Happy Sunday everyone! Volume 51 incoming. I just got back from a 2.5 week trip to the South that was magical on all levels. The first week was spent almost entirely out on the Andaman Sea where Chris and I shot some awesome videos that we’re very excited to release in the coming months… The second week was all about our first ever Southern Thailand Tour Group as part of RW4U Tours. Man, was that ever a special 7-days full of epic nature, fun activities, amazing people, and of course… some ice cold Leos. As always though, there’s no place like home (aka Bangkok). Much love and hope you all have an awesome week ahead!
New Bill To Legalize Sex Work Proposed
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security in Thailand has proposed a bill that would legalise sex work, with the aim of protecting sex workers from exploitation. If passed, the bill would offer some regulation and protection to an industry that has long been hidden from the public eye. Under the proposed legislation, sex workers under the age of 20 would not be penalised, although legal action would be taken against business operators who employ them underage, as well as their parents. The bill would also require fair compensation for sex workers, with payments for sex services being set at a rate that does not violate minimum wage laws. Regular physical examinations would be mandatory for sex workers to ensure their wellbeing and safety, and a protection centre would be established to prevent violence against sex workers. Operators of sex-related businesses would receive a license that is valid for three years.
The draft bill has sparked debate, with proponents arguing that legalisation would provide protection and safety for sex workers, while opponents claim that it would lend credibility to an industry that is rife with exploitation and human trafficking. The MSDHS plans to push for the bill after the upcoming election in May, with the new proposal then going in front of the new government for approval.
Our Take
Let’s face it, there wouldn’t be so many establishments and workers in this industry if the demand wasn’t there. No matter what governments say or do, ‘sex for sale’ will ALWAYS exist and I think it’s wise to protect these workers. Why not regulate it? Why not apply a tax to it? Why not treat those working in this space the same way that workers in other industries are treated? In my opinion, it makes a lot of sense to officially legalize sex work and govern it accordingly so bad actors (those employing underage girls, etc.) are held accountable. It’s totally cool to disagree or dislike the fact that this is a world that exists… but it does… so let’s recognize that and protect workers as best as possible.
Thousands Of Workers Needed In Phuket
Phuket's tourism industry is booming, but it's facing a severe labor shortage with the President of the Thai Hotels Association, Sueksit Suwandissakun, reporting that the island needs 17,000 more workers to meet demand. To address the labor shortage, officials have begun to collaborate with colleges and universities in Thailand to send graduates to work in the tourism sector. Suwandissakun also mentioned that “88% of hotel rooms have been sold from January to March, which is about the same number as before Covid-19 with Chinese tourists coming back and new tourist markets emerging rapidly”.
Our Take
As mentioned earlier, I actually just got back from a trip in Phuket and I gotta say, the worker shortage is definitely noticeable and something that business owners of ALL sizes are affected by on the Island. The hotel that Chris and I stayed at felt understaffed, some of the restaurants we visited could have used another two or three workers, etc. Officials working with Colleges and Universities is definitely wise and something that hopefully closes the gap over the next 12-months. Tough to run a biz down there these days operationally, especially with the insane demand for services on the Island now that it’s back to pre-pandemic tourism levels.
Thailand Travel Tip - So You Wanna Come To Thailand…
As mentioned in the opening of this week’s edition, we’ve just wrapped up our first ever Southern Thailand group tour and damn, did it ever turn out to be a SPECIAL week. In just 7-days we partied in Old Town Phuket, enjoyed a private boat tour in Phan Nga Bay, enjoyed some chill time in Railay Beach with the locals, experienced the insane nature of Khao Sok National Park, had an afternoon of gins at Bang’s house, enjoyed an epic Samui sunset at Moonstone, and wrapped it all up with a farewell dinner at Mr. Eungs. All this intertwined with tasty meals, cold drinks, and lots of laughs made it a week to remember. We shot videos the whole way through, so you’ll be able to see exactly what everyone experienced, but honestly… if you’re someone that’s looking to come to Thailand for the first time OR someone that’s looking to experience it in the same way that Chris and I are lucky enough to, check out the RW4U Tours website, explore the different dates, and fire us off any questions you have. I felt great pride in the week that our guests experienced and am excited to do it again!
Thailand Ranked #4 In List Of Most Affordable Countries
Thailand has been named the fourth cheapest country to visit in a recent list published by Kiplinger, an American provider of business forecasts and personal finance advice. Laos topped the list, with Turkey and Indonesia taking the second and third places, respectively. Kiplinger found that average daily expenses during a holiday in Thailand amounted to a total of USD $52, with accommodation costing an average of USD $21 per night, and meals costing USD $14 per day. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he is pleased to see Thailand's tourism offerings consistently rated highly on the international stage. The PM added that tourism development is being undertaken with sustainable growth in mind, and that his government understands the significant importance of the travel industry. In another achievement, Thailand was recently named ‘Best Tourist Country’ at Sweden's Grand Travel Awards 2023, based on a poll of Swedish travellers and travel agents.
Our Take
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… by far my favourite thing about Thailand (aside from the people) is the fact that you really can spend as much or as little as you’d like. I’ve had buddies backpack the Country for two or three months and spend as little as USD $25 per day. I’ve had other friends roll in and drop upwards of USD $500 per day and do a proper 5-star trip. There’s something for everyone at any price point in just about every corner of the Country. That’s the Beaty of Thailand… freedom of choice.
Only In Thailand 🇹🇭
Beauty pageant contestants and white nail polish? That doesn’t sound like a good combo, especially when the nail polish is being used to whiten teeth! This past week, medical technologist Pakphum Dejhassadin warned those participating in Thailand’s pageant that this quick trick is NOT safe and to use proper whitening strips instead. Jeez… who would have guessed that?! 😂