Fearing military, Pattaya rushes to eradicate sin

[mok199]

amazing ''disneyland''......sawadee(no crap)

[gemguy]

Prostitution, it is the oldest profession in the world.

If they want to reduce it (they will never eradicate it), they need to look at the root causes and eradicate poverty, and the root cause of that in Thailand is corruption.

I don't believe that poverty is necessarily the main driving force for much of the prostitution in Thailand, despite what prostitutes may tell their clients. In Pattaya there is a big problem finding and keeping workers for jobs like waiters, sale staff and cleaners etc. The turnover is very rapid and there are job vacancies advertised all over.

Prostitution is more of a cultural way of life for some - it is an easy way to make a living and can be much better paid than real jobs. It is sometimes a temporary solution to a financial crisis in a family but that is not saying it results from poverty and saying it does does not do justice to those who work very hard in low level jobs in Thailand for low pay and they still manage to support families. Likewise, eradicating high levels of poverty will not I think eliminate much of the prostitution. It's much more complicated than that.

True.

Like my business associate used to say: Does not matter if the economy is bad or good there will always be prostitution.

Prostitution is like a self employed enterprise for the majority of the girls who decide to participate.

Even in the most wealthy of countries there still exists women and some men who prostitute themselves because there is money to be made or some form of gain.

Meantime....prostitution and everything entailed is a complicated social matter, as you have pointed out, while also being an on going convoluted and contentious social issue.

What to do ...what to do

Edited September 1, 2014 by gemguy

[ttthailand]

Good to get the hookers off the street. These girls and guys selling their services openly can not be tracked. Many are just bad news and cause most of the problems associated with prostitution, crime, STDs, HIV... etc.

Prostitutes working out of bars can at least be tracked to their place of employment. Bars want happy customers thus try to keep most things in check. STD and HIV checks I think are normal practice at these bars.

Pattaya should issue licenses to all prostitutes and have a code of conduct for them to follow. They can then arrest those who do not have. Pattaya would be a good place to try this out.... Everyone knows what happens there so why not make it legal.

[slipperylobster]

I see it as a viable form of entertainment, under proper supervision. I do not find any problem with the bar fine system. It is the seedier side of it that irks me. Thieves, pimps, drug-pushing, and in your face street hagglers looking for an afternoon quickee. Much better to have a well dressed man make an arrangement to take a lady out of a quaint club late at night. Looks like a date. No running up the stairs and stripping your clothes off before you leave the room. It will never go away. The venue will change.

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Why? 2015 Asean Pack. Nothing else matters to the junta. There will be always comfort women, whores, prostitutes, dates or whatever you want to call it. It will just be pushed into the shadow of the new Image of Thailand and not "in your face" as it is now. The monks are the teachers of Buddhism and they blame the social ills of Thailand on the non-adherance to the teachings of Buddha. The military is the protector of Buddhism and The Monarchy. This is the first time the military has kept the power and they will retain it.

[glasswort]

Cleaning out the various mafia groups has to be the first step.

[Cake Monster]

The " eradication of sin " in Pattaya will take a hell of a lot more work than getting rid of sex workers, and cleaning the beaches.

Corruption is a sin, and this is where the eradication needs to begin, and the officials know that.

Thats why they are trying to keep those nasty NCPO people away with a BS exercise..

[luckyman]

In order to turn Pattaya back in to a family destination, (which I think will never happen) they might also just as well try to finish any public works they already started but never have completed.

The Thappaya Rd between Jomtien and Pattaya is still not finished properly after 6 years of construction, the new Sai 2 in Jomtien has still a lot of work to be done, even after 8 years of construction and the list goes on....

[waynethor]

"...he was aiming to totally eradicate street prostitution. “This is my version of returning happiness to Pattaya town.”

Of course! It's a well known fact that sex has never made anybody happy.

Isn't it Pattaya's seedy reputation that brings people here who are curious about it's notorious reputation, even if they don't want to indulge?

It sounds like the new self-appointed government is aiming to make Thailand a plain vanilla flavored country with nothing unique to draw tourists, except "Thainess". I guess they are convinced that "Thainess" is everything, and people will be happy to pay top dollar for it.

[JSixpack]

They need more to change the mentalities ! This begins with education ! The beautifull girls don't have to serve as a sex machine or to earn money for the family and western men are not ATM !

