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 compre-
hensive data on the economics of sex workers comes from a 1993 survey by Kritaya
Archavanitkul. 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.
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.
Suspicious behaviour involving child-sex tourism can be reported on a dedicated hotline ( 1300).
