Thai sex industry under fire from tourism minister, police

[thai3]

If the minister is serious they should look at prosecuting westerners who come here to buy sexual services, a few prison sentences would soon see bars (brothels) closing down. Don't go after the girls, go after the customers, many of them are perverts anyway Some of the popular bars have girls dressed in School 'uniforms' or have petite girls who look underage even if they are not, quite. Then there are the BDSM dungeon places, blow job bars with 'nurses' and and 'clubs' offering women in pairs who will do almost anything for a few k, romance and sanuk it certainly is not.

[slippery snake]

That's it then. Expect a 90% drop in tourists in Bangers and Pattaya.

Well thought out, K. Khobkarn.

NO ! The good minster will have figures to prove otherwise, as ever.

Yes and the figures she would come up with would most likely be 100% accurate.

The number of people that visit Thailand just for the sex industry is tiny, a drop in the ocean.

It would have zero or close to zero effect on Bangkok, the drop would probably be a hell of a lot closer to a few percent than to 90%, wonder how people can possibly think otherwise.

The fun thing about the visible sex industry (to tourists) is that it again is a drop in the ocean as compared to the sex industry catering to the locals.

I wonder if these are under fire as well, I suppose not.

I think that is what she is talking about, as the young girls trafficked here from Burma, etc, go to the local sex shops ( kereoke bars) for Thai guys.

I don't see young girls in the bars or go go clubs or Discos here in Patong, nor did I see them in Pattaya a few weeks ago. Of course they may be more hidden from view and you have to ask for them if you're into young girls.. I am not, I like woman, about 30 to 40 years old,, not girls of 15 or 16..

[animatic]

If the minister is serious they should look at prosecuting westerners who come here to buy sexual services, a few prison sentences would soon see bars (brothels) closing down. Don't go after the girls, go after the customers, many of them are perverts anyway Some of the popular bars have girls dressed in School 'uniforms' or have petite girls who look underage even if they are not, quite. Then there are the BDSM dungeon places, blow job bars with 'nurses' and and 'clubs' offering women in pairs who will do almost anything for a few k, romance and sanuk it certainly is not.

If Madam minster were truly serious,

she should go after the root cause that allows the industry to be what it is,

a living wage for poor under-educated young people from the country side,

who would live in abject poverty otherwise. Cause and effect.

Provide a real alternative or let people earn in the way they chose.

It is not an immoral choice specifically, if you see it as the difference between

your mother and your baby starving vs the alternative having sexual relations.

What's truly immoral is the governance structure doesn't fix the education system

and create alternate viable jobs that can sustain families.

Rather than just try and paper over the 800 lb gorilla in the room.

[thaibeachlovers]

'Thailand is closed to sex trade' says countrys first female tourism minister

By Andrew Marszal

LONDON: -- Thailand has promised to eradicate its notorious sex tourism industry as it attempts to reinvent itself as a female-friendly travel destination.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, the countrys first female tourism minister, made the pledge following a series of police raids on Thai brothels last month, amid concerns over human trafficking and underage sex workers.

We want Thailand to be about quality tourism. We want the sex industry gone, Ms Kobkarn told Reuters.

Tourists dont come to Thailand for such a thing. They come here for our beautiful culture.

Prostitution has been illegal in the south-east Asian country since 1960, but the industry employs more than 120,000 sex workers, with authorities frequently accused of turning a blind eye.

Full story: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/17/thailand-is-closed-to-sex-tourism-says-countrys-first-female-tou/

-- The Telegraph 2016-07-18

Based on the other tourism lady's film festival racket, this lady no doubt has set up sex clubs and brothels just over the border in Laos and Cambodia. Outlaw it in LOS and feed border enterprises.

This is just a good attempt to get the tourists who frown upon thailand for this trade to visit. If it works and numbers increase then it's a step in the right direction and opens up the door for more scrutiny on the sex trade. It will never be eradicated but if this brave minister can prove she increased tourism of western/eastern females into thailand then it may be a basis to work on. I don't think that many guys (-40) knew about the sex industry before coming here and if it was not for the Internet I doubt a lot of guys would come into contact with that workforce. Is the Internet not already empowering the working girls to go it alone anyway which is voiding the need for in your face sleaze joints which seem to be full of men over 50 who are in most cases not literate where the Internet is concerned?

