Prostitution: Thailand's worst kept secret

[brling]

The main difference btwn Thai women and western women is that Thai's are just a lot more honest!

That is the absolute worst joke I have heard in a very long time!!!

Indeed, not only the worst joke, but as the thread is about hookers, the losers are saying Thai prostitutes are "a lot more honest" than western woman. Pathetic

[Beetlejuice]

The Thai sex industry has always been a prevalent part of Thailand throughout the centuries, but back in the old days it was mostly kept within the local communities. It could be described as part of the Thai cultural way of life. Prostitution was not frowned upon or considered a taboo subject as in the western countries. As a matter of fact being a cleaner or a servant was considered a lower grade of work than prostitution.

Then when the Japanese troops arrived on mass during WW2, they created large brothels for the servicing of their armies, the prostitutes being known as comfort women These became widespread throughout the country and especially in Bangkok, in areas that later developed into the entertainment complex, PatPong.

During the Vietnam war, American and Australian troops came over on mass that revitalised the sex industry here, what could be described as the first commercialised adult entertainments venues.

Then after the Vietnam war these establishments began to cater for western tourists, many actually holidaying in Thailand because of the lure of it`s women, that in Thai society were considered as a commodity to bring in those $$$$$$$$$$$, plus created employment for millions.

Over the last few years Thailand has tried to suppress it`s commercial sex industry, that has already happened in the northern regions and is now largely contained in certain areas of Bangkok and Pattaya.

The problem being that the sex industry in Thailand was a huge tourist attraction, even if no one wants to admit it or did not like the types of tourists it attracted. The availability of Thailand’s beautiful maidens was as famous and well known as gambling is to Las Vegas. For wine, women and song, Thailand was the country to visit.

If they decide to totally dismantle the commercial sex industry in Thailand, then that will result in the loss of billions each year in tourism revenue, including placing many people, probably in the millions out of work.

Like it or not, these are the facts.

Nice, informative post about sex tourism or Thai-foreigner sex, but you failed to mention the current domestic Thai-Thai sex trade and it's magnitude as compared to 'sex tourism' or Thai-foreigner sex It's much better to tell the complete story, otherwise your information then tends to look biased. But I will agree with you, if the government choose to dismantle the commercial sex industry, regardless of who the customers are, it would actually impact the Thai GDP negative. But I doubt it will happen. The same people promoting moralism and 'cleaning it up' are more than likely wading the the same pool during their free time so to speak. lol

Let us try and compare the Thai to Thai sex trade with that of the United Kingdom.

In the UK it is legal for a woman to sell sexual favours from her own home, providing she does not have a pimp, otherwise that`s classified as living off immoral earnings or that there is no more than one working person, otherwise it`s considered running a brothel. But of course brothels are still operating in the UK, usually with the authorities turning a blind eye, similar to that in Thailand.

The UK local free newspapers that are full of classified ads have hundreds of women advertising in the personal sections on the back pages offering massage, that everyone knows really means sexual services described as massage for legal reasons.

Throughout the UK there must be thousands and thousands of prostitutes offering sexual services via local newspapers and online classifieds. My guess is that the number of working prostitutes in the UK could well equal that of Thailand, perhaps more since the mass immigration of East Europeans into Britain and there are huge numbers of Asian, Indian and Thai prostitutes working in the UK. I would guess that the same applies to Australia, where prostitution is actually legal in many States..

The difference between sex workers in Thailand is that it`s done much more discretely between Thais and we mainly visualise Thai prostitutes as bar girls or those working at soapy massage parlours, so therefore Thai prostitutes are likely to be more evident to us than those in the UK.

Whatever country, prostitution is always there, whether it`s called another name, practiced behind closed doors or openly in bars and clubs. Men are willing to pay for sexual services and there are women willing to provide those services, it`s that simple.

In this day and age I believe prostitution should no longer be a taboo subject, Internationally recognised as a legitimate service, the seediness taken out the equation and completely legalised under Government controls with laws governing the industry, as is already practiced in Holland, the Red Light district for example, instead of trying to pretend this is not happening on a mass scale.

[NovaBlue05]

if it werent for pussy, Thailand would not have an international airport. FACT

Maybe Swampy , should be renamed . Any suggestions .

Bahttwat International

...and for the gay crowd...

