Human Security and the Bangkok Sex Industry: Farang Tourist's Perceptions on Human Security in Bangkok's Lower Sukhumvit

Abstract

Thailand’s tourism industry has spurred its economic growth over the past 50 years and sex tourism has spurred the tourism industry in both economic and infrastructure development. Thailand has enacted multiple legislations that criminalize prostitution and penalize specific violators, all of which have made little change in the prevalence of the sex industry and human security remains lacking for sex workers in a 6.5 Billion USD per year industry. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of economic and personal security (human security) and perceptions of a distinct population of western men helps to formulate western perceptions, behaviors and ultimately western investments in and tourism to Thailand. To fulfill the consistent need for workers to satisfy that consumption, exploitation and the lack of human security for sex workers is often prevalent. Once aspects of human security are understand by western male tourists; a small portion abstains, a portion will become aware and report future violations and a large portion portrays little immediate behavior modification. With this understanding, sustainable strategies can be developed to mitigate adverse effects that perceptions have on the tourism industry and thus, decrease demand and ultimately increase human security for the sex worker.