Thread: Prostitution and the Law

In another location, although off topic, I questioned a poster who seemed to provide an ambiguous explanation of the legality of prostitution in Thailand. This interested me, however when I sought clarification, the poster could do little other than dribble abuse.

While Thailand is widely and probably justifiably seen as the world's brothel, the laws defining prostitution are indeed strange. It appears that any crime regarding prostitution is determined by intent to cause public affront rather than the time honoured practice of paying for sex.

"The law defines prostitution as any act done to gratify the sexual desire of another in exchange for money or any other benefit, but only if it is done “in a promiscuous manner”. The Prostitution Law does not define what exactly a “promiscuous manner” constitutes, and the act of prostitution by itself is not outlawed anymore, while solicitation is. The crime of solicitation is vaguely defined.
A person soliciting the services of a prostitute or a prostitute soliciting customers is liable under the Prostitution Law if the solicitation is done “openly and shamelessly or causes a nuisance to the public”, the penalty being a fine of up to 1,000 baht.[11"(From Wikipedia)

As near as I can determine, Prostitution is illegal only if promiscuity is involved and soliciting prostitutes is only illegal if it is done without respect or public regard.
In short, it seems due to a lack of specific definitions, that as far as the law is concerned it's anything goes.
I am interested to hear members' thoughts on this.
How could the 'crime' be prosecuted in court and apart from some moral and health considerations, is there any real and defencible law which would prevent the ordinary punter from paying for that which he desires?

Any discussion of Thai law must first establish two things:
1. Thailand is not a nation of laws.
2. The laws are intentionally vague because of #1.

Thailand has a helmet law. The law states you must wear a helmet at all times while driving/riding a motorcycle. If you chose not to wear a helmet the fine is 200 baht and you are excused from obeying this law for the remainder of the day.

Thailand is not a nation of laws.

Originally Posted by Blue water dreaming

How could the 'crime' be prosecuted in court

I doubt it would get to court.

Originally Posted by Panty Hamster

If you chose not to wear a helmet the fine is 200 baht and you are excused from obeying this law for the remainder of the day.

50 Baht where I live and that's with a receipt.

Here is a link that ought to keep you reading for a while.

Legal issues regarding Thailand Prostitution