To mark International Women's Day on 8 March, women's rights groups in Thailand have launched a campaign to legalize sex work and to provide better support for women in the industry. The groups argue that decriminalizing sex work would provide greater protection to workers in the industry.
They also called for broader measures to support women, such as doubling paid maternity leave to 180 days, providing period leave for workers who suffer from menstrual pains, and monthly financial assistance of 3,000 baht ($86USD) for each month of pregnancy.
Additionally, they are demanding safe, free, and easily accessible abortion services, and for 8 March to be recognized as a public holiday.
Despite being a popular destination for tourists who want to explore its infamous Red Light District filled with go-go bars, brothels, massage parlors, and other x-rated activities, sex work in Thailand is still illegal. As a result, sex workers face danger without the basic rights and protections afforded to workers in other industries.
They also called for broader measures to support women, such as doubling paid maternity leave to 180 days, providing period leave for workers who suffer from menstrual pains, and monthly financial assistance of 3,000 baht ($86USD) for each month of pregnancy.
Additionally, they are demanding safe, free, and easily accessible abortion services, and for 8 March to be recognized as a public holiday.
Despite being a popular destination for tourists who want to explore its infamous Red Light District filled with go-go bars, brothels, massage parlors, and other x-rated activities, sex work in Thailand is still illegal. As a result, sex workers face danger without the basic rights and protections afforded to workers in other industries.
In a recent interview with Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Supachai Sukthongsa of the Service Workers IN Group (SWING) highlighted that the move to legalize sex work in Thailand is not just about money, but also about the health effects on sex workers. He noted that many workers in the sex trade experience stress symptoms and anxiety attacks related to their survival.
In contrast to the women's rights groups, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha sent his "well-wishes" to women and emphasized the government's efforts to empower women and promote attitude change towards women’s roles in society in his message commemorating IWD.
In contrast to the women's rights groups, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha sent his "well-wishes" to women and emphasized the government's efforts to empower women and promote attitude change towards women’s roles in society in his message commemorating IWD.
