Sex workers get pre-election boost

>>Political parties have voiced support for Thai sex workers ahead of the Feb 8 poll, vowing more protection and dignity under the law in a country where prostitution remains a crime.

- PORAMET TANGSATHAPORN

The Service Workers in Group (Swing) Foundation recently held a forum, “Sex (Worker) and the City”, to discuss policies relating to sex work.

Representatives from the Pheu Thai, People’s, Movement, Thai Sang Thai and Democrat parties joined the discussion at the Cowboy 2 bar in Soi Cowboy, the well-known night entertainment district.

The discussion focused on how politics can take a lead role in improving sex workers’ lives. The group also urged the next government to commit to their cause through tangible policies.

Criminalised industry

Despite the scale of the sex industry in Thailand, sex work remains criminalised under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act.

In October 2023, sex work was classified as a regulatory offence to promote decriminalisation, as published in the Royal Gazette. Under the new regulation, only officials from the Social Development and Human Security Ministry can impose fines.

Yet sex workers are often exploited by officials through extortion and bribes as the legal status of the job remains grey. Issues of unfair payment, overwork and abuse from both employers and clients have often gone unaddressed.

Pheu Thai Party