I was in Bangkok recently, and at my hotel there was a big sign saying "No Sex Tourists". This is important because Bangkok has a lot of sex tourists, and most of the hotels look the other way. But not my hotel. They were adamently against the whole idea of prostitution in Bangkok, and the sign explained why in a long list of reasons.
I found one of the reasons very surprising. It said that it is morally reprehensible for westerners to come to Thailand in order to buy sex, given that foreign exchange rates are favorable to westerners, and as a result it is much cheaper to buy sex in Thailand than in their home countries.
Clearly, one can find many legitimate reasons to argue against prostitution. But is this one of them?
It strikes me that westerners in Thailand are not just benefiting from the ForEx rates for buying sex. They are benefiting every time they spend money in Thailand, whether its for food or hotel or anything else. Is that morally wrong? Are they "taking advantage"?
2006-07-31 23:27:29 · 9 answers · asked by worldpeace 4 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Thailand
There is nothing wrong in paying for sex provided you're not ripping the girl off. Selling sex is legal in many countries, including here in Australia. It's a business transaction and provided both parties are happy then there is nothing wrong.
As for the exchange rate, nothing wrong in getting the best deal for your money. The Thai government loves sex tourists and the economy could collapse without them.
By the way, which hotel was it? I've been to BKK on business many times and I've never seen such a sign - and I stay in pretty classy hotels.
2006-07-31 23:44:09 · answer #1 · answered by TonyB 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is definitely morally objectionable to exploit women for sex period.
The issue of exchange rate in general I don't agree on. First off westerners (not just sex tourist) spend millions in Thailand every year. This money is going into their economy and has notably boosted it over the past years. It used to be quick cheep like Vietnam is now but the prices have risen due to the popularity.
I was taking to a Thai tour guide in Koh Samui a couple years ago and he said that they just love the tourists because they are choosing to spend there money there rather then other resort areas. One of the reasons that Thailand is so popular as compared to other cheaper tropical countries is the fact that they are sooo accommodating to tourists. They make you feel like an honoured guest in their country. You sure don't get that in Mexico. I recently went to the Dominican Republic and even though it was cheep I will never go back because the people were rude. Cost does help but the whole charm of Thailand is what brings decent people back. I think the sex trade actually hurts tourism. I know I found it quite a deterrent. I think that it should be stopped and that any foreigner found with an underage person should be thrown in a Thai prison.
2006-08-01 00:46:20 · answer #2 · answered by Constant_Traveler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have been to thailand 4 times before. i wouldnt waste my money on sex. if people fly all the way to thailand just for sex it wont be cheaper because you are paying for the price of a ticket to get there ($800-$2000 for ticket prices). I can understand why hotels wouldnt want prostitution taking place. you can easily find women in the US for sex than you can find in thailand. thailand is a very beautiful country with friendly people but due to some economic circustances some women have no choice but to prostitute. exchange rates vary evry place in the world. alot of countries currency is higher than the US dollar. you should ask yourself also when a US tourist goes to a country with a higher currency value against the dollar is the american being taken advantage of because having to pay more using the US dollar. to your question i would say no i dont think the exchange rate in thailand is being taken advantage of. just enjoy you can have a nice vacation in a cheaper place than alot of other countries.
2006-07-31 23:59:12 · answer #3 · answered by crackalac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it morally reprehensible to buy blue jeans at Walmart for half the price of JC Penney? It might be, no judgment here but the observation that people go where they get the best buy.
I am retired in Thai.. I pay going rates for electric and water and gas and food - the $$ enter the economy from abroad and stay here, thereby benefitting Thailand...
Please please allow for the fact that different countries are allowed to be different and have different standards as to morality and what is important..
And from me, no judgment on the working girls either. As long as it is consentual btwn adults - it is ok w/me - foreign/thai - thai/thai it happens.. I've heard it said that sex is the only thing that is illegal to sell, but legal to give away for free..
2006-08-01 00:32:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that it is being smart. Holidaying in a place which buys you more for your dollar is good sense.
Which hotel was this? I would like to stay there next time I am in Bangkok. It must be an exception. It would be great to support their cause.
Even the Thai government encourages sex tourism.
2006-07-31 23:34:25 · answer #5 · answered by Indian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the 'no sex tourist' sign is probably (hopefully!) to cut down the risk of diseases being spread around, and increasing the government's healthcare burden.
someone must be very sad and desparate, to go so far for sex..
re the F/X rate, its your money, get the best you can.
2006-07-31 23:39:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you spend money in another country, their economy benefits just as if they had exported goods to the USA.
morally, I think it is no different buying sex from an ADULT prostitute in a foreign country from in your own country.
2006-07-31 23:35:42 · answer #7 · answered by XT rider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's always nice to spend your money in developing countries
2006-08-01 20:14:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. However, paying for sex anywhere is immoral
2006-07-31 23:32:40 · answer #9 · answered by arooon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