{
  "id": 418981,
  "title": "Putting the spotlight on an open secret",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/putting-the-spotlight-on-an-open-secret",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T22:33:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Bangkok Post",
    "slug": "bangkok-post",
    "url": "https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3299192/putting-the-spotlight-on-an-open-secret"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Despite efforts to conceal it, the sex trade continues to thrive in Bangkok, with advocates pushing for authorities to acknowledge and protect sex workers. Though Thailand markets itself as a top tourist destination, it still grapples with managing the sex tourism industry. In a recent case involving an Australian man who killed a 17-year-old Thai teen, Thailand's reputation as a hub for sex tourism came under scrutiny. Although prostitution is illegal under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act of 1996, movements advocating for the decriminalisation or legalisation of sex work have been gaining support. Approximately 200,000 sex workers operate across Thailand, with the majority based in Pattaya and Bangkok. Ms Surang, director of Service Workers in Group Foundation, noted that despite some entertainment venues closing during the pandemic, the sex industry remains robust, with workers increasingly offering freelance services through social media. Pattaya, home to over 50,000 sex workers, is considered the epicenter of the city's sex industry, with the night-time economy generating 100-200 billion baht annually. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of the Chonburi Tourism Federation, acknowledged that while Pattaya promotes family-oriented activities, sex work persists due to covert practices in entertainment venues and massage parlours. In 2023, 19,648 people were arrested for violating the prostitution law, down from 38,139 arrests in 2022. Ms Surang pointed out that despite its illegality, sex workers are excluded from the formal employment system and lack legal rights to protect their livelihoods. Swing aims to empower and educate workers about the law and self-protection methods, coordinating with police to address assaults and abuse. The foundation assisted in a case involving the murder and mutilation of a transgender woman, helping her family pursue legal action. In 2022, offences under Section 5 of the prostitution law were reclassified as regulatory fines rather than criminal offenses, allowing penalties to include community service instead of prison time. Swing advocates for decriminalising sex work, treating it as a legitimate occupation with legal protections and access to social security benefits, similar to other professions. Greater regulatory oversight would also aid in reducing crimes against sex workers, as Thailand works to improve relations between law enforcement and the sex worker community.",
  "summary": "From Soi Cowboy in the bustling Sukhumvit corridor of Bangkok to Pattaya's Walking Street, the sex trade remains an open secret that authorities are often reluctant to acknowledge, despite its visible presence.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/418981.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bangkok Post Business",
        "title": "Putting the spotlight on an open secret",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/putting-the-spotlight-on-an-open-secret-419904",
        "published": "2026-08-09T22:33:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}