Foreigners’ Attitudes Toward Individuals Who Sell Sex in Thailand: A Prototype Study

Author: Stenersen, Madeline; Ovrebo, Elin; Adams, Kimberly & Hayes, Lauren

Abstract: The role of sex trade in Thailand’s tourism and expatriate industry has been a common topic in professional literature and popular media for many years. With the rise of the global economy and the increasing foreigner population in Thailand, there is little doubt that foreign influence on Thailand has grown. However, little research has examined foreigners’ views and attitudes toward individuals who sell sex (ISS) in Thailand. The present study explored these attitudes using a prototype methodology. Participants were asked to supply characteristics and/or terms pertinent to their perception of an individual who sells sex in Thailand and to designate those terms as either positive, negative, or neutral. A total of 390 responses were collected from 81 participants and include two core (determined, in need), two secondary (people oriented, an irritation), and two tertiary (exploited, distraught) prototype characteristics. Four of these characteristics were designated by participants as negative (in need, an irritation, exploited, distraught), and two were designated as positive (determined, people oriented) by participants. Differences between the foreigners who had purchased sex (customers; n = 38) and those who had not (noncustomers; n = 43) were also explored. Results of this study exemplify the complex views held toward ISS among foreigners and can be used to inform how foreigners may impact sex trade and treatment of ISS in Thailand, as well as future research and interventions to improve the lives and safety of ISS in the country. This prototype study found that foreigners living in Thailand viewed individuals who sell sex (ISS; in order of significance) as determined (positive), in need (negative/neutral), people oriented (positive/neutral), an irritation (negative/neutral), exploited (negative/neutral), and distraught (negative/neutral). When evaluated by customer status of participants, noncustomers viewed ISS more frequently as in need, exploited, and distraught, whereas customers viewed ISS more frequently as determined and people oriented. The results of the current study may be used by educators, advocates, and organizations working to promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all, and to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all.

Keywords: Thailand, sex trade, attitudes, foreigners, prototype