AGAIN? I've lost count of how many times we've seen this

[Gaybutton]

From where I sit I wonder why they even bother. We get this same story 2 or 3 times a year. Nothing changes. I could have posted an article from 5 years ago and it would essentially have been exactly the same as this one. And rest assured the next such article will be exactly the same as this one.

Foreign prostitutes might get deported, but most of the time prostitutes get a minor fine and they're right back out there. Considering how many years these prostitution arrests have been going on, by now it's probably the granddaughters of many of them.

I can certainly understand why they want to prevent tourists from getting harassed and often becoming theft victims or even violence victims, but I don't know why they keep telling us they want to restore and maintain an "image" that I'm not so sure ever existed in the first place.

I believe the real answer is to finally legalize prostitution and provide a means for prostitutes to ply their trade without feeling a need to harass tourists.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pattaya Police and Immigration Officers Crack Down on Suspected Prostitution Along Beachfront, 20 Mostly Foreign Women Arrested

February 14, 2026

In the early hours of February 14th, 2026, at approximately 1:36 a.m., a joint operation by Tourist Police and Immigration Police targeted suspected prostitution activities along Pattaya Beach, wanting to curb illegal sex services and restore the city’s tourism image.

Led by Pol. Lt. Col. Prabda Suksunthee, Superintendent of the Tourist Police Sub-Division 4, Region 2, Battalion 2, and Pol. Lt. Col. Kittiphat Hongchuwej, Immigration Inspector for Chonburi Province, officers from the Pattaya Tourist Police and Chonburi Immigration Bureau conducted a sweep of the beach area.

The operation resulted in the detention of 20 suspects deemed at risk of involvement in prostitution. The majority were foreign women, primarily from African countries such as Uganda.

The crackdown followed numerous complaints from foreign tourists who reported being shocked at being approached, harassed, and solicited for sexual services by women, both Thai and foreign, dressed provocatively. Such behavior was said to severely damage Pattaya’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.

Officers, some disguised as tourists, conducted surveillance and observed individuals standing on the sidewalk along Pattaya Beach. These women reportedly initiated conversations with foreign visitors, negotiated prices, and invited them for sexual encounters. In some cases, searches uncovered condoms and lubricating gel, which were seized as evidence.

All detained individuals initially denied the allegations. Authorities proceeded to verify personal documents, record profiles, and take statements for further investigation. Those found to have committed offenses will face immediate legal action under relevant laws. In instances where evidence was insufficient for charges, officers recorded photos and details for monitoring purposes.

Officials stressed a zero-tolerance policy, stating that any future detections with solid evidence will result in strict prosecution without exception. The operation aligns with directives from the Royal Thai Police, Tourist Police, and Immigration Bureau to enhance Pattaya’s positive image for visitors.

The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities or provide tips to nearby authorities for prompt investigation and enforcement.

This action reflects ongoing efforts to address public complaints and maintain order in one of Thailand’s top beach destinations.

TPN Media notes that in recent times almost all political parties across political lines have endorsed at least decriminalizing prostitution, as we reported here, and modernizing outdated laws from 1996 strictly making it illegal, but for now laws remain on the books and legally enforceable. Even if decriminalized, however, it is unlikely foreign women would be given work permits to be employed in any legal adult entertainment industry.

Story and photos: https://thepattayanews.com/2026/02/14/p ... -arrested/

[Jun]

The operation resulted in the detention of 20 suspects deemed at risk of involvement in prostitution. The majority were foreign women, primarily from African countries such as Uganda.

So some selection by the police, as only a minority of prostitutes on the beach are non-Asian ? Also, they operate all the way from the bottom of the beach to just past the police station. Someone counted 500 of them a few years back and the police got just 20.
If they were serious, there would be arrests every day until the activity stopped.

Whilst stopping them seems a bit severe, I'd be in favour of action to stop them harassing or even approaching customers.

There are a few of them on Jomtien beach. I walk past, usually on the opposite side of the pavement, looking the other way and still get approached.

People should be able to walk along the beach path without that.

[Gaybutton]

I wonder how that problem will work if prostitution becomes legal. I find it hard to imagine much of a change whether prostitution becomes legal or not.

[Jun]

I wonder how that problem will work if prostitution becomes legal.

I don't think we're going to find out any time soon.

Illegal prostitution is a source of tea money for the uniformed mafia. Reforming such things does not appear to be on the agenda of the government

[Gaybutton]

Reforming such things does not appear to be on the agenda of the government

Am I missing something? See: viewtopic.php?t=12214

[Jun]

Am I missing something? See: viewtopic.php?t=12214

The leading party after the election is Bhumjaithai Party (BJT; Thai: พรรคภูมิใจไทย, lit. 'Thai Pride Party').
Now in the link you provided, I don't see any reference to that party wanting to legalize prostitution.

However, perhaps it's me that's missing someting, as it is quite hard to keep up with Thai politics. Particularly with all the party name changes.

If I've missed evidence of the BJT wanting to legalize prostitution, I'd be grateful if you could point me in the right direction.

[Gaybutton]

If I've missed evidence of the BJT wanting to legalize prostitution, I'd be grateful if you could point me in the right direction.

My own interpretation of this is while the Bhumjaithai Party is not actively pursuing legalizing prostitution, I don't see them standing in the way of it either. It may not be a top priority on their agenda, but I believe legalization is going to happen. The only question is when? However, I have yet to see any real detail about just how it will work and be controlled - and whether it will apply to both male and female.

For us, however, you know what I think will change whether it passes or not? Nothing.
_____________________________________________________________________________

While the Bhumjaithai Party has not been the primary driver of prostitution reform, recent reports indicate that they have joined other major Thai political parties in agreeing to decriminalize prostitution.

This consensus marks a significant shift in Thailand's political landscape ahead of the February 2026 elections. Here is a breakdown of the current situation:

Cross-Party Support: All major parties, including Bhumjaithai, have voiced support for bringing sex workers under the full protection of the law.
Focus on Decriminalization: The emphasis is on replacing the outdated Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act (1996) with new legislation—often referred to as a Sex Workers Bill—to recognize sex work as a formal profession.
Primary Objectives:
* Labor Rights: Granting sex workers access to social welfare, healthcare, and protection under the Labor Protection Act.
* Anti-Corruption: Reducing opportunities for official extortion and bribery, which currently plague the "grey" industry.
* Dignity and Safety: Establishing protection centers and mandatory health screenings to ensure worker well-being.

Comparison with Other Policies

Unlike their aggressive and often solo push for cannabis legalization, Bhumjaithai’s stance on prostitution appears to be part of a broader, collective movement among Thai parties to modernize social laws. Conversely, they remain staunchly opposed to legalizing casinos, which is a flagship policy of the rival Pheu Thai Party.

https://www.google.com/search?q=is+the+ ... -EPxNqvwAw

[Jun]

whether it will apply to both male and female.

Well IF they legalize prostitution, applying the law to both genders is a certainty, in my opinion.
Anything else would go against the whole equality ethos.

However, I'll bet nothing happens before the next election. Although I'm not 100% confident in that forecast.

[Gaybutton]

I make no predictions about when it will happen, only that at some point it will happen. I'm sure they have more in mind beyond saying, "OK, now it's legal." But just what they're going to do and how they're going to do it remains to be seen. I have seen no details yet, but when we finally do get some details, my guess is they will be just as confusing as usual.

In any case, as I said, I really don't see how legalizing prostitution would change a thing about how it already works for us.

Don't worry. I can't help but think those currently receiving tea money will manage to quickly come up with another way to get their tea money out of prostitution. Ideas for that are probably being tossed around already.