradine death will contribute to this bad image or do you think most people will assume he would have done it anywhere and not equate it with Thailand alone?

The Western media will lap this up.

When my Thai wife and I first married 22 years ago in England, she used to sieve in anger at the way Thailand was portrayed on UK TV and I doubt if things have changed much.

Most of the documentaries about Thailand shown in Britain either depicted dirt poor peasants, bar girls or sex tourist bar crawlers.

Very rarely was anything showing Thailand in a positive light ever broadcast.

What do you want them to talk about? Thailand's thriving hi-tech industry ? its sizzling cultural life ? Honestly, when people talk about the "magical kingdom" it's not Thailand they have in mind.

Indonesia has Bali; Cambodia, Angkor Wat; Vietnam, Halong Bay; Thailand has Pattaya !

The only advantage Thailand has among the above mentioned countries is Thailand is a relatively safe, modern, developed place. But it won't last, they're catching fast.

A lot of high earning expat are looking for a base in Asia, Thailand has many advantage but if it doesn't evolved fast as an international business friendly place ... well ... Thailand will still have Pattaya.

I agree mate. But.....

when you want to plant a new garden you must dig out the weeds first.

Thailand, and in particular bangkok, needs a media loving, larger than life Governor who for the first 4 years of his/her term spends their entire time in front of international media pulling down farang orientated bars, brothels, arresting both the prositutes and the punters, basically scaring off anyone who is even vauguely interested in travelling here to visit that aspect of Bangkok.

Then, and only then, is it possible to hang a 'open for business' sign out for international investors. Impressions are important. They need to be changed first before you can do anything about the rest of it...

I agree with you all

[Jungian]

I never really thought of Thailand in this way the Netherlands is the first country that pops into my mind for this industry. The Netherlands is also the primary country of destination for victims of human trafficking.

http://www.mensenhandel.nl/cms/index.php?o...0&Itemid=59

[thaiorchidsource1]

It seems that the mentality with Xpats is aligned with all the above comments. Take for example, the latest party that Thaivisa sponsored, at Tuskers bar in Chiang Mai. I seldom if ever go to a bar, as I consider that low class,and being a family man, raising children in Thailand, I do family things. Maybe that is boring to those who are addicted to alcohol, and bent on distroying their brains and livers.

As a suggestion, maybe Thaivisa will try a nice barbecue party in one of our world class parks near a waterfall and see if xpats can find something to enjoy in natural Thailand with their families.

[Pash]

Most reports I have read indicate that 10% of Thailand's visitors are sex tourists (sex tourists being defined as people who only come for the sex). I actually think this number is fairly accurate with the caveat that others come for other reasons, but might experience the sex side as well. For example, a person may come for the golf, but might also hit a bar or two after the day's round. I would say that maybe 50% of the foreign businessmen who have visted our factory have indulged in that aspect of Thailand, even though their purpose to come here was for business.

Regardless of the actual number, the perception of Thailand is far more heavily weighted as a sex destination. I am just thowing out a number here, but maybe 50% of the people who travel would think of Thailand as a sex destination rather than a food/beach/temple/golf/cultural destination.

For them, Mr. Carradine's unfortunate death would not change their preception, but rather bolster it. This despite the fact that if Mr. Carradine's death is as reported in the news, it really has nothing to do with the sleaze factor for Thailand. He could have done the same in Jeddah.

For the people who don't consider Thailand a sex destination, I doubt that Mr. Carradine's death will have any effect on their perceptions.

If it had happened in Jeddah it would not have been reported and even if what happened leaked, the speculation would have been minimal compared to this forum.

