(Thailand) The sex workers embraced by the wrong arms of the law

[yuiyoshida]

what's all this, then?: The raid on the Nataree brothel on Ratchadaphisek Road resulted in the discovery of 15 underage girls, who are being detained, and evidence of police corruption. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)

Strolling around downtown Udon Thani, visitors quickly gain the impression it is not much different from other major cities in Thailand. The locals are genuinely friendly and the streetscape consists of the usual food stalls, mega shopping malls and night market, adding a big-city vibe to the culturally rich northeastern hub.

But after sunset, five minutes away from the city's night market the atmosphere quickly changes.

"Do you want to hang out with young girls?" one tuk-tuk driver asks with a mischievous grin on his face. "I can take you to meet them there. They are all young and beautiful girls from Laos."

In a narrow soi between a major hospital and upmarket hotel, hostess bars, massage parlours and karaoke bars with dim red lights replace the safe feeling of the daytime. It's not as in-your-face as Pattaya or Bangkok's Soi Nana, but it's obvious more than just alcohol is available.

Some owners go to great pains to make out that their business is above board. "Which girl do you want? She can sit and have a drink with you but nothing more," says the pushy manager of a hostess bar.

more...
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/1043129/the-sex-workers-embraced-by-the-wrong-arms-of-the-law