The minister obviously has no idea what she is on about. There is a Thai sex industry which she is obviously not going to do anything about, and a farang bar/ gogo industry which is completely legal. That the farang bar/ gogo industry has women/ men/ 3rd gender working in it that are prepared to "escort" men and women for a price is irrelevant as it is also completely legal to "escort" customers. The only thing illegal is to actually pay for sex, and unless they start putting spy devices into every hotel room in the country there is no way they can prove it.

While I see many on this and similar threads salivating at the prospect of the so called sex industry shutting down, it isn't going to happen. They could make it illegal for Thai people to associate with farangs, but that is highly unlikely, and what would happen to all those that are married to farangs?

They could, illegally, harrass legitimate businesses out of existence, but it would just move the scene onto the street.

What most on here don't know is that prior to the last crackdown the Sukhumvit Rd scene didn't exist. It was all indoors. Now it's all over the place.

It's not a brave attempt at all- it's complete BS.

if it was not for the Internet

Sorry, but what planet do you live on? The scene was well known long before the internet was even thought about.

[thaibeachlovers]

If the minister is serious they should look at prosecuting westerners who come here to buy sexual services, a few prison sentences would soon see bars (brothels) closing down. Don't go after the girls, go after the customers, many of them are perverts anyway Some of the popular bars have girls dressed in School 'uniforms' or have petite girls who look underage even if they are not, quite. Then there are the BDSM dungeon places, blow job bars with 'nurses' and and 'clubs' offering women in pairs who will do almost anything for a few k, romance and sanuk it certainly is not.

If the minister was serious she wouldn't be around long. Who do you think owns the industry?

[thai3]

when it comes to the tourist industry, which is what she refers to it's not the cops, the mafia or the army as some would like to think.

[sjaak327]

That's it then. Expect a 90% drop in tourists in Bangers and Pattaya.

Well thought out, K. Khobkarn.

NO ! The good minster will have figures to prove otherwise, as ever.

Yes and the figures she would come up with would most likely be 100% accurate.

The number of people that visit Thailand just for the sex industry is tiny, a drop in the ocean.

It would have zero or close to zero effect on Bangkok, the drop would probably be a hell of a lot closer to a few percent than to 90%, wonder how people can possibly think otherwise.

The fun thing about the visible sex industry (to tourists) is that it again is a drop in the ocean as compared to the sex industry catering to the locals.

I wonder if these are under fire as well, I suppose not.

I think that is what she is talking about, as the young girls trafficked here from Burma, etc, go to the local sex shops ( kereoke bars) for Thai guys.

I don't see young girls in the bars or go go clubs or Discos here in Patong, nor did I see them in Pattaya a few weeks ago. Of course they may be more hidden from view and you have to ask for them if you're into young girls.. I am not, I like woman, about 30 to 40 years old,, not girls of 15 or 16..

Why would the tourism minister care about the local sex for hire scene ? She only cares about Thailand's reputation as a holiday destination. And like it or not, the local scene isn't visible to tourists, all they see is the likes of Patong beach, Pattaya, and the three usual suspects in Krung Thep.

I very much doubt that those places do not hire those Burmese, Cambodians or Laotian Ladies, they just make sure you can't tell the difference.

Edit to add: Not sure if the minister needs to do much in respect to the sex for hire scene catering to foreigners (especially the western kind) as those places are in sharp decline already, at least if insiders in that industry are to be believed. I personally have never engaged in prostitution, but have frequently visited Suk Soi 4, Cowboy and Patpong and also the gay soi Twilight, and I can only say that it seems less and less people actually frequent those place, I suppose even less actually off people.

[connda]

If the minister is serious they should look at prosecuting westerners who come here to buy sexual services, a few prison sentences would soon see bars (brothels) closing down. Don't go after the girls, go after the customers, many of them are perverts anyway Some of the popular bars have girls dressed in School 'uniforms' or have petite girls who look underage even if they are not, quite. Then there are the BDSM dungeon places, blow job bars with 'nurses' and and 'clubs' offering women in pairs who will do almost anything for a few k, romance and sanuk it certainly is not.

