HE Yingxin, HUANG Xiaoxi, SHU Hua(authors listed in alphabetical order)
Thailand is renowned for its robust tourism industry, often projecting a positive image to international visitors. However, this image conceals a complex and diverse reality, particularly regarding the sex industry and the exploitation of female sex workers, who constitute the majority of this workforce. Popular destinations like Nana, the red-light district, attract countless tourists but also highlight the darker side of Thailand’s tourism.
According to a conservative estimate by the Thai Ministry of Disease Control, of the 144,000 sex workers in Thailand in 2017, 129,000 were women. Disturbingly, about 27% of these female sex workers are under the age of 18. Despite its dark underbelly, the sex industry plays a significant economic role, generating approximately $6.4 billion annually. Many people don’t know that a large portion of female sex workers are coerced into this line of work, with the trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation being a $2.8 billion industry. Consequently, the plight of female sex workers in Thailand is becoming increasingly dire.
The Complex Realities of Thailand’s Sex Industry
Thailand’s sex industry is complex, involving both voluntary and coerced entry.
Many Thai women voluntarily enter the sex industry due to economic hardships and a lack of viable employment opportunities. In Thailand, significant economic disparities and limited job prospects force some women, particularly from impoverished regions like Isan in Northeastern Thailand, to seek alternative sources of income, often leading them to the sex industry. These women typically come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and lack higher education, which limits their job options since most legitimate positions require a high school diploma.
While some women do work in the industry voluntarily, they are but a fraction of the sum of the female sex workers in Thailand. In reality, most women are coerced into sex work, often through deception. According to Alliance Anti Trafic (AAT), an organization aiming to protect women and children in Southeast Asia from sexual exploitation and trafficking, sex traffickers and recruiters, who can sometimes be acquaintances or relatives to the victims, lure women with false promises of better jobs or educational opportunities that are too tempting for them to refuse.
In addition, Thailand is also a destination for women and girls subjected to sex trafficking. As reported by AAT and NightLight (an organization helping women who are negatively impacted by sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation), for foreign women and girls who get trafficked to Thailand, once they arrive at their destination, traffickers confiscate their passports and personal belongings, demanding that they earn money through prostitution to get their possessions back. However, traffickers frequently raise the amount the women owe, trapping them in this exploitative situation for extended periods.
Isolated from their support systems and burdened with debt, these women find themselves completely helpless in exploitative situations, where they are subjected to rape, beatings, and mental abuse. As observed by both AAT and NightLight, in Thailand, traffickers also convince the women that should they go to the police for help, they would be arrested as well for their illegal participation in the sex industry. This conditioning makes it extremely difficult for the victims to receive assistance from the government. The exploitation is further compounded when these women are forced into conditions where their freedom is restricted and their movements are monitored, making escape nearly impossible.
International sex trafficking adds another layer of complexity to this issue. Women from various countries, driven by economic struggles at home, may seek better opportunities abroad. When traffickers present enticing offers of high-paying jobs, the allure can be overwhelming. Yet, upon arriving at their destinations, they often discover that they have been deceived. Their passports and personal identification would be taken from them, and they would be forced into sex work in situations of severe exploitation. In this nightmarish reality, these women are subjected to a horrific amount of abuse that can scar them for life, provided that they do manage to live through the experience.
Economic Hardships and Social Pressures Driving Sex Work in Thailand
The underlying causes for both voluntary and coerced entry into sex work are multifaceted, with economic necessity being a primary factor. In northeastern Thailand, where job opportunities are scarce, women face significant challenges in securing employment. This is especially true in rural areas, where agricultural work offers meager earnings. Women in these regions, particularly those with limited education and vocational skills, struggle to find stable employment. The minimum wage in Thailand is about $300 a month, unemployment benefits are $96 for no more than six months, and the maximum pension is $300. By contrast, sex workers often earn significantly more. For example, a woman who provides “soapy massages” can earn more than $2,400 a month. Some women are aware they will be working in the sex industry when traffickers contact them, but when prostitution is presented as a compelling and lucrative alternative, they find the offer difficult to refuse.
Aside from economic necessity, social and familial pressures can encourage Thai women into the sex industry as well. In a society where men are typically seen as spiritual leaders of the household–which can be exemplified in how they become monks to fulfill Buddhist doctrines–women are pressured to contribute economically to support their families. These pressures are exacerbated by cultural norms that prioritize familial needs and economic stability over individual beliefs. Additionally, societal attitudes constantly equate women’s worth with their ability to provide for their families. Consequently, the pressure to fulfill these expectations can lead women to view sex work as a necessary–or even desirable path
The Impact of Thailand’s Sex Industry on Women
No matter if they are voluntarily engaging in the sex trade or being coerced into the industry, the evidence indicates that women enter sex work for a unanimous reason. The sex industry can provide funds far more quickly than other industries, and in many cases, women are not presented with different options. What people don’t seem to pay enough attention to, however, is that sex work is as risky as it is profitable. It can severely damage an individual, both physically and psychologically, and some of this trauma can never be reversed.
