Sex tourism: Thai trade boosted by 'repressed' tourists in Pattaya

[giddyup]

Perhaps the topic title should have referred to 'oppressed' rather than 'repressed' tourists. Many readers will interpret 'repressed' in its psychological sense. This is the idea that the problem lies in the individual in that he feels guilt and discomfort about his sexual urges: he is sexually repressed. 'Oppressed' more clearly means that some outside force/authority is preventing you from living your life as you wish. This is probably the more accurate term for these Middle Eastern men .... many of them will be little different from their western cousins in terms of their urges and interests, but they live in societies where they are prevented from acting them. One could argue that this is a form of oppression, or at least that there are oppressive elements in these societies. I'm not so sure they should be called 'repressed'...

re·pressed

rəˈprest/

adjective

adjective: repressed

restrained, inhibited, or oppressed.

"repressed indigenous groups"

synonyms: oppressed, subjugated, subdued, tyrannized

"a repressed country"

antonyms: democratic, free

• (of a thought, feeling, or desire) kept suppressed and unconscious in one's mind.

  "repressed memories"

  synonyms: restrained, suppressed, held back/in, kept in check, stifled, pent up, bottled up, unvented

  "repressed feelings"

  antonyms: overt, expressed
• having or characterized by a large number of thoughts, feelings, or desires, especially sexual ones, that are suppressed in this way.

  "a very repressed, almost Victorian, household"

  synonyms: inhibited, frustrated, restrained; More

  informaluptight, hung up

  "emotionally repressed"

  antonyms: relaxed, uninhibited

[Kabula]

The article seems primarily to be aimed at creating an image of the Arabs in Thailand - although it does give a nod to other aspects of prostitution , just to cover arse...as t were.

Truth remains that Thailand is a county that relies on prostitution for a substantial part of it's economy, both as a part of the tourist trade and as a larger part catering to the home market.

It seems that a country that sees of the exploitation of women as an integral part of its economy will continue to do so so long as those in power refuse to accept that their own use of women in this way is unacceptable. so long as leaders view women as "wrapped candy" I can't see a fundamental change happening soon

I apologize for a lengthy post, but when I read negative posts about the sex industry, I get very angry.

Ask any Thai person selling sex, women and men if they feel the government is using them to the greatest possible advantage for cash flow into the Thai coffers.

Most will laugh at you!

After the laughter, they will tell you they and their family are hungry, and 'no one cares.' They did not have the opportunities most in the world had. They want a better life. They want an apartment, a house and take care of their families.

Thailand and most developing countries rose from poverty from the sex industry.

Most mom and pop businesses worldwide, including the Vatican, were started from money generated from the sexual services which drive an economy to riches, going back since the beginning of time.

Many Thai women spend most of their lives in bars working the sex trade. Do you really think they go every day for many, many years, because they hate it or feel exploited?

The truth is those women love sex, cash and alcohol!

Let’s not forget the lucky ones that meet a rich foreigner, marry, which that supports her/her family, in a life they would never had experience if it wasn’t for prostitution.

I personally know many multi-millionaires in several countries that married prostitutes and those gals went from doing shots in a bar to flying around the world in private jets.

Even if a country banned prostitution, the oldest profession, those very same, so called exploited women would be working out of their homes.

It's always the blind, ignorant folks that have no understanding how important the multi trillion dollars worldwide sex industry is that drives small business startups, creates a velocity of money creating villages, that grow into cities, that turn third world countries into developed countries.

A good example of that is Thailand. I don’t know if you were here in the 60’s, as I was a soldier serving in Vietnam. During the Vietnam War sex saved most from starving. A one hour session cost 3 MPC, $3 for one hour. Yet that paid for rice and fish.

If you shut down the sex trade worldwide tomorrow, the financial retreat would be devastating. Many would starve and crime would explode.

Not to mention how upset and disappointing the law makers would be when they had to depend on their 60 year old wives for sex!

[giddyup]

add Oman, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Libya, Tunesia, Algeria, Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangla Desh

Who knew that all these Muslim countries were so tolerant and liberal. I assume that scantily clad hostesses serve the drinks in the countries named?

[aneliane]

So Thai sex industry is now a trade that is monitored as any?? -

Instead of being cracked upon?

And no one bats an eyelid??

[giddyup]

cumgranosalum, on 16 May 2016 - 07:26, said:

The article seems primarily to be aimed at creating an image of the Arabs in Thailand - although it does give a nod to other aspects of prostitution , just to cover arse...as t were.

Truth remains that Thailand is a county that relies on prostitution for a substantial part of it's economy, both as a part of the tourist trade and as a larger part catering to the home market.

