The impact of tourism in times of globalization on developing countries
- Sexual exploitation in Thailand -
This webpage contains information about the sex tourism in Thailand and particularly focuses on wealthy tourists going to Pattaya in order to buy love.
1) The city Pattaya
2) Why is Pattaya a sex tourism destination?
3) How is prostitution tolerated?
Pattaya - the city
http://www.diamondsuitespattaya.com/images/map_thailand.jpg
Pattaya is a popular beach resort, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand and 165 km southeast of Bangkok. The area comprises 53.4 km² with 1952.1 habitants per unit. 52.7% of the population are women. The city is also popular for its several beaches, islands and its points of interest such as "The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm". The tourism sector has been growing since the 1980's and accumulated a total revenue of 53.2 million Baht in 2006. Also in 2006, 5.3 million tourists primarily from Russia, China, South Korea and the United Kingdom visited Pattaya as well as 225.791 German tourists. The so-called 'Tourist police' was established in order to maintain the tourist's safety.
Why is Pattaya a sex toursim destination caused by globalization?
The roots of the sex industry were established during the Vietnam War when US troops came to Pattaya and lay claim to that kind of love???. Another fundamental reason for this phenomenon is the location itself. It is reachable in less than 2 hours from Bangkok which causes that people take their break in Pattaya. Also the insufficiently regulated sex industry including the opening hours and the fact that it is generally affordable supports this industry. The growing population of former tourists now expatriates demands the industry to provide more girls. Most of the girls come from the Isaan region which is the poorest one in Thailand. This fact shows that the girls probably try to support their families financially through that business. Basically Pattaya is the most popular sex tourism destination because of its location, high demand from international or local visitors and its ability of high supply by willing workers from poor regions.
Reasons for the toleration of prostitution
Since 1960 prostitution has been illegal in Thailand. This law established a monitoring sex workers system in order to prevent their mistreatment and to control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Those who violate the law risk a fine of 1000 Baht or a jail term of one month.
♣ It is tolerated by the Thai society. The people are convinced that prostitution will always be a part of the social fabric of Thailand. The sexual urge of men is seen to be "a basic physiological need or instinct" which allows them to visit paid mistresses and their need of "an occasional variation in partners" reinforces the sex industry.
♣ Another point is that there isn't any social stigma for prostitutes as in other countries.
♣ Prostitution is also supported by political circles through corruption. For instance Chuwit Kamolvisit was in 2005 elected to the Thai House of Representatives and at the same time considered by many as "a godfather of prostitution". Politicians and police have been supporting the prostitution industry openly.
♣ The organised crime discovered this business as an lucrative income and caused that the red-light districts of Thai cities are home to Chinese-owned brothels, casinos, and entertainment facilities that function as operations centres for trafficking in humans, narcotics and for extortion.
♣ Another supportive aspect of this business is the religion. Thai buddhism is interpreted differently but either way the women are seen as inferior to men. In Buddism ten kinds of wives are outlined, the first three of them describe women who can be paid for their services. This led to the fact that nowadays prostitution is accepted by wives.
♣ It is tolerated by the Thai society. The people are convinced that prostitution will always be a part of the social fabric of Thailand. The sexual urge of men is seen to be "a basic physiological need or instinct" which allows them to visit paid mistresses and their need of "an occasional variation in partners" reinforces the sex industry.
♣ Another point is that there isn't any social stigma for prostitutes as in other countries.
♣ Prostitution is also supported by political circles through corruption. For instance Chuwit Kamolvisit was in 2005 elected to the Thai House of Representatives and at the same time considered by many as "a godfather of prostitution". Politicians and police have been supporting the prostitution industry openly.
♣ The organised crime discovered this business as an lucrative income and caused that the red-light districts of Thai cities are home to Chinese-owned brothels, casinos, and entertainment facilities that function as operations centres for trafficking in humans, narcotics and for extortion.
♣ Another supportive aspect of this business is the religion. Thai buddhism is interpreted differently but either way the women are seen as inferior to men. In Buddism ten kinds of wives are outlined, the first three of them describe women who can be paid for their services. This led to the fact that nowadays prostitution is accepted by wives.