Baht-ums-up International

Suyuwannapoon

[NovaBlue05]

The main difference btwn Thai women and western women is that Thai's are just a lot more honest!

That is the absolute worst joke I have heard in a very long time!!!

Indeed, not only the worst joke, but as the thread is about hookers, the losers are saying Thai prostitutes are "a lot more honest" than western woman. Pathetic

Western women are way more likely to tell you what they really think....or to F-off....as the case may be

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

They're are no prostitutes in Thailand but lots of ladies looking for husbands and willing to spend short time or long time with men to see if they are sexually compatible.

Indeed, at least 99% of them are waitresses, or hotel receptionists or work in massage parlors ... and they are more than happy to spend time with anyone, of any age, for a small (in the beginning) financial consideration.

Can't remember where I read it, it was a while ago, but something like 90% of the prostitution here in Thailand is nothing at all to do with foreigners, it's Thai on Thai in those very discreet places that no one admits exist but everyone knows where they are and that has been the way of Thailand for centuries.

Compared to Thai on Thai prostitution foreigner on Thai in just a drop in the pussy pot. Foreigner just getting the rejects and issan girls.

[SiSePuede419]

The main difference btwn Thai women and western women is that Thai's are just a lot more honest!

That is the absolute worst joke I have heard in a very long time!!!

Indeed, not only the worst joke, but as the thread is about hookers, the losers are saying Thai prostitutes are "a lot more honest" than western woman. Pathetic

Western women are way more likely to tell you what they really think....or to F-off....as the case may be

In America, Massachusetts must be the gold digger capital. Why? It has the most regressive divorce laws. They can even go after your meager pension.

I never met one girl there who admitted she was a gold digger. Yet, it's pretty obvious after listening to how their dream of meeting a man with (inherited) wealth firmly identifies them as prostitutes.

[NovaBlue05]

Indeed, not only the worst joke, but as the thread is about hookers, the losers are saying Thai prostitutes are "a lot more honest" than western woman. Pathetic

Western women are way more likely to tell you what they really think....or to F-off....as the case may be

".........I never met one girl there who admitted she was a gold digger....."

If that's the level of honesty you are looking for from people, then you are probably in store for other disappointments in life.

[smotherb]

They're are no prostitutes in Thailand but lots of ladies looking for husbands and willing to spend short time or long time with men to see if they are sexually compatible.

So the men don't have to pay for this?

Not us handsome men possum.

[cookee68]

Every one I know and met, only ever came here the first time for the sex

Classy company you keep

And most the people you know didn't,

[cookee68]

Every one I know and met, only ever came here the first time for the sex

Classy company you keep

And you think so called classy people don't do the same,

[honcho]

Without prostitution Thailand would easily lose 50% of Tourists.

People who deny this are just liars and/or ignorant.

But it's all about appearances and saving face.

yeah...maybe even 150% of tourists

nah my mum came to visit me and my harem of prostitutes...... she wasn't there for sex!

[bristolgeoff]

after all these years I have being going to Thailand I never knew they was a sex trade in Thailand.now I know I,am shocked and will be more careful next trip with all those ladies in the bar and on the street

[bbbbooboo]

I'm shocked and horrified by this revelation......tell me it isn't true

[cooked]

Yet again i made thw mistake of reading the comments in relation to this article. Bit as usual so many ignorant meaningless responces (not all). As i have said in the past of this country is so bad then please go home wherever that is because by the spunds of thing many members totally despise Thailand and their people. I also wonder about Thaivisa motives at times - they seem to relish in news stories that encourage lots of negitive comments from members. Or is it really all about the number of 'hits' to satisfy your advertisers ? Lastly why is the site called 'thaivisa' ?

I'm afraid I have to agree. Predictable 'jokes' like ' in Thailand? Never'. Comments mostly from people that live in Pattaya apparently or have little knowledge of the Thai mentality. My wife stopped being a 'marriage broker', which often came pretty close to being a pimp, when she married me. That was my idea. Now that I know Thais (well, Isaan) I am slowly beginning to think why not, they are all at it in one way or another. The stories that she tells me are amazing, she is very discrete however and doesn't gossip them around the village.

One thing's for sure, it is rare that she lets me go anywhere alone.

[SantiSuk]

9 pages already. Mods asleep!

[cumgranosalum]

if it werent for pussy, Thailand would not have an international airport. FACT

..and this thread's award for the most facile post goes to...........