It seems that a country that sees of the exploitation of women as an integral part of its economy will continue to do so so long as those in power refuse to accept that their own use of women in this way is unacceptable. so long as leaders view women as "wrapped candy" I can't see a fundamental change happening soon

I apologize for a lengthy post, but when I read negative posts about the sex industry, I get very angry.

Didn't you already post your "lengthy post" on page 2 ?

[Maggusoil]

When I read stories like these, I am saddened by how I spend my time.

The topic is uncalled for if thai visa wants to be a leading neutral news agency. This is something that some drunks would describe in a pub or a closed group of similar interests at home....I hope the editorship maintains a high standard in content, privacy and journalistic ethics. Why highlight a Kuwaiti....even if it be true. What is the purpose to scorn ..... I am trying to understand the angle. I do in most of my posts try to hit home the need to educate locals and to bring them to being responsible. Thai visa should be a beacon light with the privilages of the platform it has in the eyes of locals and foreigners. I agree with Puukao... We the expat community is looking for authentic content where we can interact with one another to the betterment of our envioroment and society. Not the gossip column for those negatively inclined to get over a chip that they have on their shoulder.

Cannot agree with this. The object of any newsagency is to sell its content. It rarely changes society with its wisdoms.

Content will always outsell style and this sort of article is in the 'something for everybdoy' basket. The seamy side of life. Haven't you ever heard the aphorism "sex sells"? The pace of growth of the internet was created by the porn industry.

The Arab angle may be tasteless in your view, but has merit due to the glaring hypocrasies of their society. In this area, Thai society shows it has apects that many may regard as being uncivilized, but at least it is not that hypocritical.

[Docno]

Perhaps the topic title should have referred to 'oppressed' rather than 'repressed' tourists. Many readers will interpret 'repressed' in its psychological sense. This is the idea that the problem lies in the individual in that he feels guilt and discomfort about his sexual urges: he is sexually repressed. 'Oppressed' more clearly means that some outside force/authority is preventing you from living your life as you wish. This is probably the more accurate term for these Middle Eastern men .... many of them will be little different from their western cousins in terms of their urges and interests, but they live in societies where they are prevented from acting them. One could argue that this is a form of oppression, or at least that there are oppressive elements in these societies. I'm not so sure they should be called 'repressed'...

re·pressed

rəˈprest/

adjective

adjective: repressed

restrained, inhibited, or oppressed.

"repressed indigenous groups"

synonyms: oppressed, subjugated, subdued, tyrannized

"a repressed country"

antonyms: democratic, free

• (of a thought, feeling, or desire) kept suppressed and unconscious in one's mind.

  "repressed memories"

  synonyms: restrained, suppressed, held back/in, kept in check, stifled, pent up, bottled up, unvented

  "repressed feelings"

  antonyms: overt, expressed
• having or characterized by a large number of thoughts, feelings, or desires, especially sexual ones, that are suppressed in this way.

  "a very repressed, almost Victorian, household"

  synonyms: inhibited, frustrated, restrained; More

  informaluptight, hung up

  "emotionally repressed"

  antonyms: relaxed, uninhibited

Yeah - I'm fully aware of that. But read my post more carefully before you play Mr Dictionary: "Many readers will interpret 'repressed' in its psychological sense". A moment of thought and you will see that I am not claiming it's the only sense of the word.

[mesterm]

Most Muslims are such hypocrites. Well at least those guys in black in Syria are practicing according to actual scripture.

[MickRobbo]

So Thai sex industry is now a trade that is monitored as any?? -

Instead of being cracked upon?

And no one bats an eyelid??

For now; until the next shake down as is convenient

[giddyup]

Perhaps the topic title should have referred to 'oppressed' rather than 'repressed' tourists. Many readers will interpret 'repressed' in its psychological sense. This is the idea that the problem lies in the individual in that he feels guilt and discomfort about his sexual urges: he is sexually repressed. 'Oppressed' more clearly means that some outside force/authority is preventing you from living your life as you wish. This is probably the more accurate term for these Middle Eastern men .... many of them will be little different from their western cousins in terms of their urges and interests, but they live in societies where they are prevented from acting them. One could argue that this is a form of oppression, or at least that there are oppressive elements in these societies. I'm not so sure they should be called 'repressed'...

re·pressed

rəˈprest/

adjective

adjective: repressed

restrained, inhibited, or oppressed.

"repressed indigenous groups"

synonyms: oppressed, subjugated, subdued, tyrannized

"a repressed country"

antonyms: democratic, free

• (of a thought, feeling, or desire) kept suppressed and unconscious in one's mind.

