Surprisingly,
prostitution is officially illegal in Thailand, although so
far the authorities have been unable or unwilling to enforce
the law. Estimates of the number of prostitutes nationwide
vary greatly, but are probably around the 200,000 mark. An
International Labour Organization report in 1998 estimated
that as much 2 to 14 percent of the Thai gross national product
may be derived from prostitution. By far the majority of customers
patronizing prostitutes are Thai men, in low visibility cafes,
brothels and massage parlors nationwide. The number of sex
workers catering to foreign tourists is the tip of the iceberg.
'Mia
Luang, Mia Noi'
The
major wife (mia Luang), minor wife (mia noi) system
is a throwback to the times when wealthy Thai
males, aristocracy and kings kept several mistresses
in addition to their major wife. Even today, many
well-to-do politicians and businessmen keep 'mia
noi' and the term is used freely in Thai conversation.
'Sopheni', the usual term for 'prostitute', also
dates back to ancient times from the Sanskrit
term for a woman adept in the kama sutra and other
sexual arts.
In
an area like Patpong, the majority of bar girls (or boys)
and dancers earn money from a percentage of drinks bought
on their behalf and from sexual activities arranged independently
with the customer. Fees for sexual services are far from fixed,
but generally range anywhere from 500 baht on up to 2000 baht
or more. If the girl leaves with a customer during bar opening
hours the customer is required to pay a 'bar fine' or 'off'
fee to the bar, usually around 500 baht. Sexual liaisons are
generally arranged in one of the countless short-stay motels
to be found in Bangkok, in rooms especially reserved for the
purpose in bars, or at the girl's home.
While
there is virtually no enforcement of anti-prostitution laws
for adult sex workers, Thailand takes a tough line on child
prostitution. Current law in Thailand stipulates a jail term
of four to 20 years for anyone engaging in sexual activities
with prostitutes under 15 years of age. The sentence can amount
to life imprisonment for prostitutes under 13 years of age.
The
Thai Government encourages people to assist in the eradication
of child prostitution by reporting child sexual abuses to
the authorities. Travelers in Thailand may contact:
ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography & Trafficking
of Children for Sexual Services)
Surprisingly,
prostitution is officially illegal in Thailand, although so
far the authorities have been unable or unwilling to enforce
the law. Estimates of the number of prostitutes nationwide
vary greatly, but are probably around the 200,000 mark. An
International Labour Organization report in 1998 estimated
that as much 2 to 14 percent of the Thai gross national product
may be derived from prostitution. By far the majority of customers
patronizing prostitutes are Thai men, in low visibility cafes,
brothels and massage parlors nationwide. The number of sex
workers catering to foreign tourists is the tip of the iceberg.
