The International Union of Sex Workers (IUSW) reports that Thailand has approximately 250,000 sex workers, making it one of the countries with the highest numbers globally. Despite these figures, sex work remains illegal in Thailand, and workers face ongoing challenges in securing basic labor rights.
The IUSW's recent report, "Sex Worker Statistics by Country, Gender," estimates that there are over 50 million sex workers worldwide, with 41.6 million female and 10.4 million male. The organization anticipates that this number will grow due to expanding opportunities for providing sex-related services.
The report lists the top countries for sex work, with China leading at five million sex workers, followed by India (three million), the US (one million), and several others, including Thailand and Brazil (250,000 each).
Although Thailand ranks among the top ten countries with the highest numbers of sex workers, the industry remains illegal under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act. Despite the law, there is widespread recognition of the industry's existence.
Activists and sex workers in Thailand are pushing for the legalization of sex work to secure labor rights similar to those in other professions. Chatchalawan Mueangchan, a human rights activist from the Empower Foundation, revealed that a Protection of Sex Service Act was submitted to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (M-Society) over five years ago but has yet to progress despite multiple referendums.
Chatchalawan and other industry representatives recently renewed calls for progress on the act, emphasizing the need for equal labor rights for sex workers, as highlighted during recent events like Labour Day.