[jacko45k]

I think the worst kept secret is that fact that it is far from being a secret.

[jacko45k]

Majority of these girls come from Issan, They work this for help their poor parent from Issan.... But Issan is not the PTP/Red Stronghold ?

Care to explain, what ANY government EVER has done to change things like poverty in that region?

Oh...and congratulations: the topic is prostitution. but somehow "the reds" had to be brought into this, right!?

You are such a troll...and not even an entertaining one!

30 baht medical treatment.

Village development fund.

[LannaGuy]

The dividing line between 'normal' and 'prostitute' here (and in SEA as a whole) is much, much thinner than other places. 'Helping' with rent, 'helping' with food or stuff for the baby is commonplace. Bar girls are obvious but there are 1000s of 'side-line girls' who would be horrified at being labelled a 'prostitute' but need 'help'. To my mind there is nothing wrong in this, live and let live.

[micmichd]

Let's get it straight. As several posters pointed out there's not more prostitution in Thailand than in US and certain European countries, I can confirm that for Germany. The real difference is the visibility.

Fortunately sex is not considered to be a sin in Thailand, so they are more honest about it. If Farangs have problems with sex, then it's a Farang problem.

Here are these beautiful women (some say the most beautiful women in the world) that can cure these problems, and they really do a good job.

Hopefully Thailand's not out to imitate the Puritanistic attitude towards sex.

Edited July 4, 2015 by micmichd

[me313]

It's the price of illicit sex that attracts the tourists from overseas and where this business has become a tourist attraction for Thailand. Prostitution is endemic worldwide, in case no one ever thought to think about this closely. In other countries there is human trafficking to support the "needs" of people (mostly men) who require women to exploit without having to sacrifice their wonderful images within society. The price of a one-night, all-inclusive package, as far as I have heard, has remained the same in Phuket since the first time I arrived here in 2004 until now, the price is so low, and for foreigners who arrive here with much stronger currency it's a buffet of nearly free all-night "pleasure" which they can not afford back "home" where they really have to pay much higher prices for much less time. In some countries prostitutes even have certain "rights" according to law, which is daunting to some and here it's a free-for-all, relatively speaking. This is the attraction and this financial element has been notably lacking in the discussion so far.

[MaeJoMTB]

Let's get it straight. As several posters pointed out there's not more prostitution in Thailand than in US and certain European countries, I can confirm that for Germany. The real difference is the visibility.

Fortunately sex is not considered to be a sin in Thailand, so they are more honest about it. If Farangs have problems with sex, then it's a Farang problem.

Don't confuse Germany with Britain.

Yeah, I've driven along German motorways, hundreds of hookers warming their hands over oil drums with fires in them.

No sex please, we're British!

[kaorop]

Yet again i made thw mistake of reading the comments in relation to this article. Bit as usual so many ignorant meaningless responces (not all). As i have said in the past of this country is so bad then please go home wherever that is because by the spunds of thing many members totally despise Thailand and their people. I also wonder about Thaivisa motives at times - they seem to relish in news stories that encourage lots of negitive comments from members. Or is it really all about the number of 'hits' to satisfy your advertisers ? Lastly why is the site called 'thaivisa' ?

A n00b coming on here and telling everyone "if you dont like it go home" 555 thats a first.

Yes new content and clicks are the name of the game, $$$$$$

And yes negative stories far outweigh positive, you dont see a story about little johnny getting an "A" in school but you will see a story on him if he takes drugs, this is the case anywhere in the world.

Are you really that naive?

You do know, sometimes roses stink.

[LannaGuy]

Let's get it straight. As several posters pointed out there's not more prostitution in Thailand than in US and certain European countries, I can confirm that for Germany. The real difference is the visibility.

Fortunately sex is not considered to be a sin in Thailand, so they are more honest about it. If Farangs have problems with sex, then it's a Farang problem.

Here are these beautiful women (some say the most beautiful women in the world) that can cure these problems, and they really do a good job.

Hopefully Thailand's not out to imitate the Puritanistic attitude towards sex.

that's silly... it's freer and cheaper here and of course there's tons more (Pattaya, Nana etc.) in fact it's all over the place across SEA

nothing wrong with it - it's an exchange - enjoy it

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

With role models as Sunai Julphongsathorn what to expect of the Thai ladies?

