Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Economic Motivations
Regardless of their background, most women in the sex industry are there for financial
reasons: many find that sex work is one of the highest-paying jobs for their level of educa-
tion, and they have financial obligations (be it dependents or debts). The most comprehens-
ive data on the economics of sex workers comes from a 1993 survey by Kritaya Archavan-
itkul. The report found that sex workers made a mean income of 17,000B per month
(US$18 per day), the equivalent of a mid-level civil servant job, a position acquired
through advanced education and family connections. At the time of the study, most sex
workers did not have a high-school degree.
Suspicious behaviour involving child-sex tourism can be reported on a dedicated hotline (
1300).
These economic factors provide a strong incentive for rural, unskilled women (and to a
lesser extent, men) to engage in sex work.
As with many in Thai society, a large percentage of sex workers' wages are remitted
back to their home villages to support their families (parents, siblings and children).
Kritaya's 1993 report found that between 1800B and 6100B per month was sent back home
to rural communities. The remittance-receiving households typically bought durable goods
(TVs and washing machines), bigger houses and motorcycles or automobiles. Their wealth
displayed their daughters' success in the industry and acted as free advertisement for the
next generation of sex workers.
HIV/AIDS
Thailand was lauded for its rapid and effective response to the AIDS epidemic through an aggressive condom-use
campaign in the 1990s. But infection rates throughout the population have spiked as public education has declined.
A 2007 study found that HIV prevalence among sex workers is highest in the freelance community (at a rate of
19%) compared to sex workers in commercial establishments (4.3%). Of the country's 490,000 people living with
HIV/AIDS, intravenous drug users (22%) and gay men (between 20% to 31%) made up the largest portion of HIV
prevalence.
