Legalization of sex work in Thailand? ‘My family absolutely does not know that I do this work’

According to the researcher, the debate focuses on two options. NGOs and activists have been calling for the decriminalization of sex work since last year. ‘Then the police can no longer demand bribes or sexual services in exchange for turning a blind eye.’ According to those involved, this happens frequently, says Boonwara. ‘Once you have a criminal record, you can never get rid of it. So most sex workers prefer to pay.’ As a first step, the Thai government removed the collection of fines for sex work from the police at the end of 2023 and gave it responsibility to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Rights. ‘A paper procedure. In practice, almost no one knows this.’

Option two is legalization. This amounts to a licensing system, in which the sex worker must register with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Tax Authorities. ‘Most parliamentarians prefer this option, because then they can, for example, designate places where sex work is allowed, such as in Singapore or the Netherlands.’ For Thailand, legalization provides additional tax revenue, more contributions to the social insurance system and possibly more sex tourists. Sex workers, in turn, are entitled to health insurance, maternity leave and pension, for example. Their vulnerability towards the police, employers and slum landlords also decreases. MP Tunjaway Kamolwongwat of the reformist Move Forward party, which is popular among young people, says he already has the bill ready. “I’m waiting for the right time to submit it.”