For decades, Thailand has been a popular destination for sex tourism, attracting men (mostly) from around the world who seek the services of Thai sex workers.
But what are the origins of the industry in Thailand, and what is the legal status of prostitution in Thailand today?
In this article, I explore the history of prostitution, its legal status, and its impact on society.
Note: The woman in the image above is a model used to represent the subject of this article.
The Origins of Prostitution in Thailand
The Ayutthaya Period
The Ayutthaya period (1351 to 1767) was a time of significant social and cultural changes in Thailand (formerly known as Siam). Prostitution played a prominent role in the society of the time and was considered a legitimate profession.
During the Ayutthaya period, prostitution was legal and regulated by the government. Prostitutes were required to register with the local authorities, and were subject to periodic health checks to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
The government collected taxes from the brothels and prostitutes, and the industry was viewed as an important source of revenue for the state.
Prostitution during the Ayutthaya period was also intertwined with religion and culture. The temple of Wat Phra Kaew, which housed the famous Emerald Buddha, was located in an area that was known for its brothels. It was common for men to visit the brothels after making offerings at the temple, as a way of balancing their spiritual and physical needs.
Prostitutes during the Ayutthaya period were known as “phrai luang,” which translates to “royal servants.” They were often trained in music, dance, and other arts, and were expected to entertain their clients as well as provide sexual services. Some prostitutes rose to prominence and became wealthy, and there are stories of powerful men who fell in love with them and elevated them to positions of influence.
The word for prostitute in Thai is “โสเภณี” (pronounced “soh-pa-nii”). However, it's worth noting that this word can be considered derogatory and offensive, and it's generally more polite to use euphemisms such as “women in the entertainment industry”, “lady of the night”, or “sex worker” instead.
Under King Chulalongkorn
After the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1767, the country went through a period of political turmoil and instability. It was not until the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782 that Thailand (formerly Siam) began to rebuild and modernize.
During this period of modernization, attitudes towards prostitution began to shift.
In 1905, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) introduced a series of social and legal reforms that aimed to modernize the country and improve the lives of its citizens. One of these reforms was the abolition of state-controlled prostitution.
Under this new system, prostitution was no longer regulated by the government and became illegal. However, the reality was that prostitution continued to exist, but it was driven underground and became more dangerous for the women involved. Women were no longer able to access health checks or legal protection, and were more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Under King Mongkut (Rama IV)
King Mongkut, also known as Rama IV, ruled Thailand (formerly known as Siam) from 1851 to 1868. He is known for his efforts to modernize the country and bring it into the international community.
During his reign, King Mongkut recognized the negative impact that prostitution was having on society. He believed that prostitution was a moral and social issue that needed to be addressed, rather than simply a matter of law enforcement. He implemented several measures to try to reduce the prevalence of prostitution and improve the lives of sex workers.
One of the measures King Mongkut introduced was the establishment of “protection houses” for women who wanted to leave the sex trade. These houses provided shelter, education and vocational training for women, and helped them to find other sources of income. The king also encouraged the development of other industries, such as textiles and agriculture, as a way of providing alternative employment opportunities for women.
In addition to these efforts, King Mongkut also made it clear that he did not support the exploitation or mistreatment of sex workers. He issued a royal decree that prohibited the use of force or deception to recruit women into the sex trade, and he encouraged the use of condoms to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Despite these efforts, prostitution continued to exist during King Mongkut's reign. However, his policies helped to improve the lives of some sex workers, and set the stage for further reforms in the years to come.
Today, King Mongkut is remembered as a progressive and forward-thinking ruler who worked to improve the lives of his subjects, including those who were most vulnerable.
The Influence of the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War, which took place from 1955 to 1975, had a significant impact on the modernization of prostitution in Thailand.
During the war, the US military stationed tens of thousands of troops in Thailand, many of whom sought the services of Thai sex workers. This led to a significant increase in demand for prostitution, particularly in areas near US military bases.
To meet this demand, the sex industry in Thailand grew rapidly, with many women from rural areas moving to cities like Bangkok and Pattaya to work as prostitutes, in the hope of earning more money to support their families.
The Vietnam War also had a significant impact on the political and social landscape of Thailand. The influx of US troops and the growth of the sex industry led to an increase in organized crime, particularly in areas like Pattaya where prostitution was particularly rampant. This, in turn, led to an increase in corruption and violence, which had a negative impact on Thai society.