Simply answer: If they started tossing the 'johns' in jail, a large segment of the male population in Thailand would be incarcerated. Considering that it's expedient to maintain a functioning society and counter-productive to arrest those contributing to the GNP, I doubt your suggestion will get off the ground. You seem to know a whole lot about the really seedy underbelly of the sex trade here. Interesting.

[thai3]

She was talking about sex tourism not locals, if they have double pricing they can have different rules for visitors. You don't have to be a bank robber to know about banks or how they get robbed do you?

[thaibeachlovers]

She was talking about sex tourism not locals, if they have double pricing they can have different rules for visitors. You don't have to be a bank robber to know about banks or how they get robbed do you?

You don't seem to understand that it would not be possible to discern which tourists are here just to have sex and which are here to see the temples. No monger would admit on arrival they came to have sex.

[SoiBiker]

She was talking about sex tourism not locals, if they have double pricing they can have different rules for visitors. You don't have to be a bank robber to know about banks or how they get robbed do you?

You don't seem to understand that it would not be possible to discern which tourists are here just to have sex and which are here to see the temples. No monger would admit on arrival they came to have sex.

Why not? Is it something to be ashamed of? Plenty of people here seem happy to be honest about their intentions.

[slippery snake]

Watch the GDP plunge 30-60%.

Just to put it in prospective almost 9 million Chinese will visit Thailand this year contributing over 300 billion baht .

That's just Chinese .

Westerners who only UK figures in the top 5 financial contributes ( 3rd)

Contributes less than a 4th that amount. ( 70 billion just UK )

All westerners combined about 400 billion.

Of this 75% are couples , back packers, families not in any way involved in the sex industry regards purchasing a Thai product service from a sex worker.

This means about 100 - 125 billion baht is estimated to flow from sex tourism.

Less than half of "" just the Chinese market""

Malaysian , Japanese , South Korea , and assorted also transcend the sex tourist market in financial contribution.

The delusion that Thais need to maintain the industry is false.

The only reason they may let it exist in some form is to allow the estimated 300 million USD that flows north to families of sex workers.

However , the 30-60% plunge is very way out .

Considering the whole industry is only worth 10% total GDP .

The replacement factor of revenue from increasing Chinese numbers.

Up 900% in ten years .

And growing fast.

Restrictions on Chinese lower middle classes leaving China on Tourist visas means an invasion of sorts will come.

Thailand doesn't need the sex tourists.

They may spend 5 to one more than Chinese tourists.

But the sheer numbers of Chinese means they contribute far far more.

Something many sex tourists mistakenly fail to see.

Their days are not numbered ( sex tourists) but a few may end up black listed in future a others detained and even imprisoned as the military step up raids.

Take another look at this woman claiming her intensions.....her parents in a portrait behind her.

She looks like a person who is not to be doubted for an instant.

It's also a military government with absolute authority who doesn't care what the peasants supplying the bulk of sex workers think.

It also taps into Nationalistic sentiment , whilst ridding the nation of unwanted westerners haunting their every move.

It's actually pay back to what we say about them in some respects.

The others living here retired will in time meet new laws that make this harder...( eg 800',000 could be lifted and examined more closely)

This agenda is just the beginning of removing people not desired .

And in general that's not just sex tourists

Those numbers just do not sound correct. Of all of the hotel owners, restauranteurs, owners of gift shops, massage shops, and travel agents I have spoken with, all say the same thing. The Chinese tourists spend less money than any other group, that they have ever dealt with. So, why this high number? Perhaps that is the total generated, but does not take into account that alot of that money either stayed in China, or was repatriated back to China?

There is no doubt in the minds of these travel industry folks, that Western tourists are of far higher quality, when it comes to spending money. No doubt. It is a mistake of historic proportions, for the tourism ministry to target the Chinese market. A massive mistake.

The Chinese market is a mistake ?? really ? They stay in hotels, they go to restaurants, the woman buy heaps of beauty products, they love the genuine massage shops, they go on tours, I guess they pay for all that ? They just don't go much to bars and drink all night and pay girls for sex..

other than that, they spend money on everything any other tourist does, but usually they don't stay long, just a day and off to the next place.