Since prostitution is illegal in Thailand, these women must take extra care to avoid scrutiny by government agencies and the risk of sexual violence at work–simply due to the fact that they cannot defend their rights through legal means. This is especially problematic because of the equivocal position that Thai society takes on the matter of sex work–making their stance on whether the government intends to combat the sex industry or tolerate it quite ambiguous. As prostitution is a gray area in the constitution of Thailand, female sex workers are unlikely to get basic social protection, and even blackmail could face up to the police.
In addition to the high risks associated with illegal activities, women involved in prostitution face serious physical harm. They are frequently exposed to poor working conditions that increase their risk of contracting diseases, particularly sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS. These infections are a daily concern for many in the sex industry. Due to their challenging family situations, the health consequences of these infections are often severe and irreversible, and treatment costs are prohibitive. Delayed treatment can lead to permanent damage, reduced life expectancy, and pose a public health risk.
Another significant health issue is unwanted pregnancies. This issue may sound mild until people realize that abortion is prohibited in Thailand unless there are physical issues with the fetus. Teenagers around the age of 16 who have unwanted pregnancies are still underdeveloped themselves. Bearing the weight of another life on top of the aforementioned health risks can cause even more complications after childbirth. These complications can be typically non-fatal, such as uterine prolapses and perineal tears–which, depending on the severity of each case, can cause different inconveniences in the patient’s life. However, complications under similar circumstances have also been recorded to be deadly–some conditions include postpartum hemorrhages and eclampsia. In cases where access to healthcare is limited, these issues can be even more harrowing to deal with.
According to a research paper published in 2021, the violence and threats that women experience directly at work include sexual violence (66.4%), being forced to not use condoms during sex (>95%), and police extortion (56%). The women who encountered these were 76.6% of the women working in the sex industry, and most of them were kidnapped, abducted, and coerced. The data above shows how common it is for female sex workers to suffer physical abuse–but even though the situations are dire, they still have no way to guard their rights due to the illegal nature of their work.
The Hidden Risk: Mental Trauma
Another critical aspect to address is the psychological impact on women in the sex industry, an issue often overshadowed by discussions of physical health. The mental health challenges faced by these women are significant and vary depending on their circumstances. This is a topic that shall be explored in two different groups.
In one report, it was noted that women trafficked for sexual exploitation face severe physical and psychological abuse and may suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and self-harm. AAT reveals that victims rely on traffickers to meet basic needs, but this reliance involves sexual violence and coercion. Trauma damages survivors’ self-identity, emotional recovery, and ability to engage in daily tasks. As a result, feelings of helplessness, shame, and anger are common in these situations, often occurring along with struggles regarding personal identity. It is for this reason that the obstacles these victims face deserve more attention.
As members of society, it is naturally helpful to empathize with the victims. However, what’s even more important is to make sure that the perpetrators are served justice. This is because an enormous amount of women are suffering from heartache–not just the ones who make themselves known. Thousands upon thousands of abducted girls are at risk of unwanted pregnancies after they have been sexually exploited. Abortion was not legal in Thailand until February 2021, and there are still many restrictions. Access to abortion services can still vary depending on the location and availability of providers. Pregnant girls who are in school are likely to be asked to drop out. The schools fear that these cases might influence other girls to do the same, and teenage pregnancies can harm the school’s reputation and affect future enrollment and application rates, based on AAT’s observations.
As a result, these girls must bear the impact of their parents’ indifference as well as the scorn and ridicule of those around them who don’t care to understand.
Another similar psychological abuse comes from the concept of “voluntary prostitution”. In this case, according to information shared by AAT and Nightlight, the term refers to women who are forced by economic or other factors to enter the sex industry. These women are usually young, have children, or are generally forced to resort to prostitution in order to survive in the callous Thai society. Average parents tend to be disinclined to take care of their pregnant daughters properly. As a result, teen moms would be expelled from school, at which point child-raising would become their greatest concern. As most working areas in Thailand do not accept children under 18 years of age to work, teen moms would be forced to take the road of the sex trade. From AAT’s observation, these girls are often rejected by their families for being pregnant without being married, while their boyfriend (the father) escaped, or they may not even know who the father is, so they have no other option but to turn to prostitution to support their child.
Society’s perception that women are volunteering to work in the sex business because they want to make “fast and easy money” is the reason that this issue is constantly disregarded. Few people are aware of the terrible circumstances that prostitutes are forced to endure. A prostitute would, for example, have to deal with unfamiliar individuals in unfamiliar places. These women suffer daily from physical abuse and psychological trauma inflicted upon them–both from their traffickers and from their clients. To make their lives even more stressful, the girls have to deal with the suspicion and contempt that are projected onto them by society.
