Why is Thailand so receptive of western sex tourists compared to other eastern countries?

Question

Of all the countries where western sex tourists go, Thailand seems to be the number one country of choice. What is it about the Thai economy, culture and government that makes it so receptive of western sex tourists?

Answer 1

There are a number of reasons for a flourishing sex industry in Thailand:

1. During the Vietnam War, Western soldiers and other personnel would take R&R in Thailand - this, obviously, increased demand for prostitutes in Thailand. The kind of money been thrown around for sex made prostitution a lucrative profession for many.

2. In an effort to industrialise (and at the recommendation of the World Bank & IMF), the Thai government started to push Thailand as an exotic destination for Western tourism - however, little/nothing was done to change the image Thailand inherited from the Vietnam war as being an anything-goes sex and drugs haven - to this day, in fact, many tourist operators advertise Thailand using pictures of scantily clad very young and beautiful Thai women (rather than beaches, temples etc).

3. Buddhist culture requires children (especially girls) to make remittances to their parents as a sign of respect - programmes implemented by the Thai government and international agencies such as the IMF have meant that girls and women, particularly in rural areas, have less opportunity to contribute and make remittances through traditional channels - it can therefore be more acceptable to a thai girl to work as a prostitute and send money to her family than it would be to stay home where work is hard to come by.

4. Although prostitution is illegal in Thailand, for men, buying sex form a prostitute is not exceptional in Thai culture - it is estimated that something like 75% of all Thai boys lose their virginity to prostitutes and it is accepted that a large proportion of married men regularly buy sex.

5. Thailand is surrounded by poorer neighbours - Burmese, Lao, Cambodian and Yunnan Chinese women may all come to Thailand seeking greater opportunity, but if they have entered the country through informal channels, they may only engage in the informal economy - the most lucrative of which may be prostitution.

6. Thailand has long been a hub for drugs- and arms-trafficking - these two industries are closely correlated to human (sex) trafficking - increasing supply and reducing costs for sex purchasers.

7. The relative political and economic stability and superior tourism infrastructure (compared with the aforementioned neighbours), along beautiful natural and cultural attractions and laid-back atmosphere and culture bring (sex) tourists to Thailand. As tourism is Thailand's biggest export, and sex-tourism makes up a not insignificant chunk of that tourism, prosecuting those who buy and sell sex (and women and children for the sex industry) would significantly impact on the Thai economy. Therefore, the Thai government chooses to (largely) turn a blind eye, making sex-tourism relatively risk-free for Westerners in terms of potential legal repercussions.

Answer 2

I think you have a couple of questions here - - you seem to be looking at this from 2 perspectives...



First; there is nothing out there that says "welcome sex tourists" - - you make it sound like a govt policy. It is illegal but not easily enforced, likely the same as your home country.



The economic aspect is that taking care of your family tends to fall on to the shoulders of the young ladies. They are responsible. And, if they find they can make more in an hour on the game, than a hard week in the rice fields - I think you will find a lot choosing the former.



Which I think leads to the culture aspect. Being Buddhist and easy going and maybe less judgmental than other cultures [ maybe also having respect for a lady who takes good care of her family ] there is not such a "dance with the devil" view of sex - there is no "burn in hell" connection to it as some Western religions...



The 2nd area you raise is that it is the number one area of choice - - well, that would have to do with the people choosing - - and I don't think that has to do with govt, and receptivity - it has to do with the Thai Ladies - they are charming and beautiful.



Put it all together and I think we have an answer...

Answer 3

Thailand has a lot to offer visitors, tourists and sex tourists too, because Thailand is very geared up to foreigners. It is also a place one can go and make his dreams and fantasies reality without breaking the bank. This is why so many visitors keep on returning and retuning to the kingdom.



As well as the large number of available beautiful Thai women who are seeking a foreign boyfriend/husband for what ever reason, the country also has many other benefits such as a wide choice of delicious food, great weather, friendly and helpfulness of local people and outstanding nightlife.

Answer 4

Several reasons:

Thailand is the best country to travel to in Asia. As simple as that. Price-quality is nowhere else as good. Other countries may offer more prostitution (China isn't as prudish as most people seem to think) but it isn't quite as easy to get in there. Or you are probably not able to read the signs, which are in Chinese of course. India is likely cheaper, but a lot less clean. I'm talking about the accommodation, of course.



Also realize that more than 80% of the business is not for export quality, but for local consumption only.



A big difference with the West is that Thais aren't hung up on prudish correct behavior. Thailand is a Buddhist country, not a Christian country. Everything is acceptable, in moderation. And that includes "that" as well.



That doesn't want to say that Thais are boinking on the sidewalk. Far from it. Thais are, compared with westerners far more prudish. You rarely see a Thai girl in a tiny bi- or mono kini on a beach.



In the west, boys loose their virginity usually with a class mate. In Thailand, an elder friend (a class higher or so) takes his younger friends to a massage parlor for that.

Answer 5

Thailand more closer to western country as people,there the country open to every body,life is easy,cheaper,entertain and fun because of that you see most of the western people go to Thailand

Answer 6

Thailand is the best eastern country to visit for whatever reason. Its cleaner safer friendlier easier to get around. Plus although prostitution is illegal here there is not so much of a stigma attached to it