Prostitution in Modern-Day Thailand
Today, Thailand is one of the world's largest centers of prostitution, attracting thousands of men from around the globe who come to enjoy the services of Thai sex workers. The industry has grown significantly over the years and is now estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
However, the industry remains controversial, and there are ongoing debates about how best to regulate and manage it in a way that ensures the safety and well-being of sex workers while also addressing concerns about human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
Throughout Thailand's history of prostitution, one thing that hasn't changed is that many of the women come from poor backgrounds and may have dependents to support. Most women enter the sex trade as a way to support themselves and their families, and usually have limited education and employment opportunities.
Additionally, young women are often seen as desirable by clients, which can make it difficult for older women to find work in the industry.
However, it is important to note that not all women who work as prostitutes fit this stereotype. Some women choose to work in the sex industry as a way of earning a higher income than they would be able to in other jobs. Additionally, some women are able to earn a significant amount of money through sex work, and may use their earnings to elevate their societal status through the acquisition of assets such as a home, land, car and legitimate business interests.
The Legal Status of Prostitution in Thailand
The legal status of prostitution in Thailand is complex and can be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with the country's legal system. In general, prostitution is not illegal in Thailand, but many activities associated with it are.
For example, pimping and sex trafficking are both criminal offenses that carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences and heavy fines. Similarly, owning or operating a brothel is also illegal and can result in fines or imprisonment.
Despite the legal restrictions, however, the sex industry in Thailand continues to thrive, largely due to the country's lax enforcement of its prostitution laws. In many parts of Thailand, prostitution is openly practiced, and sex workers can be found on street corners, in bars and in massage parlors.
The Impact of Prostitution on Thai Society
The prevalence of prostitution in Thailand has had a significant impact on the country's social and economic landscape.
On the one hand, prostitution has become a major source of income for many women, particularly those from impoverished rural areas. For these women, prostitution offers a way to support themselves and their families, and often represents their only opportunity to escape poverty.
On the other hand, however, prostitution has also had a negative impact on Thai society. Critics argue that the industry perpetuates gender inequality and objectifies women, and that it encourages the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition, there are concerns that the sex industry in Thailand is a major contributor to human trafficking, particularly of young girls and women who are forced into prostitution against their will.
It should be noted, however, that human trafficking, including that of underage girls, is thought to be more prevalent among migrants from neighboring countries such as Laos and Burma than it is among Thai nationals. While there are certainly cases of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of Thai nationals, the problem is often more severe for migrants who may lack legal status, language skills and social support networks.
Additionally, poverty and economic instability in neighboring countries can push individuals into seeking work opportunities in Thailand, where they may become vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks.
Trans Women & Gay Men
The word “prostitution” is generally associated with women, and women make up the majority of prostitutes in Thailand. I have therefore focussed this article on women. However, one must recognize that trans women (often referred to as “ladyboys” in Thailand) are a significant presence in the sex industry in Thailand.
Although transgenderism is widely accepted in Thailand, more so than the West, many trans women in Thailand still face discrimination and limited job opportunities due to their gender identity. As a result, they may turn to sex work as a means of making a living.
Trans women in Thailand may work in a variety of settings, including bars, massage parlors and on the streets. They may also work independently as freelancers. Some trans women specialize in providing services to foreign clients, while others work primarily with Thai clients.
However, it is important to note that not all trans women in Thailand work in the sex industry, and that many face significant challenges in their daily lives. Transgender individuals in Thailand often face discrimination and harassment and may struggle to access employment opportunities.
There is also prostitution among gay men in Thailand, although it is less visible than the sex industry involving women. Gay bars and clubs in cities like Bangkok and Pattaya offer services of male sex workers, either on-site or by referral to private apartments or hotels.
Many of the clients come from countries where homosexuality is stigmatized or even criminalized. They seek out the services of male sex workers as a way of exploring their sexuality in a relatively safe and anonymous way.
Notable Research
There is a significant amount of research on prostitution in Thailand, including statistics on the prevalence of sex work, the demographics of sex workers and the impact of the sex industry on the broader economy.
Numbers
It is difficult to determine the exact number of sex workers in Thailand due to the nature of the industry, which is largely underground and unregulated. Estimates of the number of sex workers in Thailand vary widely, with some sources putting the number at around 200,000, while others suggest that there may be as many as one million sex workers in the country.
