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 legal in Thailand? And how did sex work become 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.

Prostitution in Thailand: Is it Legal?

Thailand has one of the most popular sex tourism industries in the world. Let’s look at its legality, history, and what drives it.

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 pretty 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. However, it’s 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”.

Usually, the only time police crack down on prostitution in Thailand is when minors are involved or when women are sex trafficked against their will, which can be a huge hit to its international image as one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

The History of Prostitution in Thailand

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

At that time, Thailand became a popular destination for American soldiers on R&R leave. The presence of all these young men in Thailand led to an explosion 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 without fear of legal penalties.

Why does Thailand have so many prostitutes?

Let’s run down the primary reasons why there are so many prostitutes in Thailand.

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 of sex work in Thailand, especially for Thai women from rural areas like Isaan. Many of these women leave their hometowns in the countryside to go to Pattaya or Bangkok to work in the sex industry.

Unfortunately, women from these areas face a lack of well-paying work opportunities and choose a life of prostitution.

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, where working as a prostitute is viewed with much more shame.

Finally, Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in the world for international travelers, which creates a thriving economy for sex tourism. Since demand is so high and Western tourists are willing to pay significant money to sleep with Thai women for money, there will always be people who fill the demand.

These factors combined, unsurprisingly, have created a lucrative market for prostitution in Thailand.

How many sex workers are there in Thailand?

Prostitution in Thailand statistics are challenging to quantify accurately due to the sex industry’s 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 has five main red-light districts and many other areas where you can find brothels, “massage” parlors, “karaoke” bars, and go-go bars. And pretty much every major city and tourist destination, such as Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, also boasts a thriving sex tourism scene.

Prostitution in Thailand is also prevalent among local clientele, as well. Tourists aren’t the only ones looking for some “boom boom.” There are dozens of high-traffic websites dedicated to providing sexual services to Thai men.

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

Thailand has numerous red-light districts. Five Bangkok red-light districts alone are very well-known among tourists. Other cities like Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui also have numerous red-light districts.

Here are the top places where you can find prostitution 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 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 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 improbable that you, the sex worker, or her employer will face any legal consequences for taking part in the Thai sex trade.

Prostitution in Thailand | FAQs

Is prostitution legal in Thailand?

Technically, prostitution in Thailand is illegal. However, authorities in the country turn a blind eye to the practice, and arrests for soliciting sex are extremely rare.

Why is prostitution common in Thailand?

Prostitution is prevalent in Thailand for a few primary reasons. These include low economic opportunities for rural women, an open-minded culture that puts less shame on sex work, and a high demand for sex tourism.

When did prostitution become legal in Thailand?

Prostitution is not legal in Thailand. However, it is an open secret, and police do not enforce the laws against prostitution except in rare circumstances that involve minors or forced sex trafficking.

What is the penalty for prostitution in Thailand?

According to Thai criminal law, it’s illegal to work as a sex worker or solicit sexual services in the country. However, there are very few cases of people being prosecuted for taking part in Thailand’s sex tourism industry outside of extreme cases that involve minors or forced sex trafficking.