Prostitution in Thailand is not legal but is socially accepted to a certain extent. The development of sex tourism can be traced back to the Vietnam War. This grey economy factor has a very big bearing on the economy of the country.

Social Norms

Prostitution has a mixed standing in the norms of Thai society. On one hand, having a mistress and going to a prostitute is not uncommon but is not socially accepted. On the other hand, it is believed that the existence of prostitutes greatly decrease the incidence of sexually related crimes. Another factor contributing to this ongoing practice is the general tolerance Thai people have towards different people and their vices. Prostitution does not involve the same social stigma as in many other countries.

Moreover, many young people are brought into this business because of the easy money that can be earned this way. This is couples with the poverty in the state. Many young women support their families by working in this trade. In general studies show that afterwards such women can resume normal life and can find a husband.

Statistics

The main centers of prostitution are Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hai Yai and other border cities. Nonetheless, this trade is common for every major city. According to research done by the state university in Bangkok up to 2.8 million people are involved in the sex business: 2million women, 80,000 minors, and 20,000 men. It is estimated that this brings revenue of 4.3 billion dollars every year. It is considered that at least 10 percent of all money spent by foreigners in the country go for sex services.

Sex Tourism

Thailand is a very attractive destination for Westerners. First, there is well developed prostitution and it is socially tolerate. Second, there is a big economic discrepancy between Western standards and living standards in Thailand. Usually places where you can find prostitutes and organized sex services are rothels, massage parlors, saunas, hostessbars, go go bars, beer bars, and karaoke bars.

The Car Hire services which are available in Thailand are Thai Rent a Car, Avis, Budget, Hertz, SIXT and Europcar.

Thailand, which is on the top tourist destinations, makes much of the country’s economy, but the tourism sector has been crippled with a series of recent riots. But that has not affected the economy of the country; instead, it is looking forward for an increase of economy, up to 6% in this year, says the analysts at Forecast in Singapore.

William E. Heinecke, the chief executive officer of Minor International, a Bangkok based company, says that “there is a huge decrease in the forward bookings as the company has closed its Four Seasons Hotel for over a month in Bangkok due to the recent protests at the Central World shopping center, which lies partially ruin, torched by the anti government protestors.” An economist, Radhika Rao says that “the decline in tourism will decrease as much as a full point off the Thailand’s growth.”

Though the tourism is in shambles, but yet she expects an increase in the economy in the up coming days. Thai economy is very much dependant on the manufacturing and exports of farm products that comprises nearly two thirds of its GDP and the exports, as per Rao, are likely to grow 25% to 30% this year. In addition, where most of the bourses of the world are down, the Thai’s stock market is up 11 % and its currency has crept up 3% since the beginning of the year.

Moreover, the increase of the operations of US and Japan automakers of the companies like Ford Motor and Toyota, has positioned Thailand as a manufacturing hub of Southeast Asia.

Car hires: The Car Hire services which are available in Thailand are Thai Rent a Car, Avis, Budget, Hertz, SIXT and Europcar.

Thailand became a no-go area in April and May 2010 when political demonstrations led to the (FCO) issuing a warning on “all but essential travel to Bangkok and Chiang Mai” and, at one point, “all but essential travel to the whole of Thailand.” The ban was eventually lifted on 31 May 2010 in a move which re-opened all the main tourist areas of the country for business.

The demonstrations had led to losses of 113 billion baht (US$ 3.49 billion), while Thailand’s 2010 tourism targets had been revised down from an expected 16 million visitors to 14 million.

Thailand’s weekly cabinet meeting resolved to lift the emergency decree in five provinces and renew it for another three months in capital Bangkok and 18 other provinces, or totally 19 provinces of Thailand’s 76 provinces on 6^th July 2010.

The tourism sector has begun to recover with the number of foreign tourists set to increase to 15.5 million next year, earning the country around Bt600 billion (US$18.51 billion) in 2011 according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the central western coast, Phuket’s nightlife and its cheap shopping is located in Patong.

Pattaya offers 21 golf courses within an hour’s reach, go-kart racing, theme parks, zoos, underwater submarine trips, Crocodile Farm, Beach Resort Water Park, orchid farm and a nightlife that will leave you spell bound.

Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees famous for its Buffalo Fighting Festival.

Car hire services in Thailand are provided by Budget, Fast car, Avis, Sixt and Nova to name a few.

Thailand is one tourist destination that could sure relax the senses. With its rich natural resources, one could getaway from the hassles of the urban living in a jiffy. A fine and cozy night at a secluded beach is not too far for tourists to go.

• The Essence Of  Phuket

One such attraction worth going to is Phuket. It is the largest island of Thailand that runs from south to north at 48 kilometers and from east to west at 21 kilometers. 70 percent of the island comprises of lush valleys. The island has varied landscapes. It has rocky headlands, long beaches, cliffs, lagoons and all sorts of plant life.

This appeals to the tourists’ taste for the exotic. Phuket fits just right for tourist trips, seeing all sorts of sights, and a host of activities. A Phuket tourist will surely relish the holiday experience.

• Phuket Island Delights

A tropical weather, blue waters, an awesome coast, white sand beaches and a rich coral reef, Phuket has, no doubt caught the eye of many international tourists. Man-made and natural features blend well in the island. Even at the outskirts of the islands, there are plenty of attractions that await the tourists. They also find the local Thai’s hospitality heartwarming. Upon arrival, they are welcomed with the friendly Thai Smile both by locals and hired guides. These add up to Phuket’s high rank in Thailand’s tourist books.

• Hire A Car, Light Up The Senses

In travelling within the island, it is vital that you have everything you need. In touring to as much spots within the island as possible, you need a means of getting there at lesser travel times. Help yourself to your heart’s content with all the sights and sounds of the island with car hire. Hiring a car gets you to the right places without the unnecessary hassles of uncertainty with directions. Car hire will help you get the most of your stay in the island. GP

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. In local Thai language, it is known as Krungthep  which translates to City of Angels. Every year, it never fails to be called the best Travel and leisure destination in the world. Most tourists travel to experience for themselves the exciting life in the city, the culture, nighlife, shopping craze, and the great history of the kingdom. There is always something good waiting for the fun-loving tourists.

• No Visual Effects Needed To Amaze You

Bangkok offers a rich blend of culture, sites and interests. Bangkok is known for its temples, Grand palace, street-side eateries, fine restaurants and Asia’s largest outdoor market, The Chatuchak market. As with any Buddhist country, it gives tourists a kind of spiritual sight seeing that is unique and as fresh as it is old. The temples have intricate adornments and architectures. Some are even regarded as Treasure Temples because of the superb decorations done to them.

• The Los Angeles and New York of Asia

The street-side eateries offer tasty foods in a way that is strange for international tourists. The Chatuchak Market never fails to attract a massive crowd everytime. Bangkok is also known for its bustling nightlife. Go-go bars, lively pubs and night markets flourish at night. Bagkok surely knows how to have fun in the night. The friendly, busy and fun air of Bangkok night life leaves the tourists wanting for more. For that Bangkok is called a town that does not sleep.

• Feel Better Through The Slow Times

Getting around Bangkok may not be easy. Its streets scream one thing out loud, traffic jam. Traffic could get to your nerves if you travel downtown on rush hours. Though this may be tiresome, a car ride is still rather convenient as it protects you from air dirt and helps get to the places you want to go without having to think of confusing routes. Car hire is your best buddy in getting around the most visited tourist spot in the world.  GP