Sex Tourism in Thailand: Inside Asia’s Premier Erotic Playground

Sex Tourism in Thailand is an in-depth study of the country's billion-dollar sex industry, which has undergone profound transformation over the past four decades. The number of sex businesses and independent operators has grown, customers are increasingly diverse, paid sexual encounters are no longer confined to young Thai women and older white men, transgender women comprise a significant share of the workforce, and technological advances give participants more autonomy.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2023
Publisher: New York University Press

Thailand is renowned globally as a prominent destination for sex tourism, attracting a significant number of visitors each year. Despite its size and reputation, however, relatively limited research has been conducted on Thailand's sex industry over the past two decades. In an effort to fill this gap, Sex Tourism in Thailand: An Expansive Yet Nuanced Study of Diverse Sex Markets and Their Moral Economies offers a comprehensive exploration of various sex markets and their ethical frameworks. Authored by Ronald Weitzer, this book draws upon original ethnographic data and other sources to provide a detailed account of the evolving nature of Thailand's sex industry.

Weitzer's research reveals that while certain fundamental aspects of Thailand's sex industry have remained unchanged over the past four decades, significant transformations have taken place in other areas. In the sector primarily catering to foreign visitors, the number of sex businesses and independent operators has experienced a notable increase, both in terms of quantity and geographical spread. Customers in this market are becoming increasingly diverse in terms of race and nationality, with a growing number of individuals from different parts of the world seeking sexual encounters in Thailand. Paid sexual encounters are no longer limited to young Thai women and older white men, as transgender women have also become a significant presence in the workforce. Moreover, technological advancements have granted participants greater autonomy in their sexual interactions, with the availability of online platforms and mobile apps facilitating easier access to information and services.

Sex Tourism in Thailand explores these developments in conjunction with related structural and experiential dimensions, providing an illuminating account of sexual commerce in Southeast Asia. The book offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between economic, social, and cultural factors that shape Thailand's sex industry, shedding light on the ethical considerations and challenges associated with this industry. By examining the experiences of both tourists and workers in the sex industry, Weitzer provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities and nuances of sexual commerce in Thailand and its broader implications for the region.

In conclusion, Sex Tourism in Thailand is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of the sex industry in Thailand and its place in the broader context of Southeast Asian sexual commerce. Through its comprehensive analysis and insightful observations, the book offers valuable insights into the ethical dimensions of sex work, the impact of tourism on local communities, and the complex interplay between economic, social, and cultural factors that shape this industry. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of sex tourism and its implications for society as a whole.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479813414