FAQs: the Ladies of Patong

I have received many questions re the subject discussed yesterday. The 2 most recurring questions and the best answers I have for each are below.

Why do these "ladies" chose be prostitutes?

Most of the ladies do what they do to make enough money to pay for health care (for themselves and families), school costs, and material things such as motor bikes. As such most do it for only a short time - but may do it off and on as money needs arise. This is what I was told anyway - I have no first hand knowledge one way or another.

Why are Thais so permissive?

Again, based on what I've observed and been told, much of the pervasive permissiveness I believe can be contributed to 2 factors. Most Thais are Buddhist. The Buddhist religion "condemns" few things. Instead, the Buddhist religion focuses on what one should (rather than should NOT) do, such as respect all life.

Another factor is that Thailand has been a major western tourist destination for decades, and western tourists are always looking for prostitutes. Combine the above with the fact that much of the Thai population are relatively poor and the "oldest profession in the world" will flourish wherever such conditions exist. And such conditions can be found all over the world - including the US!