Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History & Cultural Attitudes
Prostitution has been widespread in Thailand since long before the country gained a reputa-
tion among international sex tourists. Throughout Thai history the practice was accepted
and common among many sectors of society, though it has not always been respected by
society as a whole.
Due to international pressure from the UN, prostitution was declared illegal in 1960,
though entertainment places (go-go bars, beer bars, massage parlours, karaoke bars and
bathhouses) are governed by a separate law passed in 1966. These establishments are li-
censed and can legally provide nonsexual services (such as dancing, massage, a drinking
buddy); sexual services occur through these venues but they are not technically the busi-
nesses' primary purpose.
With the arrival of the US military forces in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War era,
enterprising forces adapted the existing framework to suit foreigners, in turn creating an in-
ternational sex-tourism industry that persists today. Indeed, this foreigner-oriented sex in-
dustry is still a prominent part of Thailand's tourist economy.
In 1998 the International Labour Organization, a UN agency, advised Southeast Asian
countries, including Thailand, to recognise prostitution as an economic sector and income
generator. It is estimated that one-third of the entertainment establishments are registered
with the government and the majority pay an informal tax in the form of police bribes.
HIV/AIDS
Thailand was lauded for its rapid and effective response to the AIDS epidemic through an aggressive condom-use
campaign in the 1990s. Infection rates of female sex workers declined to 5% by 2007 but rates have recently
doubled among informal sex workers (street prostitutes). Analysts warn that the country is on the verge of a resur-
gence as public education efforts have declined and cultural attitudes towards sex have changed. Of the country's
610,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, intravenous drug users make up the largest portion (30% to 50% in 2007).