  "repressed memories"

  synonyms: restrained, suppressed, held back/in, kept in check, stifled, pent up, bottled up, unvented

  "repressed feelings"

  antonyms: overt, expressed
• having or characterized by a large number of thoughts, feelings, or desires, especially sexual ones, that are suppressed in this way.

  "a very repressed, almost Victorian, household"

  synonyms: inhibited, frustrated, restrained; More

  informaluptight, hung up

  "emotionally repressed"

  antonyms: relaxed, uninhibited

Yeah - I'm fully aware of that. But read my post more carefully before you play Mr Dictionary: "Many readers will interpret 'repressed' in its psychological sense". A moment of thought and you will see that I am not claiming it's the only sense of the word.

Well I am one of the "many readers" who interpreted repressed exactly as the reporter meant. Can't speak for all readers obviously, but no one else seemed to have a problem with the use of repressed instead of oppressed.

[Rimmer]

Multiple racist and troll posts have been removed also the replies that quote the removed posts

[Ozgur]

So, in Pattaya, There is no Europian no American no Australian for sex trade I guess. Is there a place in those countries where this action is done so explicitly and exposedly like in Pattaya?

This is a shameful news for TV.

[Autonuaq]

the story tells more about the view of the people from the middle east on things and how they look to foreigners.

you see the same behaviour around the world with them.

only own people are treated polite because of the limitations. Other are used for the fantasies.

many young girl (and boy) got lost in thenice story telling and promises made.

the article just represents the view and vision these people have about others.

thailand is just a small aspect in it,

.

[ianf]

Yes, the Kuwaiti's come for what is not allowed in their Islamist country, that being alcohol and sex on display everywhere and allowed whenever chosen.

The arabs have been roaming the world for sex and booze for as long as I can remember. It just shows what nasty double standards these folk have. If westerners even drink in their countries we get flogged and jailed.

[ToS2014]

and this is new news?

[mikiea]

When I read stories like these, I am saddened by how I spend my time.

The topic is uncalled for if thai visa wants to be a leading neutral news agency. This is something that some drunks would describe in a pub or a closed group of similar interests at home....I hope the editorship maintains a high standard in content, privacy and journalistic ethics. Why highlight a Kuwaiti....even if it be true. What is the purpose to scorn ..... I am trying to understand the angle. I do in most of my posts try to hit home the need to educate locals and to bring them to being responsible. Thai visa should be a beacon light with the privilages of the platform it has in the eyes of locals and foreigners. I agree with Puukao... We the expat community is looking for authentic content where we can interact with one another to the betterment of our envioroment and society. Not the gossip column for those negatively inclined to get over a chip that they have on their shoulder.

you are kidding right ? a beacon light ? privileges of a platform in foreigners eyes ? ehhh....... you have issues that cannot be resolved here .. ...privileges platform ? really ?

[lostmebike]

I want to vomit!

I thought white, christian, western men were perverting the world .. apparent infidels, the lot of us!

Oh the irony.

[Friendly Stranger]

I thought by reading the story there would be some new info but I'm mistaken. This could have been printed 15+ yrs ago.

Something we all know already.

[Global Guy]

The article seems primarily to be aimed at creating an image of the Arabs in Thailand - although it does give a nod to other aspects of prostitution , just to cover arse...as t were.

Truth remains that Thailand is a county that relies on prostitution for a substantial part of it's economy, both as a part of the tourist trade and as a larger part catering to the home market.

It seems that a country that sees of the exploitation of women as an integral part of its economy will continue to do so so long as those in power refuse to accept that their own use of women in this way is unacceptable. so long as leaders view women as "wrapped candy" I can't see a fundamental change happening soon

Exploitation? You mean of the women who willingly travel to Pattaya, willingly partner up with a "mentor" who willingly teach them the fine art of working drunk men out of their money?

You can't exploit the willing.

[toenail]

After having lived in the Middle East for over 14 years (in strict Muslim countries where the women are covered up and there is no contact between males and females) generally speaking, there is a warped attitude towards women in these countries. I have seen Kuwaiti, and Saudi men treat their sheep and camels with more respect than women. To many Arab men from the rich gulf countries, women are comparable to dogs (which is not a complement)...and the "good Muslim boys" can act as if they are holier than the infidels outside of their countries; yet go to the West (or East) to do their sinning---return to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or the Emirates and say how other countries are the "sewers" of the world (I have heard this many times) . Most bar girls will have nothing to do with Arab men; for, they are not treated with dignity. \

NOTE: Sad in Thai culture these young women have to find employment in being "commercial companions" in order to send money home to their parents and to receive respect. I suppose they could work in the hotel or restaurant industry, but that is minimum age. It is their choice that they go into this type of job.