According to a 2014 study conducted by the United Nations, there are an estimated 123,530 sex workers in Thailand. However, this figure is widely considered to be an underestimate, as it only includes registered sex workers and does not account for the many women who work in the industry informally or illegally (1).
Demographics
Another study published in the journal Global Public Health in 2018 found that the majority of sex workers in Thailand are young and poorly educated. The study, which surveyed 487 female sex workers in Bangkok, found that the average age of sex workers was 29 years old, and that the vast majority had less than a high school education (2).
Economic Impact
In addition to these demographic trends, there is also a significant amount of research on the economic impact of prostitution in Thailand. According to a 2015 report by the Thai government, the sex industry generates an estimated 500 billion baht ($15.6 billion) per year, accounting for roughly 10% of the country's GDP. This revenue is generated through a range of businesses and services, including brothels, massage parlors, and street-based sex work (3).
Exploitation
It is also important to note that the sex industry in Thailand is often characterized by exploitation and trafficking, and that many women who work in the industry are vulnerable to violence, abuse and exploitation. According to a report by the International Labor Organization, an estimated 21% of sex workers in Thailand are victims of trafficking, and many others are subject to other forms of exploitation, including debt bondage and physical violence (4).
The sex industry in Thailand is known to be particularly large and diverse, with sex workers coming from a variety of backgrounds and working in a range of settings, from bars and massage parlors to street corners and brothels. Many sex workers in Thailand are migrants from other countries, such as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, who may be undocumented and therefore more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The research on prostitution in Thailand highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the sex industry, and underscores the need for more research and policy interventions aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of sex workers, and preventing exploitation and trafficking in the industry.
How Sex Workers Are Treated In Thai Society
Prostitution has a complex and somewhat contradictory place in Thai culture.
On the one hand, Thailand is known for its long history of sex work, with some scholars arguing that prostitution has been a part of Thai society for centuries. In fact, some traditional Thai art and literature depict scenes of sexual activity, and some Buddhist texts even mention the existence of prostitutes.
At the same time, however, prostitution is still widely stigmatized in Thai society, particularly outside of the sex industry itself. Many Thais view prostitution as a source of shame and embarrassment, and sex workers are often treated with disdain and disrespect by members of the broader society. This stigma can make it difficult for sex workers to leave the industry or find alternative employment, and can also make it harder for them to access basic services like healthcare and education.
The contradictory attitudes towards prostitution in Thai culture can be seen in the way that the industry is both regulated and criminalized.
While prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand, the government has long struggled to enforce anti-prostitution laws, particularly in areas where sex work is particularly prevalent. As a result, many Thai authorities have adopted a “tolerance” approach, allowing sex work to continue but attempting to regulate it in a way that ensures the safety and well-being of sex workers.
Another reason for the negative attitudes towards sex workers in Thailand is the prevalence of exploitation and trafficking in the industry.
While many sex workers in Thailand are engaged in voluntary work and have chosen this profession as a means of supporting themselves and their families, there are also many women who are forced into sex work through coercion or deception. These women are often the victims of violence and exploitation, and are seen as “less than” by many members of society.
Despite these challenges, there are also many organizations and individuals in Thailand who are working to support and empower sex workers and to combat the stigma and discrimination they face. These efforts are aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of sex workers, and at creating a more just and equitable society for all Thais.
In Summary
The history of prostitution in Thailand is a long and complex one, with roots dating back centuries. Although prostitution is not technically illegal in Thailand, the industry remains highly controversial, with many aspects of it being illegal under Thai law. The impact of prostitution on Thai society is complex, too, with both positive and negative effects.
Despite the legal and social challenges, the sex industry in Thailand continues to attract millions of visitors each year, and remains a significant part of the country's economy.
As the world continues to grapple with issues related to gender equality, human trafficking and the rights of sex workers, the future of prostitution in Thailand remains uncertain. However, it is clear that the debate surrounding this controversial industry will continue for many years to come.
More Tips for a Better Life in Thailand
Get Good Health Insurance:
If you are going to live in Thailand, it is a must. Start with a quick quote from Cigna here.
Improve Your Thai Skills:
Learning Thai makes life here easier and more fun. I use Thaipod101. It is free to get started & easy to use.
Send Money to Thailand:
Use Transferwise. It is fast, cheap, and gives you the market exchange rate. Me and most of my readers are using it.
Want to Read More on Nightlife?:
Read my post with the full low-down on naughty nightlife in Thailand.