[StrandedBusinessPerson]

I think that pictures that tanks rolling in front of MBK driven by mobsters and closures of airports hurts Thailands image more then anything else. David's death, if anything, just improves the sex tourist trade as any bad press is just press, which is good news and keeps the word Thailand circulating in the media. Travelers however do not favor political unrest or pandemic. Not sure about now dead Germans swallowing teeth or heads in dumpsters or boats flipping over, and tsunamis are probably not very attractive, but all of the above keeps people thinking that prices may go down a bit and there is a bargain to be found. Lots of folks also look at the bht, and if it would go go back up to 60 per usd, that would also attract more folks, and even i might swing over for a shopping trip at pantip.

[chefshane]

If you are under the illusion that sex tourism is the only thing that attracts tourists to Thailand just visit Hua Hin and watch all the elderly Scandinavian couples prancing about.

unfortunately most people don't think of Hua Hin when they think of Thailand.

They don't know it, but people automatically associate images of Pattaya, Patpong etc with Thailand.

The only market I beleive which doesn't, are the younger backpackers, who in the main, see Thailand as an essential part of their tourist trail through Asia. For them, wild parties at full moon and excellent beaches the main attractions.

I would actually tend to disagree.

I think that Thailand is many things to many people.

To Russians, cheap but fresh seafood, nice weather, and a sea change.

To adventure seekers, Krabi rock climbing, sea kayaking, parasailing and more.

For some young people, drugs, parties and wild times

To the lonely and possibly unattractive (or caged and married) man, yes, companionship and sex - sometimes short time, sometimes lifetime.

For some Western Europeans, nice weather, friendly people, beautiful sights.

For mainstream westerners - some massive drinking and daily sex partners - others a girlfriend or two for their stay and experience the sights and culture also.

Some come for price, some come for the social scene (backpackers), not to mention the Convention business and also business itself.

Yes, the sex industry is large - and according to the Minister - it doesn't exist.

And yes, many people find and use this 'non existent' industry - and many certainly come here specifically for it.

But REALLY opening your eyes, there is a very broad spectrum of interests and demands being catered for and this is a very small aspect.

Perhaps the auto erotic asphyxiation thing with Carradine was a simple communication problem.

Some one should have told him it was Bangkok in Thailand - and not Tie cock in Bangland.

[zorro1]

That song "one night in Bangkok" was a global hit and did more for the sex industry here than word of mouth ever did. As for David yes of course it will have an effect on peoples perceptions of Thailand and BKK in particular, especially those that have never visited yet . Most perceive it as a mixture of danger and mystery ,east meets west and Davids death here based on a weird sex act just adds another notch to this supposedly mysterious place.

Edited June 14, 2009 by zorro1

[Birdman]

Here is a classic typical one from a very big box office movie, Snakes on a Plane, did you miss it?

Right, that kind of movies is waste of time.

[Padrino]

I have only recently discovered that the sex pests are in the minority, since I met up with a relative and her husband here I have been introduced to a completely different side of BKK. Everyday working Thais and farrangs who do not just speak about bar girls and actually spend their time contributing positively to Thai society, all different backgrounds and levels of wealth but importantly morally grounded, compassionate, fun, intelligent people. I think it is far too easy to come here and get in with the wrong crowd, or lose yourself in bars. Lets face it, you have to question the sanity of somebody who drinks all the time and surrounds themselves with prostitutes in seedy bars, then chooses to cast aspersions on a whole nation of women based on his experience of soi cowboy/nana etc.

[patklang]

I have only recently discovered that the sex pests are in the minority, since I met up with a relative and her husband here I have been introduced to a completely different side of BKK. Everyday working Thais and farrangs who do not just speak about bar girls and actually spend their time contributing positively to Thai society, all different backgrounds and levels of wealth but importantly morally grounded, compassionate, fun, intelligent people. I think it is far too easy to come here and get in with the wrong crowd, or lose yourself in bars. Lets face it, you have to question the sanity of somebody who drinks all the time and surrounds themselves with prostitutes in seedy bars, then chooses to cast aspersions on a whole nation of women based on his experience of soi cowboy/nana etc.

