Legalizing Prostitution In Thailand

Legalizing Prostitution in Thailand

In Thailand, prostitution has been regarded as a problem for ages. There is a shocking fact that the number of prostitutes in Thailand is currently more than 250,000 people (Havocscope). Even though prostitution is illegal in Thailand, it cannot be completely prevented. All attempts of prostitution prohibition become unsuccessful since it has remained for many decades. Prostitution in Thailand first occurred during King Rama I’s reign and it was once legalized in 1934 by King Rama V (Kabilsingh). In 1960, however, the sex trade was not allowed because of the coming of the new act that is “The Act to Deter Prostitution” (Kabilsingh). According to his study of prostitution in Thailand, Chalermpol Satthaporn

It is impossible to ask for help, so the law of legalizing prostitution becomes ineffective. Furthermore, it is believed that decriminalizing prostitution may let more women have chances to work in the sex industry (Sarakadee). It has also been argued that the country will certainly get a bad reputation after prostitution is legalized. When prostitution is worldwide promoted as an occupation to attract the foreign tourists, Thailand will no longer be recognized as the Land of Smile which has good tradition and culture (Sarakadee). This may affect other women who are not involved with prostitution but are judged as workers in the sex industry. However, the perceptions of those who are against the legalization of prostitution are proved to be wrong. It has to be admitted that not all people observe the law strictly and those people can secretly commit crimes. Although the act of legalizing prostitution cannot protect all victims from sexual assault, it can reduce risky places and increase safety at the same time. When prostitution is no longer unlawful profession, hotel owners, managers, and prostitutes that are involved with it do not have to conceal themselves as well as their places from police officers. This allows police officers to reach them and increase a better protection which makes people safer. Moreover,

The first reason is that it allows sex workers to have rights equal to those of other workers. Decriminalizing prostitution leads to the reduction of sexual violence by safety rights. Since having sex in exchange for money is legal, sex workers who have a problem with the clients will be able to approach a police officer without hesitation (Listland). Also, like other people, prostitutes will be safer from exploitation and harassment as they are protected by the law of anti-discrimination. In addition, sex workers can be protected from HIV, AIDS, and other related diseases by legal access to the health care services. Sex workers are likely to understand the causes and effects of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and protect themselves by avoiding risky behavior. For example, for preventing HIV infection among sex workers, using condoms has been regarded as the primary weapon that is cheaper than taking antibiotics (Reio 95-96). It is necessary for sex workers to be continuously monitored by the doctors because they are involved in activities that put them easily at risk of infection. In Nevada, the only place in America where prostitution is officially legalized, sex workers must get monthly tests for syphilis and HIV as well as weekly tests for gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The decrease of cases regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is clearly presented after the progress of monthly test (Brents