In Pattaya a week ago I see them going out to para sail by the boat load, I count 40 in the air at any one time, lasts about one minute, they land on the barges and they take off with a new customer in a few seconds, all at what ? 1,000B a pop, or more.. and they go for hours on end, pretty good money in any bodies books !! uh! ( and I didn't see one westerner go out ) plus there are hundreds of millions of them.. A great idea to target them for tourism..

[thaibeachlovers]

^^ and I didn't see one westerner go out

Probably got too much sense to do that. I doubt they are any more safe than the bungy jump, and nothing would make me trust that.

[slippery snake]

The Chinese market is a mistake ?? really ? They stay in hotels, they go to restaurants, the woman buy heaps of beauty products, they love the genuine massage shops, they go on tours, I guess they pay for all that ? They just don't go much to bars and drink all night and pay girls for sex..

Those numbers just do not sound correct. Of all of the hotel owners, restauranteurs, owners of gift shops, massage shops, and travel agents I have spoken with, all say the same thing. The Chinese tourists spend less money than any other group, that they have ever dealt with. So, why this high number? Perhaps that is the total generated, but does not take into account that alot of that money either stayed in China, or was repatriated back to China?

There is no doubt in the minds of these travel industry folks, that Western tourists are of far higher quality, when it comes to spending money. No doubt. It is a mistake of historic proportions, for the tourism ministry to target the Chinese market. A massive mistake.

other than that, they spend money on everything any other tourist does, but usually they don't stay long, just a day and off to the next place.

In Pattaya a week ago I see them going out to para sail by the boat load, I count 40 in the air at any one time, lasts about one minute, they land on the barges and they take off with a new customer in a few seconds, all at what ? 1,000B a pop, or more.. and they go for hours on end, pretty good money in any bodies books !! uh! ( and I didn't see one westerner go out ) plus there are hundreds of millions of them.. A great idea to target them for tourism..

and I didn't see one westerner go out

Probably got too much sense to do that. I doubt they are any more safe than the bungy jump, and nothing would make me trust that.

Probably a lot safer than swimming in the sea, as people drown nearly every week.

I have never read where a person has been killed parasailing, have you ?

Just goes to show my point, the Chinese will do things and spend money.

Maybe there were no Westerners because they are too miserable to spend their money on enjoying them selves on anything but beers and bar girls.

Chinese have some stunning girls, the Chinese guys don't need Thai bar girls ....

I guess you live your life in cotton gloves, I won't do that, I might get hurt... Must be an exciting life you live .... not !!

[SoiBiker]

I don't really get this idea that the Chinese don't spend any money. Surely, they eat, they drink, they buy souvenirs, they stay in hotels? Am I missing something?

[slippery snake]

I don't really get this idea that the Chinese don't spend any money. Surely, they eat, they drink, they buy souvenirs, they stay in hotels? Am I missing something?

Yeah your missing they love a genuine Thai or foot massage... But my thoughts exactly.. It is only the walking streets in Pattaya and Patong than moan about them, because they don't drink much, if at all, and they are not interested in buying bar girls.. so the girlie bars are hurting for sure..

[dageurreotype]

If the minister is serious they should look at prosecuting westerners who come here to buy sexual services, a few prison sentences would soon see bars (brothels) closing down. Don't go after the girls, go after the customers, many of them are perverts anyway Some of the popular bars have girls dressed in School 'uniforms' or have petite girls who look underage even if they are not, quite. Then there are the BDSM dungeon places, blow job bars with 'nurses' and and 'clubs' offering women in pairs who will do almost anything for a few k, romance and sanuk it certainly is not.

If Madam minster were truly serious,

she should go after the root cause that allows the industry to be what it is,

a living wage for poor under-educated young people from the country side,

who would live in abject poverty otherwise. Cause and effect.

Provide a real alternative or let people earn in the way they chose.

It is not an immoral choice specifically, if you see it as the difference between

your mother and your baby starving vs the alternative having sexual relations.

What's truly immoral is the governance structure doesn't fix the education system

and create alternate viable jobs that can sustain families.

Rather than just try and paper over the 800 lb gorilla in the room.

