We know it. You know it. Everyone knows it… Thailand is a sex tourism hotbed. Indeed, millions of tourists flock to the country every year with one goal in mind: knocking boots with sex workers.

But a lot of you are probably asking: is prostitution actually legal in Thailand? And how did sex work became such a big thing in the country?

Well, we are going to answer both of these questions and a whole lot more in this deep dive into Thailand’s thriving sex tourism scene.

Thailand’s Sex Tourism Industry, Explained

What are the laws around prostitution in Thailand?

Is prostitution legal in Thailand? Well, simply put: no. It is illegal to buy or sell sex in the country under the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act. But–and this is a huge but–the laws regarding prostitution in Thailand are quite murky.

Yes, while the act of selling sex itself is technically illegal, the practice, on the other hand, is widespread and tolerated by police and other authorities. This is especially true in designated red-light districts.

Can you be arrested for soliciting a prostitute in Thailand?

Technically speaking, yes. But, let’s be real for a second, you are extremely unlikely to get arrested or go to jail for paying for sex in Thailand.

That’s because–in the vast majority of cases–police turn a blind eye to Thailand’s booming sex industry. And why do the police look the other way? Well, let’s just say it rhymes with “smorruption”.

Normally, the only time police crack down on prostitution in Thailand is when minors are involved or when women are being sex trafficked against their will.

The History of Thailand’s Sex Industry

The roots of Thailand’s sex tourism stretches back to the Vietnam War.

At this time, Thailand became a popular destination for American soldiers on R&R leave. The presence of all of these young men in Thailand led to a boom in bars, brothels, and other entertainment venues. Cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket became places where US servicemen could go to find easy sex.

After the war ended, Thailand’s sex industry continued to expand along with its reputation as a burgeoning tourism hub. The government, after seeing the economic benefits of sex tourism in the country, maintained a tolerant approach towards The World’s Oldest Profession.

Instead of banning prostitution, authorities established red-light districts and entertainment zones where sex work could operate in the open.

Why does Thailand have so many prostitutes?

A lack of economic opportunities

The prevalence of prostitution in Thailand can be attributed to economic and cultural factors–as well as the historical reasons we just mentioned.

Poverty and limited economic opportunities are the main drivers leading to sex work, especially for Thai women from rural areas. Many of these women leave their hometowns in the countryside to go to Pattaya or Bangkok to work in the sex industry.

The money is simply better than the alternative.

An open-minded culture and A high demand

Thailand’s cultural attitudes towards sex also play a role in the widespread acceptance of prostitution.

While Thailand is a conservative country in some ways, it remains much more open-minded about sex than most other countries–especially those with Muslim or Christian backgrounds.

Finally, Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in the world for international travelers, many of whom visit precisely for sex tourism purposes. This, unsurprisingly, has created a lucrative market for prostitution in Thailand.

How many sex workers are there in Thailand?

The scale of Thailand’s sex industry is difficult to quantify accurately due to its clandestine nature.

However, a handful of studies have put the number anywhere between 300,000 and 2,800,000. We think it’s safe to assume that the higher part of that range is more accurate.

Bangkok itself has five main red-light districts and many other areas where you can find brothels, “massage” parlors, “karaoke” bars, go-go bars, etc. And pretty much every major city and tourist destination, such as Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, also boasts a thriving sex tourism scene.

Thailand’s sex trade is also popular among local clientele, as well. Tourists aren’t the only ones looking for some “boom boom”.

What are the most popular red-light districts in Thailand?

1. Pattaya Walking Street: Famed for its top-notch nightclubs and go-go bars.
2. Soi Cowboy: A small strip of go-go bars and strip clubs in central Bangkok.
3. Nana Plaza: One of the largest red-light districts in Bangkok, featuring multiple levels of bars for every taste and kink.
4. Patpong: One of the Bangkok’s oldest red-light districts, known for its night market, go-go bars, and ping pong shows.
5. Phuket’s Bangla Road: A walking street lined with go-go bars, epic clubs, and freelance prostitutes.

Prostitution in Thailand is illegal, but widely accepted

The sex industry in Thailand is an out-and-open secret. Every day, literally thousands of tourists pay Thai women money in exchange for sex. Only a fraction of a percentage are ever arrested or prosecuted–even though they are technically breaking the law.

So while, yes, prostitution is illegal in Thailand, it’s highly unlikely that you, the sex worker, or her employer will face any legal consequences for taking part in the Thai sex trade.