Foreign Soldiers

In the 1960s and 70s the Vietnam war brought unprecedented numbers of foreign soldiers to Bangkok and Pattaya, creating a new class of prostitutes catering to foreigners (or 'Farangs') rather than Thais. It is interesting though, that a relatively small percentage of prostitutes in Thailand work in bars and massage parlours aimed at foreign trade. The huge majority work in cafes, barbershops and brothels only rarely frequented by non-Thais. It is thought that Thai/non-Thai transactions represent less than 5% of the total. At its worst the Thai sex industry takes girls (often underrage) sold or endentured by their families, sometimes even kidnapped, and forces them to work in conditions of virtual slavery. Most sex-workers in Thailand are uneducated and come from village areas. Some women though do return to their villages with a nest egg where, surprisingly, they are treated with some measure of respect.