In both scenarios, the psychological impact is profound and complex. Recognizing and addressing these mental health issues is essential for providing effective support and intervention for women in the sex industry.
NGOs’ Efforts to Combat Sex Exploitation and Empower Women
From the perspective of researchers addressing sex work and trafficking in Thailand, two prominent organizations exemplify significant efforts in tackling these challenges.
The first organization is the Alliance Anti Trafic (AAT). Since 2001, AAT has been dedicated to protecting women and children from sexual violence. AAT undertakes a comprehensive range of initiatives to combat sexual exploitation and support victims across Southeast Asia. Their efforts include protecting young girls in Thailand from online and offline sexual exploitation by rescuing victims from hidden brothels, working with local authorities to gather evidence, and providing legal assistance for prosecution and victim compensation. AAT also focuses on empowering former victims by building their self-esteem, offering career alternatives, and providing leadership training to enable them to become advocates for other vulnerable individuals. They assist Thai women trafficked abroad with repatriation and reintegration, and protect girls from sexual exploitation in Laos, providing them with career options and community training. They also establish an international network of Southeast Asian volunteers to protect victims and combat trafficking in the region.
Each year, AAT builds capacity and educates approximately 2,000 people to prevent them from falling into exploitation, offers direct protection services to around 100 – 150 victims, and supports around 50 victims through the legal process. What’s more, AAT conducts reintegration and rehabilitation for around 214 victims every year, supporting them through government shelter procedures and reintegrating into their original communities. Among these 214 victims, around 50 girls and women are consistently supported by AAT on their education and career opportunities.
One AAT staff member stated, “We built AAT with a goal to shut it down.” The organization operates with the hope that one day, trafficking will no longer be a problem, and thus the need for their services will be eliminated.
In contrast, Nightlight, founded in 2005, focuses on supporting women currently or formerly involved in the sex industry. Its holistic approach combines immediate aid with long-term support, striving to create sustainable change for women affected by sex exploitation and trafficking. Their staff maintain a presence in the red-light district to build trust with women, assess their needs, and provide shelter, medical care, and assistance to reach safety.
NightLight also provides comprehensive job training and employment opportunities to women. They operate several businesses, including coffee shops and a jewelry production facility. These initiatives offer women stable employment and help women regain their self-esteem and independence. Since 2005, NightLight has employed and trained over 250 women.
NightLight fosters a supportive community for women in the red-light district through several key initiatives at its outreach center. This welcoming hub provides a safe space for women to share their experiences and seek support. Services include a free beauty salon offering hair, makeup, and nail care, and medical clinics that provide essential healthcare and a space for open dialogue with medical professionals. Additionally, they organize special events, such as holiday parties, to build connections, show genuine care, and celebrate women’s worth. Through these efforts, Nightlight enables women to find stability and create new identities beyond their past experiences.
While both Alliance Anti Trafic and Nightlight have been helping more women in recent years, they still face funding and staffing issues. For example, AAT faces difficulties that may force them to stop in the middle of a project because of a lack of flexible funding. The foundations are now also addressing these issues by recruiting volunteers or running charity campaigns.
How Volunteering and Advocacy Can Make a Difference
To wrap up our exploration of Thailand’s sex industry and the efforts to support women affected by it, it’s important to recognize that each of us can contribute to meaningful change. We can all make a difference in ways we might not realize.
Volunteering at organizations that help women, for example, is a great way to contribute. By offering assistance, people can participate in a range of activities that directly benefit women. This might involve mentoring young girls, offering career guidance and skills training to help them navigate the workforce, or assisting with programs aimed at increasing access to education and healthcare.
We can also contribute to advocacy efforts, raising awareness about issues affecting women, such as gender-based violence, pay inequality, and lack of representation in leadership positions. Moreover, students can organize activities like charity bazaars. If they choose to partner with an organization like the jewelry producers at Nightlight, they can increase the income of former sex workers, helping them reintegrate into society. If the efforts listed above appear daunting, simply informing an unaware friend about sex work can have a profound impact.
As the authors penned this article, what we have discussed in this text about female sex workers is still far from adequate. As researchers and advocates, we must continue to explore this issue with empathy, curiosity, and commitment to help women earn a better place in society and create a world where all women are respected, valued, and protected.
Works Cited
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“Understanding the Psychological Effects of Sex Trafficking to Inform Service Delivery.” Forced Migration Review, www.fmreview.org/mcquaid/#:~:text=The%20impacts%20on%20their%20mental,can%20severely%20hinder%20service%20delivery. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
World Metrics. “Prostitution in Thailand Statistics.” World Metrics, 2024, www.worldmetrics.org/prostitution-in-thailand-statistics/. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
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