E mboldened by new police protocols mandating more humane treatment of sex workers during arrests, activists on Thursday announced their next goal β decriminalizing sex work. Instead, the red-light industry thrives in a grey area, regulated more consistently by mainstream morality which shames sex work and corrupt officials who extort protection money.
Sex workers and activists scored a victory Thursday when the national police released new protocols banning sexual intercourse during sting operations, parading sex workers in front of the press, and allowing reporters inside raided venues. Also banned are stamps on the passports of foreign sex workers specifying that they were arrested for prostitution. The reforms came after years of repeated complaints and demands by advocacy groups and the National Human Rights Commission.
But the fact that no major political party is committed to decriminalizing sex work is a sober reminder to sex workers and activists that the road to legalizing sex work will be a lonely struggle. This is despite the fact that there are up , sex workers in Thailand β a large constituency. No major political party wants to be branded as immoral or as pushing for a policy that would shame the Kingdom. Never mind the reality that prostitution is a major underground industry. Even the Public Health Ministry estimates that 75 percent of Thai males have bought sex.
Some feel that deconstructing morality as a strategy to decriminalize prostitution is a losing battle. She may be right, tactically speaking. Still, there is something very disturbing about morality that is based on the denial of reality. Many would rather not face the truth. Many would rather let sex workers suffer silently when exploited by an underground industry, so that Thais can continue to smile.
Khaosod English. All Calamity Courts Crime. Activists give a toast to celebrate the police's new policies on sex workers on Aug. Follow us on Instagram khaosodenglish.