I do agree with some of the things you say except somebody that wants sex is not a pest.I also do agree that to waste your life drinking every day is not a good idea,but to have women all over you isnt that bad is it??? lol.My life is surrounded by wonderful people which totaly contradicts some of the silly farang Bangkokonians who always knock Pattaya,even though many come down here for a weekend of debauchery away from their white faced middle class UNi,excecutive,not a bargirl wives.

[chefshane]

Most people in the states see LOS as the land of whores, political instabilty, beautiful beaches and a haven for pedos. It's too bad.

What is the reference you are citing for "most people"?

I'm just making a wild'a guess but it would be that "most people" in the states don't even know where Thailand is... But this is to me just another example of assuming that this perspective is widespread without any evidence.

Although it is true most Americans cannot locate Thailand on a map (and often confuse it with Taiwan), I strongly feel most know it is in Asia and also that most associate it with hookers. Mostly hookers, not those other things. I feel this way from personal experience and also watching mass market Hollywood comedic movies. A standard joke in such mass market movies is about Thai hookers. People always laugh, knowingly. Do you think they would put in such jokes if they didn't KNOW that most Americans make this association? They also associate Thailand with Thai food, which is quite popular, but that doesn't make for good jokes.

i have to agree with both of these posts. coming from the states, i still get pedo jokes, ladyboy jokes from my uninformed "friends" back home. 9/10 couldn't spot Thailand on a map. my mother on the other hand thinks Thailand is all dirt roads and bananas. either way, everyone seems uninformed.

my response to all the jokes is "where do you get that from?". well, i blame Murray Head and Gary Glitter

I don't really know about all that.

Because I don't get asked that when I tell people I live and work in Thailand.

Mainly because on various websites, social media and through personal emails and articles I write, I am busy uploading photos and stories of idyllic beaches, amazing jungles, macro shots of wildlife, insects, sunsets, limestone formations in Krabi, street vendors, foods, markets, temples - and occasionjally neon of Soi Cowboy, big buildings in Bangkok, smiling street urchins in dirty khlongs and many other things that make this country a photographers paradise.

But if I were to say "I live in Thailand" and leave the meaning of that uninformative statement up to the imagination of the recipient, without filling in what it is like, then you leave no option but for stereotypes to create the mental image.

Why not promote the positive or the 'majority' aspects of this country instead of allowing and agreeing with "only sex tourists go there" opinions from uninformed people who have no clue?

[phomsanuk]

Wheb I see ads. for sex by non sites they always live in BKK it's an internationsl label for P4P, nothing will change it 4 +/-.

[Jingthing]

Here is a classic typical one from a very big box office movie, Snakes on a Plane, did you miss it?

Right, that kind of movies is waste of time.

Nice dodge.

That wasn't the discussion. I asserted these Thai related sex jokes are common in mainstream popular American movies. You questioned my assertion. There was nothing in that line of discussion about the cultural value of such movies. The point is LOTS of people watch them, and through these media messages their perceptions about Thailand are confirmed. Snakes on the Plane while not a blockbuster was #1 in the US box office the week it opened.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qi...06120245AACXye5

Edited June 14, 2009 by Jingthing

[Birdman]

Here is a classic typical one from a very big box office movie, Snakes on a Plane, did you miss it?

Right, that kind of movies is waste of time.

Nice dodge.

That wasn't the discussion. I asserted these Thai related sex jokes are common in mainstream popular American movies. You questioned my assertion. There was nothing in that line of discussion about the cultural value of such movies. The point is LOTS of people watch them, and through these media messages their perceptions about Thailand are confirmed. Snakes on the Plane while not a blockbuster was #1 in the US box office the week it opened.

OK, I was not aware of that. Wonder why the Thai authorities don't protest. Maybe they aren't aware of that too.

[Jingthing]

OK, I was not aware of that. Wonder why the Thai authorities don't protest. Maybe they aren't aware of that too.

That's fine. Why would Hollywood film makers give a flying fig what Thai authorities say? They don't. The LA Thai population could stage protests at film premiers but they would simply be laughed at if all they were protesting was a racy joke or two in a movie where the jokes had nothing to do with the plot.

