Although I had heard it rumoured I was quite surprised to see this article in yesterdays papers.University students selling sex, it would appear, is becoming quite common practice among both young men and women, who use the Internet to advertise their services at anywhere between 1500-3000 Baht. (£30-50).
For me this raises a number of issues and begs the question why any young person wherever they live would want to do this.
There is a suggestion in another article (not sure about the news, as my Thai is not that good) that although some students do this to help pay their way through university, others simply do it so they can buy expensive personal articles, that are unnecessary for their studies, but more in keeping with their desire to have the latest gadgets and lifestyle changes.
One popular social networking site in Thailand, HI-5 is said to be used frequently by students seeking sexual contacts along with several hundred personal web sites. Now I am not an advocate of Internet censorship but it strikes me that if the Thai government can actually block 1000's of web sites that are said to be insulting to HM the King then they could do something about the sex trade sites if they so chose.
Sadly, in my opinion, articles in the press and on TV along with the actual activities of the students just serve to attract even more undesirables to Thailand. It also serves as a catalyst for several Thailand based forums. An example of this can be found by searching, "Thai university students sell sex."
Whilst the search will reveal several genuine news sources it also throws up some forums, with correspondents who are probably based here. To say that the comments are derogatory to young women is an understatement and just serves as another example of the way some western males view Thai women and the Thai culture.
PS Today's image is of some of my students at the community college and not of any of the people referred to in the article!
12 comments:
Mike: Don't be amazed at anything to do with the Thai people and sex in LOS nowdays, this kind of thing is not just in the university students , but is happening in the local high schools as well. as you know even with your short time in LOS , that the Thais are veryyyyy material minded and will do almost anything to get what they want , he-- they even sell their daughters in the sin cities to get what they want , and not what they need . so it comes as no suprise that the young ladies and boys find this as a way of quick cash. As one young daughter of a friend of Ciejay's said to her IT'S MY MONEY MAKER . Mike nothing suprises me in the Land of Smiles and Gentle People. Malcolm
Mike : One more thing , the government will never do anything about the sex trade or web sites that have to do with sex in the LOS, even if it is at the expense of Thailand's future , the young people, then where would they get the money to pay the bills and for their salaries, from their corrupt dealings concerning Thailand and it's people don't you remember the ole saying "IT'S A DOG EAT DOG WORLD". beside all these ole boys have young girls as mistresses, who was it that was so famous and had a young thing as his golfing buddy? , refresh my memory, that story died quick. Me again
Thanks Malcolm, great insight. Fascinating about the friend of CJ-and so open about it. Can't remember the name of the golfer but I remember the story.
I have heard about this before, but being an ex Pattaya boy then that probably won't surprise you.
This sort of "earner" is happening the whole world over and has probably been active in Thailand for many years. As the world's tolerance to pornography slowly dissolves then the younger mind will think this type of practice far less unlawful than some other moral crimes.
Glad to see you got some help with the flowers.
Martyn, I wondered if you or any of the other "Thai bloggers" had views on this one. I agree its probably not unique to Thailand but its none the less a concern to parents I guess. Mind you having read Malcolm's comments perhaps parents are aware?
I am starting to believe Malcolm is the "Oracle of Thailand," he certainly has a wealth of Thai experience and his views are always spot on. Perhaps he should include a Dear Malcolm problem page on his blog.
Now that would give me a whole lot of anonymous fun.
Dear Malcolm oops sorry HD! I agree about his comments he shows amazing insight sometimes. I also picked up you comment on BTMJ about him writing your posts!
Its about time WW posted in your absence!
I know nothing of the situation in Thailand of course, apart from the newspaper articles (and who knows how accurate they are?). I have though, heard much the same in the UK. Again, only reports and I have never yet seen or heard of any first hand evidence. One of the big problems is that when people are selling sex for money, crime is never far away.
Hi Mike,
I must admit, I've had people from Thailand trying it on with me online with Hi5. I got so fed up with the amount of spam I don't use this platform anymore.
Without censorship this is bound to increase unfortunately.
If there is a sliver lining at least its love not war.
This is not a new problem and its certainly not limited to third world countries. I don't condone their actions however I would argue that the men and women in question are likely to be intelligent enough to make an educated choice as to what they are doing.
I don't condone it however it is hard to see that an educated
Lloyd, Martin & A. I think I am somewhat naive on this one. Although I was reporting Thailand it seems my somewhat Victorian upbringing has turned a blind eye to the issue in other places!
Thanks for all the input.
I agree with A. This is happening in almost everywhere; as long as there is human and the desire for material needs, people will resort to all sort of way to satisfy their desires.
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