[Thaidream]

The Thai women that enter the sex trade do not do it because they like sex. They do it to avoid starvation for themselves and their families. Most are from Issan where there are hardly any jobs that pay a living wage. Most of the available joba pay around 7K Baht per month. Could you live on this while taking care of 4 people?. They migrate to Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket in search of a way to sustain their life. They become actors in a way of life that they do not like, but have to endure. Some of them get into alcohol and drugs to ease the pain and humiliation at the hands of 'customers'. Many of them dream of finding that one person who will 'rescue' them from the life they must lead to survive. Once they get into their late thirties and onward- they begin to realize that their time is running out and start to lose hope. Some go insane; others steal; most just fade away and let the next generation take care of them. The cycle starts again.

The tourists in this article have no understanding of the cycle of poverty these women endure and some of these tourists exploit the women. The fact is most Thai women in the sex industry do not like men at all and feel exploited by men. They will never tell you so but if you learn and understand Thai- you will hear it in their voice and see if in their face once they let their guard down. If given the choice between a job that pays a living wage and being a prostitute- most will leave the sex industry. As long as the tourists keep coming and the lack of economic assistance to impoverished Issan continues. the sex trade will continue sadly to be a growth industry.

[spermwhale]

When I read stories like these, I am saddened by how I spend my time.

The topic is uncalled for if thai visa wants to be a leading neutral news agency. This is something that some drunks would describe in a pub or a closed group of similar interests at home....I hope the editorship maintains a high standard in content, privacy and journalistic ethics. Why highlight a Kuwaiti....even if it be true. What is the purpose to scorn ..... I am trying to understand the angle. I do in most of my posts try to hit home the need to educate locals and to bring them to being responsible. Thai visa should be a beacon light with the privilages of the platform it has in the eyes of locals and foreigners. I agree with Puukao... We the expat community is looking for authentic content where we can interact with one another to the betterment of our envioroment and society. Not the gossip column for those negatively inclined to get over a chip that they have on their shoulder.

If you've ever read the multitude of comments on Thai Visa you'll know already it is far from a "beacon of light." You expect too much from this site if you want it to gloss over the ills of Thailand and make it out to be some utopia, which it is not. That's called burying your head in the sand, which is one of the biggest problems Thailand has and it seems like you've adopted that same mantra.

Any articles on Thailand are used to create a new thread on this website. If it had only feel-good stories, Thai Visa would be a boring and short read.

Edited May 16, 2016 by spermwhale

[bazza40]

IMHO it's not about the nationality, it's the religion.

Any psychiatrist or psychologist worth their salt will tell you when you repress natural human instincts, those instincts become warped.

Islam has a lot to answer for. So does Christianity. The rampant pedophilia among Catholic priests is no accident. It originates from the celibacy tradition, instituted by the Catholic Church to protect church property from inheritance claims by the offspring of priests.

Arabs and Indians are non-preferred customers of Thai bar girls. Ask any bar girl.

[neeray]

This thread makes me think of the journalistic saying, "if it bleeds, it leads". Like one said, it's not news. Or another, poor piece of journalism.

Such a topic is sure to garner readership though. I guess that was the purpose. We all know about Thailand and sex (cheap _ _ _ _ _ and lots of it.)

I don't see the value to Thailand or any reader in this very confusing headline. Even the member comments didn't relate all that well. How could they?

[giddyup]

The Thai women that enter the sex trade do not do it because they like sex. They do it to avoid starvation for themselves and their families. Most are from Issan where there are hardly any jobs that pay a living wage. Most of the available joba pay around 7K Baht per month. Could you live on this while taking care of 4 people?. They migrate to Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket in search of a way to sustain their life. They become actors in a way of life that they do not like, but have to endure. Some of them get into alcohol and drugs to ease the pain and humiliation at the hands of 'customers'. Many of them dream of finding that one person who will 'rescue' them from the life they must lead to survive. Once they get into their late thirties and onward- they begin to realize that their time is running out and start to lose hope. Some go insane; others steal; most just fade away and let the next generation take care of them. The cycle starts again.

The tourists in this article have no understanding of the cycle of poverty these women endure and some of these tourists exploit the women. The fact is most Thai women in the sex industry do not like men at all and feel exploited by men. They will never tell you so but if you learn and understand Thai- you will hear it in their voice and see if in their face once they let their guard down. If given the choice between a job that pays a living wage and being a prostitute- most will leave the sex industry. As long as the tourists keep coming and the lack of economic assistance to impoverished Issan continues. the sex trade will continue sadly to be a growth industry.