A Thai MP has gotten into hot water over his controversial suggestion for poor Thai women who want an easy life: "find a farang husband."

Pheu Thai MP Sunai Julphongsathorn’s words caused a barrage of complaints on Thai web forums after a clip of his comments surfaced on YouTube recently.

The 12-minute video was apparently shot on August 19 at a seminar at a school in Samut Prakan.

Sunai tells the audience of around 1,000 red shirts to find a farang husband for an easy life “because European governments give you everything for free.”

Sunai went on: “Get a German husband. Get a Swedish husband. Get a Norwegian husband. People used to love [Thailand] unreservedly. But the more they loved the country, the poorer they got. The more they loved the country, the stupider they got.”

“All you need is a farang husband and their government will pay you to study,” he said.

Even more controversially, he then implied that the best way to study a foreign language was by sleeping with a foreigner.

“Sitting studying is too slow. Lie down to study, then go to the hospital. They will pay you to have the baby... It’s all free, right up to the shitty diapers.”

[lvr181]

Show me (proof) a country that doesn't have prostitution and I'll show you some hens teeth. Maybe it is just more overt in Thailand?

As long as there are men and women (and some other "combinations") and money there is likely to be prostitution. Get over it, it is a fact of life.

[HannahD]

"It’s said that about US$16 million from Vietnam War foreign soldiers’ pockets went towards the Thai sex industry, the catalyst of what gave Thailand its seedy image. But the industry, apropos tourism, is hardly even the tip of the iceberg."

Thailand can thank the good old American GIs and vets for kick-starting its tourist industry. Thais were always busy copulating with "working" ladies long before the guys in khaki showed up.

What would Pattaya be without their help?

What would Thailand have had to attract tourists apart from a lot of sandy beaches, a few nice mountain areas in the north and a lot of crumbling ancient temples. Oh, and the elephants too.

Even the $16 million was just a minor, though highly visible, part of the purchases of Thai goods and services during the Vietnam War. It might be that the influx of money to Thailand during this war was the seed money for the huge modern Thai economy in much the way that the booty brought to England by Sir Francis Drake ( El Corsario Drake to Spanish speakers) was the seed money for the British Empire.

[BKResort]

No many people knows or understand, and not even health organizations wants to talk about, but HIV can be transmited in many ways....and....just to mention it. In the US, for long time now, HIV virus can be found in saliva.....when the count is very high. In infected people HIV virus counts vary constantly, some times is even 0.....and may take many years or never to show syntoms. That makes HIV even more dangerous infection than any other. You may be passing it to others for years without knowing, even to your partner and children.

Thailand is #1 in HIV infection, and it is the only country in the world that HIV+ people is not reported, and HIV+ kids can attend public schools. So many to be discriminated. Condoms?.....Most women asking about are prostitutes, because its are professional risk takers. They know better.

"Normal" Thai women?...girl friends, wives?...never, even knowing that its males friends, lovers, and husbands frequents prostitution.....

Here, prostitution users are named losers, etc, etc,....but in reality they are just big risk takers for seconds of "love"....until one day....they are so shamed.... that do not want to talk about....even for the good sake of others. They just die....alone..and in misery.

Up to you to believe it or not....

Edited July 4, 2015 by BKResort

[Cake Monster]

Only last week, a report stated that as much as 10% of the Thai GDP was attributed to the sex industry and its periferal activities.

Thats a whole lot of activity.

[phuketrichard]

Without prostitution Thailand would easily lose 50% of Tourists.

People who deny this are just liars and/or ignorant.

But it's all about appearances and saving face.

BULLSHIT

what about the millions of Chinese/Korean tourist, the thousands an thousands of families.?

i'd say at most 15% to say 50% ur out of ur head on something

Exactly, I can remember not too long ago when seeing a farang woman in Thailand was a novelty.

Only in the mid to late 80's were white women a novelty

Form what i see in Phuket, its mostly

Chinese tourists, Arabs. families with kids, young couples ( many Japanese now)

older couples

NONE of the above are here for whoring

Phuket gets 1/4 of ALL the tourist arrivals in Thailand

Head up north its the same

Head to Samui its the same

This might be correct

Without prostitution PATTAYA would ( might) easily lose 50% of Tourists.

Edited July 4, 2015 by phuketrichard