On 1 May 2023, Sex workers in Bangkok demanded the legalization of the sex industry in Thailand. They hope a newly elected government will pass legislation that permits sex workers in the country to do their jobs legally. Approximately 300,000 workers earn their living from prostitution in Thailand.
The new law proposed to formalize the sex industry and recognize rights for sex workers of all genders regardless of what it may be. It aims to substitute for the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act which criminalized sex work.
Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act states that any person who solicits or induces another person on a street or public space for prostitution, or commits such an act in any other place in an open manner is liable to a fine of up to 1,000 Baht.
A Sex Work Museum in Bangkok, Thailand which is now permanently closed, seeks to educate sex workers and anyone interested.
According to Thailand Criminal Lawyer, Jiraporn Thongphong, Thailand law prohibits prostitution; however, the penalties for promoting prostitution, which is commonly known as “pimping” are more severe than the actual act of prostitution itself. Sex Laws in Thailand also provide guidelines for sex work in the country.