There are plenty of jobs available if they are prepared to work for 300-400 baht a day and not have to support family layabouts (the fathers and sons) who laze around in hammocks without caring how their daughter/sister earns her money.

Edited May 16, 2016 by giddyup

[cyberfarang]

The Thai women that enter the sex trade do not do it because they like sex. They do it to avoid starvation for themselves and their families. Most are from Issan where there are hardly any jobs that pay a living wage. Most of the available joba pay around 7K Baht per month. Could you live on this while taking care of 4 people?. They migrate to Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket in search of a way to sustain their life. They become actors in a way of life that they do not like, but have to endure. Some of them get into alcohol and drugs to ease the pain and humiliation at the hands of 'customers'. Many of them dream of finding that one person who will 'rescue' them from the life they must lead to survive. Once they get into their late thirties and onward- they begin to realize that their time is running out and start to lose hope. Some go insane; others steal; most just fade away and let the next generation take care of them. The cycle starts again.

The tourists in this article have no understanding of the cycle of poverty these women endure and some of these tourists exploit the women. The fact is most Thai women in the sex industry do not like men at all and feel exploited by men. They will never tell you so but if you learn and understand Thai- you will hear it in their voice and see if in their face once they let their guard down. If given the choice between a job that pays a living wage and being a prostitute- most will leave the sex industry. As long as the tourists keep coming and the lack of economic assistance to impoverished Issan continues. the sex trade will continue sadly to be a growth industry.

Who are you trying to kid, us or yourself? For many of those women what they consider as a living wage is never enough, they want more and more After a very short while they become institutionalized into prostitution, working at normal jobs will never satisfy their hunger for more money and material possessions, it becomes an obsession, much more then just a supporting the family role. Most probably do have a disdain for their male customers but the dividends or thoughts of what they might get out of it controls their true feelings and overrides their sense of respect for their own dignity and repulsion. I have known women in their 60s still going at it as prostitutes, nothing in the world would make them see the light and pack it all in. Except for the odd few after time they become too mentally damaged to form full time relationships and would not be able to settle down into employment after being freelance where they are in control, their own bosses and something that requires no skills or the pressures of working in everyday industry.

The sex industry is repulsive, but it cannot be washed away.

[Deli]

Would be nice to send photos showing how they behave abroad to their families and employers back home.

Hypocrite suckers

[12DrinkMore]

So Thai sex industry is now a trade that is monitored as any?? -

Instead of being cracked upon?

And no one bats an eyelid??

Why not?

It is now becoming standard practice when calculating the GDP of countries to include prostitution and drugs.

Indeed the UK now proudly strides above France

And when these more inclusive figures edged the nation ahead of France in world rankings when they were used in calculations of the size of the UK's economy.

One for the Brits, beating France due to sex and drugs

But oh! Looks like France can push them down again.

But experts at the Centre for Economics and Busines Research, who produced the World Economic League Table, noted that France did not include the sex work and illegal drugs in its estimations.

It added that, if it did, there was a possibility that it might retake its fifth place position - and that the UK might drop down to sixth.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2888416/Who-said-crime-doesn-t-pay-Counting-prostitution-drugs-GDP-figure-seen-UK-s-economy-overtake-France-fifth-largest-world.html

Illegal drugs and sex work were worth £12.3bn, or 0.7 per cent of our GDP, making them as economically significant as agriculture, according to ONS figures released this year.

We can fully anticipate a surge in Thailand's economy when the Leicester Philanderers arrive.

[Thaidream]

Your point is well taken- the longer they work in the industry- they get used to having the money they want to purchase those things they want. A living wage to me would be 20-30K per month which would allow people a standard of living that is consistent with the economy as it now exists. The older they get-the less in demand they will be and thus their income will decrease. The longer they stay in the game- the more they become accustomed to a different lifestyle and still see the chance for that one person who will 'save' them and give them the lifestyle they desire. I, too, have seen Thai women in the game who are in their 60's still going at it because they have no other choice and just cannot adapt to a 'normal' lifestyle. I have also seen mothers and daughters working together as well as sisters. In today's economy how could you convince someone who is in the game and making 40K per month to go to work in a factory for 300 Baht per day? In one's own mind- people can justify anything- but in their heart and soul- the truth exists. However, Thai society puts a higher value on money than dignity.

Edited May 16, 2016 by Thaidream

[steve73]

Would be nice to send photos showing how they behave abroad to their families and employers back home.

Hypocrite suckers

If this was done there'd be even more of them coming over here to enjoy what Thailand has to offer....

perhaps a win-win ...?