Yes well, I'd given that some thought for a nanosecond, and then wondered why the 'well we have no alternative other than to sell our arse' doesn't apply to a large majority of the poor from other countries, including this one. So. Fail. People can always find excuses to justify their own self interested actions. Just put your hand up and say 'Yes. I don't give a crap about paying young women for sex' and have done with it. You'd at least garner a modicum of respect that way.

[slippery snake]

I don't really get this idea that the Chinese don't spend any money. Surely, they eat, they drink, they buy souvenirs, they stay in hotels? Am I missing something?

Yeah your missing they love a genuine Thai or foot massage... But my thoughts exactly.. It is only the walking streets in Pattaya and Patong than moan about them, because they don't drink much, if at all, and they are not interested in buying bar girls.. so the girlie bars are hurting for sure..

The other thing, guys realize it is better and cheaper to pick up a girl at the disco's after midnight,, no paying for watered down, over priced lady drinks and no paying a bar fine..It's no wonder the girlie bars are hurting, most are near empty of customers, especially now it is the low season..

Plus the later the night the cheaper they become, or else they will just go back to some little room with no aircon and make nothing at all..

One girl once said, I come with you, you just pay what you want to ? I joked and said 100B, she surprised me and said okay. I found out later she had just arrived here and had no room, so was happy just to have a drink and a place to stay. I did give her 500B in the morning, for a great nights service.

[SoiBiker]

Leveraging desperation to get your end away cheaper?

Classy.

[micmichd]

I don't really get this idea that the Chinese don't spend any money. Surely, they eat, they drink, they buy souvenirs, they stay in hotels? Am I missing something?

Maybe, if you're in Pattaya.

Chinese tourists love these islands in the Gulf of Siam, and that's where they are.

[brewsterbudgen]

If the minister is serious they should look at prosecuting westerners who come here to buy sexual services, a few prison sentences would soon see bars (brothels) closing down. Don't go after the girls, go after the customers, many of them are perverts anyway Some of the popular bars have girls dressed in School 'uniforms' or have petite girls who look underage even if they are not, quite. Then there are the BDSM dungeon places, blow job bars with 'nurses' and and 'clubs' offering women in pairs who will do almost anything for a few k, romance and sanuk it certainly is not.

Buying sex is not illegal in Thailand, and as a huge percentage of Thai men do it, it's highly unlikely to ever be made illegal. Thailand is not Sweden or Norway.

[tifino]

...from back in Rookie days, ask any soldier...

"this is my rifle

this is my gun

this for killing

and this is for fun"

[casualbiker]

Thailand is getting ready for more Asian tourists (Chinese) and they bring more money (together) than those few farang.

First let's start with arresting those pesky ladyboys along beachroads at night.

and you don't think the Chinese lads fancy a cheap shag???

[slippery snake]

Thailand is getting ready for more Asian tourists (Chinese) and they bring more money (together) than those few farang.

First let's start with arresting those pesky ladyboys along beachroads at night.

and you don't think the Chinese lads fancy a cheap shag???

Haha, they probably do, but most are in tour groups or with their girlfriends or wives, so I would think they have no way to get off on their own for half an hour for a cheap shag... besides many of the Chinese girls are a hell of a lot better looking than most bar girls.... Maybe some of the Ladyboys would give them a run for their money though.. 5555

[212Roger]

The World's leader in AIDS is South Africa; NOT Thailand.

[slippery snake]

Just about everyone enjoys sex, both men and woman.. why do you think the world population is growing so much every year..

But some people don't want to be married, (been there, done that ) but still enjoy sex, probably more so now, with sexier, and younger woman than my ex.

Maybe one day when I meet the right one, I may get married again, but after my experience with marriage to a lying deceitful cheating western woman, and with what it cost me, I am certainly not in any hurry to do so again... I now see about 5 or 6 different woman on a sort of rotation basis with the odd new one for a bit of variety, I am very much enjoying my life.. I don't normally pick up bar girls, maybe they are, but I usually meet girls at the discos or at a bar with a band, not the girls working as waitresses, but girls that come there after work to enjoy a drink and dance and maybe meet a guy..

I think the bar girl hooker, buy me ladydrink and pay barfine girls are struggling.. at a bar I go to there are 4 nice girls and most nights I am there, they don't even get a ladydrink.. I feel with these businesses, many will die out, times are changing !!!

