Thailand, apart from its sex tourism involving women and children, is also known for tolerance towards gay people and transgender ( Thailand Ladyboys ). Thailand is knowned as a ‘gay paradise’. Apart from the beautiful destinations, exquisite natural beauty, delicious food and friendly people, Thailand also offers a congenial atmosphere for gays and lesbian travelers. Despite their traditional and religious culture, natives of Thailand have a relaxed attitude towards gays.
Bangkok has around 60 gay bars and several other gay establishments. The hotels in the capital have a liberal attitude towards gays and lesbians. Gay sex tourism invites huge revenue for the Thai government. The gays are known for earning huge amounts of money and spending a major portion of it for travel. Thai tourism has developed diverse facilities in order to tap this revenue. There are various online portals publicizing exquisite infrastructure. Bangkok particularly has numerous massage parlors, clubs, spas, galleries, restaurants, cafes and shopping venues permitting entry of gays.
Inspite of a large gay and lesbian population, there are no registered unions in Thailand to fight for protecting the rights of these people. The major issue of concern involved in the gay sex tourism is the spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic. An astonishing increase in the incidence of the disease has been observed from 17 percent in 2003 to 28 percent in 2005. According to Associate Director of Science at HIV/AIDS Collaboration Dr. Frits Van Griensven, around 16,000 Thais are infected with HIV/AIDS, out of which one third are supposed to be gays. Particularly, men below the age of 21 are at a major risk. The prime reasons for this is lack of scientific education and infrequent use of condoms and lubricants. |
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