Prostitution in Laos

  Prostitution legal and regulated
  Prostitution (the exchange of sex for money) legal, but brothels are illegal, prostitution is not regulated
  Prostitution illegal
  No data

Prostitution in Laos is regarded as a criminal activity and is much less common than it is in neighbouring Thailand. The capital city Vientiane was once famous for its brothels and ping pong show bars during the 1960s and 1970s as a result of the country's involvement in the Vietnam War.[1] However, the brothels have since disappeared and are now prohibited by Lao law. Soliciting for prostitution instead takes place mainly in the city's bars and clubs,[2] although street prostitution also takes place. The visibility of prostitution in Laos belies the practice's illegalily.[3] The country's Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo Province has been called "a mecca of gambling, prostitution and illicit trade".[4] Most prostitutes in Laos are from poor rural Laotian families and the country's ethnic minorities. In addition to these, there are many prostitutes in Laos from China and Vietnam,[5] while some Laotian women go to Thailand to work as sex workers.[1] Laos has been identified as a source country for women and girls trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation in Thailand.[6]

History

The establishment of the French Protectorate of Laos in 1893 resulted in the arrival of French civil servants who took "local wives" while posted in the country. Prostitution increased during the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War as a result of the presence of foreign troops in Laos. At this time prostitutes came from Thailand to work in the nightclubs and bars of Vientiane. When the Lao People's Democratic Republic was established in 1975, prostitution was criminalised.[5] Prostitutes were initially interned in rehabilitation camps called Don Nang ("women′s island"), though this practice was later discontinued.[3] Tourism and nightclubs returned to the country in the 1990s, and with them prostitution became evident again.[5]

Reasons for prostitution

By 2011, changing socio-economic conditions in rural Laos had resulted in Laotian women from the Khmu ethnic minority becoming predominant in the lower end of the Loatian sex industry.[7] Research published in 2012 indicated that sex workers considered the profession to be "an easy and good source of income compared to other jobs". They also said that it had the advantage of being "suitable for a low-educated person because working in a bar does not require formal training or skills and is quickly learned."[3]

Locations used for prostitution

Female sex workers in Laos are often employed as hostesses in places of entertainment, such as beer bars, "drinkshops", karaoke bars, nightclubs, guest houses and restaurants. They serve beer and snacks and provide conversation as well as selling sex. Pimps are sometimes used to find clients. Sexual services are provided in guest houses, hotels, or the client’s room, which are usually attached to places of entertainment. Otherwise they tend to take place in remote areas.[3]

HIV/AIDS

In 2004, between 0.8 percent and 4.2 percent of female sex workers in Laos were estimated to be infected with HIV/AIDS.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 Jeffrey Hays (2008). "Sex in Laos". Facts and Details. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  2. ↑ "Vientiane, Laos 2015 – City Nightlife, Clubs, Sex and Lao Family Life". www.retire-asia.com. Retire Asia. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Phrasisombath et. al. 2012.
  4. ↑ Jonathan Kaiman (8 September 2015). "In Laos’ economic zone, a casino and illicit trade beckon". Los Angeles Times. Ton Pheung, Laos. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 Stuart-Fox, Martin (2008). Historical Dictionary of Laos. Scarecrow Press. p. 272. ISBN 9780810864115.
  6. ↑ "Trafficking in Persons Report 2008: Laos". www.state.gov. U.S. Department of State. 4 June 2008. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  7. ↑ Lyttleton & Vorabouth 2011.

Further reading

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