Sex trade may be legalised

Thailand is considering legalising its famous sex industry. But human rights advocates, go-go bar owners and many prostitutes believe the move will do nothing but line the Government`s pockets. The justice ministry plans to hold a public hearing this month on whether the Government should amend or repeal legislation outlawing one of the world`s biggest flesh trades. But there are questions over whether the reforms are aimed at improving the lot of exploited sex workers, raking in a mountain of tax revenue from the multi-billion-dollar industry, or protecting the overlords -- many alleged to have government ties -- who control the trade. Chulalongkorn University professor Narong Phetprasert, a researcher for the ruling Thai Rak Thai party of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has proposed slashing four key articles from the existing law. "The articles are exploitative, providing opportunities for police to take advantage of the girls," he said."If we abolish those articles, they can do their profession legally. . . and with fewer opportunities for police and authorities to exploit them." Professor Phetprasert said the Prime Minister backs his plan, and said the Government wanted to close down brothels engaging in bonded prostitution, where women are sometimes chained up or caged. "We want to eliminate the gangster-driven illegal places, and brothels and other locations will be our target if they exploit girls illegally or make them work against their will," he said. Thailand`s sex trade pervades the kingdom, from Bangkok`s neon-lit alleyways of Patpong to exclusive hostess bars, a vast network of massage parlours and decrepit brothels in towns and villages. Academic studies have valued the trade at $3.56 billion a year, one third the size of the construction or agricultural cropping industries. Go-go bar managers say the business operates with impunity under a network of police, military and government overseers who rake in an estimated $113 million a year from bribes and payouts.