Anyway, your suggestion is the wrong approach. If the so called Thai authorities REALLY cared about their bad international image they would change Thai society from the inside, so there would be nothing to joke about. Do you think anyone would laugh at Singapore hooker jokes (except in Singapore and yes I know they have hookers there)? Nothing much is going to change in that regard here, or in the jokes ...

There is another thing to consider. Thailand is known as one of the most blatant sources of COPY MOVIES on the planet. Why would they or should they RESPECT such a country?

Edited June 14, 2009 by Jingthing

[Birdman]

OK, I was not aware of that. Wonder why the Thai authorities don't protest. Maybe they aren't aware of that too.

That's fine. Why would Hollywood film makers give a flying fig what Thai authorities say? They don't. The LA Thai population could stage protests at film premiers but they would simply be laughed at if all they were protesting was a racy joke or two in a movie where the jokes had nothing to do with the plot.

Anyway, your suggestion is the wrong approach. If the so called Thai authorities REALLY cared about their bad international image they would change Thai society from the inside, so there would be nothing to joke about. Do you think anyone would laugh at Singapore hooker jokes (except in Singapore and yes I know they have hookers there)? Nothing much is going to change in that regard here, or in the jokes ...

There is another thing to consider. Thailand is known as one of the most blatant sources of COPY MOVIES on the planet. Why would they or should they RESPECT such a country?

That was a question not a suggestion. As far as I am aware NOW that jokes in movies are an USA peculiarity only.

Could be that it all goes back to R&R at the time of the Vietnam war and consequences plus the virtual absence of American package tourists in Thailand, who could help to brighten the image of the country.

Anyway 10+ serious threads could be made out of your post........ !

[Jingthing]

As far as I am aware NOW that jokes in movies are an USA peculiarity only.

Could be that it all goes back to R&R at the time of the Vietnam war and consequences plus the virtual absence of American package tourists in Thailand

Yes, it probably goes back to Nam.

Only American movies, huh? Hollywood product is the most popular in the world, so it is significant.

There are indeed package tourists from the USA in Thailand, but not in massive numbers compared to Chinese for example, that is true.

Edited June 14, 2009 by Jingthing

[IanForbes]

I think that Thailand is many things to many people.

To Russians, cheap but fresh seafood, nice weather, and a sea change.

To adventure seekers, Krabi rock climbing, sea kayaking, parasailing and more.

For some young people, drugs, parties and wild times

To the lonely and possibly unattractive (or caged and married) man, yes, companionship and sex - sometimes short time, sometimes lifetime.

For some Western Europeans, nice weather, friendly people, beautiful sights.

For mainstream westerners - some massive drinking and daily sex partners - others a girlfriend or two for their stay and experience the sights and culture also.

Some come for price, some come for the social scene (backpackers), not to mention the Convention business and also business itself.

Yes, the sex industry is large - and according to the Minister - it doesn't exist.

And yes, many people find and use this 'non existent' industry - and many certainly come here specifically for it.

But REALLY opening your eyes, there is a very broad spectrum of interests and demands being catered for and this is a very small aspect.

Perhaps the auto erotic asphyxiation thing with Carradine was a simple communication problem.

Some one should have told him it was Bangkok in Thailand - and not Tie cock in Bangland.

I agree with this post by chefshane. There is no one size fits all. The people who I have spoken to since returning to Canada were more concerned about reports of the airport closing and the tanks in the streets. Only the perverted minds of a few religious bigots worry about the sex tourism that harms very few in comparison to other problems.

The Tsunami didn't seem to hurt the tourist trade. It was back up and running 3 months later. But, a change in the currency exchange rate IS a concern to some people with limited funds. The semi-expats like myself won't change their habits in Choosing Thailand as a tourist destination. We know the real story here and pick what we like and ignore the remainder.