Never claimed to be my business. This generalization is shared with ordinary Thais , the kind of people I live and work with. Those farangs whose interactions with Thais is predominantly limited to bar girls tend to have more sympathy for them. The ordinary Thais despise them for making them look bad. That’s why the parents of bar girls in Issan (mostly) lie about their daughter occupation down south. Austin is broadly correct, at least from my own experience working and socialising with Thais outside the entertainment industry. Many hold surprisingly negative views of those involved in that world, despite its visibility and economic significance. Thailand is, in many respects, a reserved society. Public judgement is often understated, uncomfortable realities are frequently left unspoken, and there is a strong tendency towards "if I don't acknowledge it, it doesn't exist". Unless a victim of a crime comes from a higher social standing or the circumstances become impossible to ignore, many issues are quietly swept aside and life moves on. Beneath that surface, however, there is often considerable social judgement. Middle-class Thais, professionals, civil servants and business owners frequently view the sex industry with a degree of disdain, even while accepting its existence as part of the social landscape. The irony is that these same attitudes can sometimes be accompanied by clear class prejudice and, in some cases, regional bias. There is also a distinction made between different parts of the industry. A wealthy man's mia noi, hostesses in upscale venues, or women attached to affluent social circles are often viewed very differently from those working in Pattaya, Nana or Soi Cowboy. The reality may be similar, but the labels applied are not. One is described as "company", "a companion", or "taken care of"; the other is labelled a prostitute. Social status often determines the language used far more than the actual circumstances. The same dynamic exists within families. Parents in rural areas may know perfectly well that their daughter is not earning factory wages or waitressing income while sending substantial amounts of money home from a tourist city. Yet many choose not to ask questions. Some prefer plausible deniability, others simply prioritise the financial support being provided. It is often less a case of being fooled and more a mutual understanding that certain truths are best left unspoken. As with most things in Thailand, the reality is far more nuanced than either complete acceptance or outright condemnation. Public tolerance, private judgement, social class and economic necessity all sit alongside one another, often in contradiction. But one think is clear - The general Thai population would look down on on those females working in the 'sex industry' as almost a 'sub-caste' of society where there is no overlap whatsoever. Meanwhile many Westener's who socialise within that environment are far more acceptant because we've been softened by exposure.
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