Debate Over Decriminalising Sex Work in Thailand Intensifies
In Thailand, the debate on decriminalising sex work is intensifying. Surang Janyam of SWING highlights the desire of many sex workers to be part of the labor system, especially after COVID-19 left them without support. The focus is on decriminalising, not legalising, to grant worker rights and protection, while public perception and moral debates remain challenges.
The debate in Thailand over decriminalising sex work is gaining momentum.
Surang Janyam, director of the SWING organisation, highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many sex workers were left without financial support due to their lack of legal status.
She noted that over 50% of 500 interviewed sex workers expressed a desire to legally enter the labor system and pay taxes.
Investigations in Pattaya showed unanimous support from businesses for formalising the industry if they received legal benefits in return.
Surang emphasized that decriminalisation doesn’t mean legalisation with new laws but rather the removal of current laws that criminalise the profession.
This change would entitle sex workers to labor law protections like other occupations, allowing for voluntary formal participation.
Freelance sex workers could be viewed as self-employed, with a tax model based on income.
However, public perception remains a barrier, as moral debates often overshadow the economic issues at stake.
Surang also warned against zoning concepts, like Amsterdam’s red-light districts, arguing they would marginalise workers not located in these zones.
Her proposal is for nationwide decriminalisation to provide equal protection and legitimacy across the board.
Surang Janyam, director of the SWING organisation, highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many sex workers were left without financial support due to their lack of legal status.
She noted that over 50% of 500 interviewed sex workers expressed a desire to legally enter the labor system and pay taxes.
Investigations in Pattaya showed unanimous support from businesses for formalising the industry if they received legal benefits in return.
Surang emphasized that decriminalisation doesn’t mean legalisation with new laws but rather the removal of current laws that criminalise the profession.
This change would entitle sex workers to labor law protections like other occupations, allowing for voluntary formal participation.
Freelance sex workers could be viewed as self-employed, with a tax model based on income.
However, public perception remains a barrier, as moral debates often overshadow the economic issues at stake.
Surang also warned against zoning concepts, like Amsterdam’s red-light districts, arguing they would marginalise workers not located in these zones.
Her proposal is for nationwide decriminalisation to provide equal protection and legitimacy across the board.
