http://www.charismanews.com/world/42311-us-evangelicals-work-to-end-prostitution-in-thailand

The sex trade (prostitution) in Thailand is a booming part of the growing economy. Granted this is not a legal career, it is one that is tolerated and produces about seven percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Prostitution in Bangkok is seen all around the city in massage parlors, karaoke venues, and go-go bars with veiled fronts. Around here made-up women stand waiting for Western tourists. So what does this all mean in a lifestyle context for the women providing these services? Well, most of these women find that the money can’t be beat, and many are working to send money home to another country. The city, police, and foreign leaders have tried to impose their good nature and money towards healing this issue, but they have mostly failed. The Thai government has not been good in enforcing laws, and when women get out of jail they generally go back to the job anyway. Nowadays there are some alternative approaches to solving this problem. One company called Nightlight has employed women to make jewelry and crafts for $250 a month plus benefits. Another place called the Can Do bar in the sex district of Chang Mai has approached the issue by paying at or above minimum wage teaching women how to have safe sex, and how to handle violent situations. This being said, while governments like the U.S. may provide funding to help trafficking, the only real viable options that are making a difference so far are the alternative solutions.

In my opinion, prostitution cannot be solved in Thailand, and I really believe that this is okay. All through time we have seen prostitution throughout the world. I do agree that it is a sad career, but sex sells and can make money fast. In America such a thing is not tolerated, yet it occurs around us all of the time. For Thailand to try and prevent this would be a waste. Instead they should work to find alternative solutions like the ones stated above. Teaching about safe sex, or providing safe places for prostitution would be the best idea for a country such as Thailand. Rather than trying to stop the women from doing this, the police should just regulate what goes on with an easy hand. There does not need to be direct supervision, but there does need to be a safe atmosphere provided. The best response for Thailand is to tolerate and accept, and all we need to do is realize that what one country relies on for income is not always like the rest.