Why is sex tourism so difficult to eradicate in Thailand?

The deeply entrenched prostitution industry, the lucrative nature of the work, and the girls' reluctance to quit are some of the reasons why sex tourism is difficult to eradicate in Thailand.

Tourists visiting Thailand typically have two types of reactions when encountering sex tourism: one is disgust, especially among female tourists; the other is excitement, viewing it as the most attractive industry in Thailand.

Domestic industries are deeply rooted.

Prostitution has always existed in Thailand, but it only truly boomed after World War II with the arrival of Western troops. However, it flourished most intensely during the Vietnam War. At that time, the US military needed places to relieve the stress of war, and Thailand became a haven for this activity. But a lack of careful control led to a severe HIV epidemic, as well as human trafficking and child sex slavery. This situation forced international organizations to pressure Thailand to eliminate sex tourism and clean up prostitution sites.

The red-light district is always bustling with customers. Photo: Nomadicmatt.

However, this industry has taken root in Thailand's hotspots. While prostitution is technically prohibited, everyone turns a blind eye. It's difficult to say that many people come to Thailand solely for sex, but it accounts for a significant portion. That's why bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs proliferate in the red-light districts of Pattaya and Bangkok.

A lucrative job

Sex workers often come from poor rural areas in northeastern Thailand. It's an easy job to get, providing them with a good income, requiring little English proficiency, and allowing them to support their families. According to a 2014 UNAIDS report, there were over 123,500 sex workers in Thailand, more than three times the number in Cambodia. Last July, Thailand's Minister of Tourism, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, declared his intention to eliminate sex tourism and not use it to attract tourists. Tourism accounts for 10% of the country's GDP, and the sex industry contributes a significant portion of that revenue.

Many believe the government's plan will cripple the tourism industry, significantly impacting Thailand's revenue, which is recovering from the military upheaval of 2014. Therefore, between economic development and changing the country's image, opinions generally agree that eliminating sex tourism is not a feasible goal.

The nightlife is vibrant with pole dancing performances in the bars. Photo: Nomadicmatt.

The "victim" doesn't want to be rescued.

Many Western tourists visiting Thailand fall in love with a prostitute and wish to rescue her from her "horrific, sordid" life. They believe she has no choice, is trapped, and is forced into it by circumstances. But the truth is, they don't want to be rescued.

A sex worker recounted: “I had several Western boyfriends, and we mainly communicated via Skype. I made up a dozen excuses like going to school, my mother being sick, my car breaking down, or needing money for food… and said the same things to four of them. They were happy thinking their money helped me escape the red-light district and give me a better life. In reality, I was still doing my job and had no intention of quitting.”

According to VNE