The Thai authorities have claimed they are going to clean up tourism in Thailand. Specifically, they are going to clean up tourism related to the sex trade.
My own understanding of the law relating to prostitution in Thailand is that it is illegal. But the finer points of the law defining, specifying what an act of prostitution is, what a brothel is, and who is considered to be a sex worker is a grey area, and open interpretation. Thus the prostitution laws are not rigidly enforced, allowing Thailand’s sex trade and sex tourism to quite openly prosper.
Any successful eradication of the sex industry in Thailand may mean amendments to the laws covering prostitution in Thailand. And without doubt a much more strict enforcement of those laws.
The promised clean up of Thailand’s sex industry may or may not happen. But let’s say it does happen, and the sex trade and Thailand’s sex tourism industry are no more, completely outlawed.
The end of the sex industry in Thailand will have a diverse affect on potentially hundreds of thousands of people. It could also have a huge monetary effect on whole communities.
But how will the abolishment of the sex industry and sex tourism affect Pattaya ?.
There’s lots of possible variables and scenarios to consider. One very important question for the Pattaya hotel industry is, who is going to fill the hotel rooms when the sex tourist erases Pattaya from his itinerary ?.
What will become of Pattaya’s famous nightlife scene when P4P (pay for play) girls are no longer available ?.
Can Pattaya, a city which arguably grew and prospered on the back of sex tourism continue to flourish if Thailand endeavors to rid itself of it’s sex industry ?.
Poll closed: results
Can Pattaya Survive Without Sex Tourism ?
No (86%, 37 Votes)
Yes (14%, 6 Votes)
Got an opinion: if you have an opinion on what will happen to Pattaya without sex tourism, please leave your thoughts in the comments section (below).
