Hey all,

I'm a single woman traveling to Thailand soon for the first time, and I've got a lot of questions about what it's like being a Western woman in the country. I know that a lot of men travel to Thailand "for love"; is it difficult to be a Western woman in Thailand and to see so many Farang men taking advantage of the sex industry? The only real response I go about it when I googled the topic was a youtube video shot on Khao San Road, but there weren't very many responses.

Women who know Thailand: is the sex tourism culture there really bothersome?

No you're not - your IP address says you're in Bangkok.

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Maybe she just got here and hasn't started "traveling".

Travel off the shiny tourist path and you won't see all those nasty western old fat loser men with the very young poor Thai girls.

Any other stereotypes you wish to hammer?

that all depends on how close minded you are, nobody takes advantage of the sex industry, it's a service like any other, some chose to use it, for whatever reason, some don't, for whatever reason. live and let live. but 99 .99 % of the time, the only person being abused and extorted, is the uneducated customer and their ATM...........

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Pretty sure this person (probably the interviewer in the vid) was trying to promote a YouTube video which in turn promoted a Thai Law Forum. But regardless, it's a good topic to discuss.

I used to be quite judgemental about the sex scene and those who indulge, but I'm getting to be more "live and let live" like you, la. It's a business transaction, I choose not to partake but I don't really have the right to condemn those who do. I would just advise caution to anybody looking to get involved. Go in with both eyes open.

It's also pretty easy to avoid if you don't like it "in your face". Again, I am minding it less and less. The hassle you get from girls can be annoying at times, but generally it's good natured and you can smile it off.

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What Westerners see, and partake, is a pretty open business, with women working for financial reasons. There are, however, some pretty sad operations catering to a more local, budget crowd.

Let's not lose sight of the fact that the sex industry in Asia is so big because it is a huge part of Asian culture. I'm not even going to talk about Chinese or Korean businessmen, but even on the ground in any Thai/Vietnamese/Cambodian village it is a daily occurance. It was well-established long before "Westerners" turned up. The main differences with the girls I have met and talked to over here is that Westerners generally take much better care of the girls and pay a lot more than their Asian counterparts.

I don't indulge. Never have. Got a long-term (nearly 2 years now!) Thai girlfriend and she's lovely. I trust her and feel no need to deviate myself. But that's just me. To each his own.

You could always go over to Turkey and see women whoring themselves to Turkish waiters.
One thing you will NEVER see is Turkish women out in bars, working in markets or resturants, they are kept at home while their men are making good use of western women, so get off you high horse about men doing likewise in Thailand.

I haven't been to Thailand but have considered going. I'm a woman too, but I imagine that if I went, it would be easy enough to ignore. You might see people advertising in the street like they do in Las Vegas (has anyone been there? There are both men and women (not the actual prostitutes) who appear to be very lower class handing out these business cards).

I figured that was just for tourists, I was a tourist too but I obviously wasn't there for that and it didn't really bother me.

I am also a single women. I traveled alot around Asia alone and live now 15 years in Thailand, Phuket, Pattaya and LopBuri.

I have to say Thailand is a save country also for single women. Just use normal comment sence, respect the culture (meaning no topless on beach, too short skirts etc) and everything will be find.

Regarding the sex tourism. I can surprise you if you go as single women to one of these bars to have a drink or listen to a live band, go head also this is no problem at all, the girls are super friendly and nice to you.

Have fun and let me know if you have any further questions.