But there are beautiful prostitutes in developed countries w/ good education systems. Very few if any have to. A lot of Western men achieve their highest calling as ATM. But many ladies enjoy their work, too, though Thai culture dictates they must deny the fact.

Wouldn't it be refreshing to watch a travelogue or documentary on Thailand without constant references to Pattaya, Patpong, Walking Street etc.

No. Be refreshing if more people watched them with approval and came to enjoy themselves. Once a year or so, all wives should allow their hamster-like hubbies a week of R&R in Pattaya. In fact, they should join in for delightful threesomes. Wouldn't it also be wonderful if the travelogue or documentaries went right on into the hotel rooms to show some hardcore action?

My colleagues (I'm not able to physically travel far) tell me that there are many, many girls from Chiang Mai as well as the rest of the north but I guess that very much depends on where one goes and to whom one speaks. Certainly, poverty is widespread in Isaan but the social stigma attached to a girl is to many, not worth the ticket to the big city.

Most prostitutes in Pattaya are from Isaan. Period. Often a girl tells folks back home she works in a restaurant or hotel, some respectable occupation.

Prostitutes are but a small percentage of any particular female population.

Edited September 1, 2014 by JSixpack

[kamahele]

The end of the world is near...

[jmccarty]

It is a great start. Walking street as long as it does not get out of hand i think you will find is kept as is just like patpong.

It is a atourist draw and they can keep tabs on workers in those places.

Where they have the trouble is the street walkers and hookers that are out on their own causing issues like drugging and stealing, beating up Johns.

This is what they are trying to get rid of.

Once they have cleaned up the area they then will be able to go to the NCPO or government and say look what we have done now willyou help us make the beaches better and more attractive so we can get the right people there.

It has been about 3 years, but last time I walked down Patpong, there was very little of it left. Extremely run down and barely a shadow of what it was 20 years ago.

[Yann55]

Prostitution, it is the oldest profession in the world.

If they want to reduce it (they will never eradicate it), they need to look at the root causes and eradicate poverty, and the root cause of that in Thailand is corruption.

I don't believe that poverty is necessarily the main driving force for much of the prostitution in Thailand, despite what prostitutes may tell their clients. In Pattaya there is a big problem finding and keeping workers for jobs like waiters, sale staff and cleaners etc. The turnover is very rapid and there are job vacancies advertised all over.

Prostitution is more of a cultural way of life for some - it is an easy way to make a living and can be much better paid than real jobs. It is sometimes a temporary solution to a financial crisis in a family but that is not saying it results from poverty and saying it does does not do justice to those who work very hard in low level jobs in Thailand for low pay and they still manage to support families. Likewise, eradicating high levels of poverty will not I think eliminate much of the prostitution. It's much more complicated than that.

Three points.

1/ I'm happy to read your comment, Khun Card, because it's a point of view that is almost never expressed so clearly. I've been thinking the exact same thing for years (ie that poverty is not the main driving force behind prostitution in this country) and the reactions when I say that are usually disheartening. Why prostitutes themselves should invoke such a motive is pretty obvious but the reason why their Western customers are so eager to believe and condone it is more twisted. I've heard the phrase "I'm helping her/him" in Western mouths here so often that it speaks for itself. Customers don't mind being sugar daddies, friends, sponsors, lovers, boyfriends, but who really wants to be a 'customer' ?

2/ When I hear prostitution being called a 'profession', it makes me cringe because it is not a profession. Not a job. It is an activity, which is very different. I'm not going to develop this point here, because anyone who is interested can do some research and find out what the true meaning of the word profession/job is. There again, the label 'job' is used to cover up an inconvenient reality, and to cloak it with a respectability it does not deserve.

3/ It is not often pointed out apparently, but male and female prostitution here are two completely different worlds. Women (and children) are sometimes forced into it and it's a very scary truth, but when I hear a adult male pretending that he has no choice, I find that very unsavoury, to say the least.

[monkeycountry]

Sounds like they are finally getting rid of all the thieving ladyboys.

[slipperylobster]

Prostitution is not the oldest profession, but nearly so. I suppose killing for personal gain to be the oldest. According to the written word. By "profession", I would say there would have to be some kind of training, induction, standardization of services rendered, etc. Prostitution probably came soon after the Military Profession, I would say. As soon as an enemy civilization was conquered, there was probably a rise in prostitution, due to the dominant male-oriented, conquering army.

