The vast majority of Thai people have no connection to the underbelly of Thailand’s red light district such as the infamous Patpong and Nana Plaza. Despite the TAT campaigns to promote wholesome activities and Thai people’s self-image as the upholders of Buddhist morals, there are nevertheless a number of tourists that are mainly attracted to Thailand for its notorious nightlife.
Warren Olson, a private investigator in Bangkok for over a decade, points out that with the prostitution cases he dealt with about 90 per cent of the bargirls involved were sending money home to their families. However, this isn’t always the case.
“Sadly, a percentage of earnings go into drug abuse and to me this is the major negative or downside of prostitution in Thailand,” said Olson. “The most common is of course yaa bah or ‘crazy medicine- methamphetamine tab.”
This drug was introduced in the 80’s and mainly used by fishermen or sugar cane workers needing to work for long periods of time. Now those in prostitution find it useful for the same reason and cocaine, heroin, and yaa-E or Ecstasy tabs have also made their way into the streets. The issue of STDs is another concern that has undoubtedly plagued a number of males and females offering their services.
“While bars and massage parlors ‘allegedly’ test workers for STD’s monthly, remember that the large proportion of Thais involved in various forms of prostitution work as what is known in the industry as P4P’s ( Pay for Play or Pay for Pussy),” said Olson.
As scary as the situation may seem, prostitution has continued to lure more than just money-hungry individuals. It’s not unusual to find a girl attending university or someone from a factory working the streets to boost their income. Olson estimates that around 70 per cent of his cases involved prostitution but they weren’t always “run of the mill.”
He encountered “well spoken, educated, university attending Thai women” who’s only goal was for a wealthy foreigner to buy them cars or condos then sharing the proceeds with their Thai husband or boyfriend the minute the transaction was completed. Sex law in Thailand may clearly state that it is illegal to pay for sexual favors but it’s obvious the girls (and boys) aren’t listening and the business is as big as ever.
ThaiLawForum’s Interview with Warren Olson:
