Photo courtesy of The Nation
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government is stirring up controversy with a proposal to develop an entertainment complex aimed at formalising underground businesses—sex work included.
..
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government is stirring up controversy with a proposal to develop an entertainment complex aimed at formalising underground businesses—sex work included.
The plan is designed to bring these industries into the formal economy, making them taxable, and, in the long term, funding welfare programmes in education, public health, and infrastructure. But the proposal has ignited a fierce public debate.
At the forefront of this issue is Surang Janyam, director of the SWING organisation, which advocates for the rights of sex workers. She emphasises the need to decriminalise what many call “the world’s oldest profession,” pointing out that many sex workers are eager to contribute to the formal economy.
“During Covid, many sex workers were left without compensation or welfare. Over 50% of the 500 sex…