Genghis Khan and Attila did a good job of spreading their gene pool across the known world. Money was in the hands of the dominating army, and spent readily on making little huns with their hunny buns...while out on patrol

[slygeeza]

anyway, despite his high aspirations, he doesnt seem to be about to do anything new so I dont think anyone need worry, at least until the army turns up

[Grindting]

Pattaya: clean up the beach, legalise gambling as a special zone. Open some <deleted> off government owned casinos and the town will be swimming in gold in no time. Then use that money to regenerate the area, build a tram line, well build side walks, promenade etc

Edited September 1, 2014 by Grindting

[ttthailand]

Get the hookers off the street and let the bars fill the need. The babes in the bars need their new cellphones and motorbikes. And I almost forgot, they need to send 2,000 baht of their 40k back home to mom to take care of their babies.

These girls are in it for the fun, drugs and toys..... Don't kid yourself

[noddy77]

Walked through the Coconut Club last night and there would have been at least 200 girls looking for business.

I much prefer these girls who leave me alone than the street sellers who annoy me constantly.

Trying to have a quiet drink and a chat is mission impossible.

My days in Pattaya are numbered but not because of prostitution, because of being constantly annoyed by the street sellers.

[Kru Baa]

“I told [the police officers] that the number [of arrests] this year has to be more than last year,” said Pol Col Suppatee, adding he was aiming to totally eradicate street prostitution. “This is my version of returning happiness to Pattaya town." Pffffffffffffffffft happiness huh? Who's going to be happy?

[GAZZPA]

I guess some people will like this fantasy, but the reality is that the tourists dont mind the street workers (apart from the ones that are thieves) and walking street is now quite an attraction because of its sordid reputation. what the tourists dont like and the reason many dont return is the polluted beaches and sea. but this isnt an attempt to try an attract tourists, this is just about face

I can see a lot of people like your post so clearly you are not alone in your opinion but I still strongly disagree with you that tourists don't mind street walkers,, of course they do. Ok, a group of blokes out on the beer would not care but most others do, especially those with kids.

I would never dream of taking anyone down there with their kids in tow, or any older person, or my mother, or ay one else to be blunt. To me the place is a seedy hell hole only fit for dirty perverts or those seeking to pay for the services of some young lady (or guy).

Get rid of it all I say,

[mikemac]

The only reason I come to Pattaya is for the hookers. Why are these people ruining paradise?

The only thing I admire more than blatant, well executed sarcasm, is brutal honesty. If there was more of it the forum, and the country, would be a better place.

Thanks mate !

[mikemac]

“I told [the police officers] that the number [of arrests] this year has to be more than last year,” said Pol Col Suppatee, adding he was aiming to totally eradicate street prostitution. “This is my version of returning happiness to Pattaya town." Pffffffffffffffffft happiness huh? Who's going to be happy?

................"“This is my version of returning happiness to Pattaya town.".......................

Rubbish. Nobody believes that, except maybe a born-again God botherer who comes to Thailand to try and save these "poor young girls" from a life of prostitution.

The only reason he would make such a stupid and outlandish statement would be if he was told to do so.

[DoctorB]

It's interesting that this news comes to us from Phuket. Also the various comments on the lines of, "They,ve cleaned up Phuket; now it's time to start on Pattaya."

I've read numerous articles about the Phuket beaches being cleared, and the taxi mafia sorted out, but I've yet to read that Phuket has been effectively cleared of its prostitutes and ladyboys, let alone that sin has been eradicated. That really would be something in Thailand's second sex haven.

Perhaps someone could give us chapter and verse on this.

[jacksam]

I just told my wife and she laughed. What about the Issan girls? They not make money selling beer?

My wifes other comment, was that all the stupid farang go there.

At some point this middle class dominate value will find resistance.

Some of the legal activities need to be cleaned up, but to eradicate what has provided many a income for many years will not make everyone happy.

It's that kind of regional prejudice that perpetuates the negative stereotypes that unfairly tarnish hard-working, honest, beautiful people with the wrong brush.

What about the North girls? The South girls? The Bangkok girls? There are prostitutes from all over Thailand.

The majority of working girls in Pattaya are from Isaan, but then the Isaan region pretty much makes up for half of Thailand's population (26 million odd people). So it's somewhat disproportionate.

The large majority of Isaan women are disgusted by what they hear about women selling themselves in Pattaya and other tourist destinations. If you know anything about Isaan-Lao culture, you'll know of the reserved, frigid approach that surrounds intimate interaction.

