The Influence of Gender and Customer Status on Foreigners' Perceptions of Individuals Who Sell Sex in Thailand

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

Abstract: Current estimates suggest there are between 800,000 and 2 million-plus individuals in Thailand that are currently selling sex and/or sexual services. Previous literature has shown that attitudes held towards individuals who sell sex (ISS) can have a significant impact on their day-to-day lives. Further, foreigners in Thailand are exhibiting increasing financial and social power in the country. Given this impact, it stands to reason that greater understanding of attitudes held by the growing population of foreigners in Thailand may have important implications worthy of further focus in both research and clinical settings. The current study examined the attitudes of 224 self-identified foreigners currently residing in Thailand towards ISS in the country. Results indicate significant differences in attitudes based on the gender of the participant, the gender of the individual selling sex, and whether participants had previously purchased sex in the country. Overall, men who have previously purchased sex reported a significantly more positive attitude towards ISS in Thailand when compared to women and men who had not previously purchased sex. Further, attitudes differed based on the gender of the individual selling sex. For instance, transgender individuals who sell sex were significantly more likely to be perceived as enjoying their work when compared to women and men who sell sex in Thailand. Ultimately, these results can help inform future awareness and educational interventions targeted at foreigners in Thailand to reduce violence and abuse of ISS in the country.

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