[slippery snake]

The World's leader in AIDS is South Africa; NOT Thailand.

only second ? and they are only second with the road deaths per head of population too.. whats wrong with Thailand, no firsts ?

come on Thailand, you can do it !!!! 555555

Oh, the Thai golfers are getting a few winner trophies at last ??

[Plutojames88]

Criminalisation of westerners caught in the act is, will, and will continue to be , an on going aspect to a slow metamorphosis of the sex trade.

And sure the 100 billion industry will continue in one manifestation or another.

But the " IN YOUR FACE"" neon sex trade might slowly vanish.

The money coming in from more lucrative sectors easing the dependence on it.

And yes , Chinese do contribute by fundamentals.

Tours, rooms, food, items.

It's just scale that allows their low spending individual aspects to be transcended into a ledger that places them first.

The political reasons to thin us out ( westerner ex pats and sex pats , as well as sex tourists ) is to also create a less vocal opposition.

The Chinese don't seem to write letters of objection to media highlighting their every move.

Face is also a reason.

It's shameful to the nation.

Also keeping the hordes in the north poorer will make the elites more powerful.

All round plenty of reasons.

The sex tourist or sex pats need to see even places like Pattaya are going to slowly change as the lines of buses and boats deliver the Chinese tourists in and out.

And the days of roaming sex tourists on a hedonist tour of satisfying base senses are numbered.

Soon some will be blacklisted or worse.

Thai military are not to be taken lightly.

This isn't another propaganda piece.

It's happening

[slippery snake]

Criminalizing a guy for buying sex ? if I meet a girl in a bar ( with a band ) or disco, and ask her for dance, have a chat, buy a few drinks then ask if she will come back to my hotel with me, and she says ok but can you help me as I need pay my room tomorrow so can you give me 1,000B ?

How can they prove that is for sex ?

Even in NZ you have to spend money, either take a girl out for dinner (at a bigger cost than 1000B) then maybe if your lucky if you do that 10 times she may get in bed with you.. Don't think I have had sex with a woman on the first date in NZ, ever !!

The police would have to set up sting operations to know for sure they are paying for the sex. Are there any good looking woman cops ??? 55555

If you want to marry one for so called 'free sex' it will cost you a bloody site more with paying for everything from then on, for the rest of your life..

So in my view, buying a girl for 2 or 3 nights a week, is a hell of a lot cheaper than marring one !! Plus you get variety, and that's the spice of life.

and don't get stuck with them... like in marriage, if that does not work out and you divorce, then it will cost you a bloody site more again to get rid of them.... I love the bar girls, hookers, prostitutes, girls of the night, or what ever you want to call them.. and they are girls just the same as any others !!

If fact most girls I have, work a day job, hotel receptionist, massage therapist, (not the happy ending) even one that works in a supermarket.

The sex for them is for enjoyment and to supplement their low incomes...

[brewsterbudgen]

Criminalisation of westerners caught in the act is, will, and will continue to be , an on going aspect to a slow metamorphosis of the sex trade.

And sure the 100 billion industry will continue in one manifestation or another.

But the " IN YOUR FACE"" neon sex trade might slowly vanish.

The money coming in from more lucrative sectors easing the dependence on it.

And yes , Chinese do contribute by fundamentals.

Tours, rooms, food, items.

It's just scale that allows their low spending individual aspects to be transcended into a ledger that places them first.

The political reasons to thin us out ( westerner ex pats and sex pats , as well as sex tourists ) is to also create a less vocal opposition.

The Chinese don't seem to write letters of objection to media highlighting their every move.

Face is also a reason.

It's shameful to the nation.

Also keeping the hordes in the north poorer will make the elites more powerful.

All round plenty of reasons.

The sex tourist or sex pats need to see even places like Pattaya are going to slowly change as the lines of buses and boats deliver the Chinese tourists in and out.

And the days of roaming sex tourists on a hedonist tour of satisfying base senses are numbered.

Soon some will be blacklisted or worse.

Thai military are not to be taken lightly.

This isn't another propaganda piece.

It's happening

There has been no criminalisation of foreigners (or Thais) for buying sex as it's not a criminal offence, unless the seller is underage. So, no, rest easy, it's not happening.