When I lived in Samui and Chiang Mai, I met girls selling sex from all over Thailand, many from the south and places in the north like Lampang and Chiang Rai.

Bangkok has some of the worst poverty in Thailand, see Klong Toey slum for reference. Where there is poverty and poor women with kids to support you will find prostitution, drug abuse and alcoholism.

Absolute rubbish. You live and type this tripe.

Love the way u throw the prostitution word around. You typical self rightious preacher.

Try actually working here and maybe supporting child or family. You know nothing about Thailand. Never seen such rubbish posted befor.

[slipperylobster]

Speaking of a family place. The last time I was in Pattaya, I had two of the prettiest girls talking to me on Walking Street. Now here comes Mr. Smart Traveling Man with his wife and kids in Tow. The kids are crying about something they want to do, and the wife looks downright pissed off. The two girls and I smile at him, and he just kind of has this pathetic look on his face.....something like..."Hey, I wonder if I can sneak out for an hour or so later on tonight, but I tried that last night and the wife almost divorced me." then he thinks..."Next year the wife is taking the kids to Disneyland...I am scheduling a 2 week business trip to Singapore (via Pattaya)

That is what you call...taking hamburger to a Steak dinner.

[jacksam]

I guess some people will like this fantasy, but the reality is that the tourists dont mind the street workers (apart from the ones that are thieves) and walking street is now quite an attraction because of its sordid reputation. what the tourists dont like and the reason many dont return is the polluted beaches and sea. but this isnt an attempt to try an attract tourists, this is just about face

I can see a lot of people like your post so clearly you are not alone in your opinion but I still strongly disagree with you that tourists don't mind street walkers,, of course they do. Ok, a group of blokes out on the beer would not care but most others do, especially those with kids.

I would never dream of taking anyone down there with their kids in tow, or any older person, or my mother, or ay one else to be blunt. To me the place is a seedy hell hole only fit for dirty perverts or those seeking to pay for the services of some young lady (or guy).

Get rid of it all I say,

We dont want u in pattaya. Go to bang saen and take your bible with u. Self rightious stupidy.

We love Thailand because it has all sort of places. Why complain about say Nanna Soi 4.

Simple solution DON'T GO THRRE. WE NOT NEED YOU!

[Plutojames88]

The concept of ""Eradicating sin"" is interesting .

It sounds very noble and ambitious , depending on what Sin is defined as I suppose ?

Certainly , shutting down the sinful practices of paying for sex and watching young woman strip ( might reasonably be assumed ) as aspects of this target.

But is it?

Lets consider Pattaya .....the place is largely structured on girls who do this .

Not just Ladyboys and street walkers .

The Go Go bars and bars have woman who are happy to sin for reward.

Are these places not considered sinful ?

And if they are will they be targets too?

If not is the statement just an exercise of something other than ""eradication""

And what will happen to the shops and businesses and food outlets , bars and restaurants , and all associated with the flesh trade?

Will the city be able to withstand the changes?

Many people seem to enjoy sinning .

Will stopping them help Thailand or Pattaya in general?

And the families who get sent money upcountry will they be as easily appeased come election time?

Obviously the notion to do good is in itself a well meaning one.

But ramifications may not have been completely for seen ?

Pattaya isn't a very nice sea side place on its own.

But add a spicy night life it's a very competitive place.

I have an idea that sinning is the primary reason the economy there exists .

But take away the red light establishments and close bars that have girls doing tricks and really it will be a very big call.

Massive loss of tourists and economy.

I think it will be very brave to continue the ""eradication "" program indeed.

Time will tell.

Sadly, the greatest sin might be inflicting poverty on already struggling woman ....and their families who gain from their sinful ways.

[Rimmer]

One purely speculative post removed

[wandasloan]

It's interesting that this news comes to us from Phuket. Also the various comments on the lines of, "They,ve cleaned up Phuket; now it's time to start on Pattaya."

No, this news comes from Bangkok, specifically from the Bangkok Post, which is a news supplier as well as a publisher. The Phuket News is one of the newspapers which has the rights to stories from the Bangkok Post. The Phuket News states that clearly in this and other stories it uses from the Bangkok Post service. Here is the actual link to the actual Phuket News source, and you can see clearly where it got the story in the first place. The Phuket News had no part in this story except that it printed it.

http://www.thephuketnews.com/fearing-military-span-style-color-f00-pattaya-span-rushes-to-eradicate-sin-48483.php

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