Despite police denials, the recent street brawls between Thai and Filipina transsexuals on Sukhumvit exposed the existence of an underground sex business in this bustling nightlife spot of Bangkok.
The free-for-all occurred on March 4 in front of a hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11, where many Filipina trans people were staying. Hundreds of Thai transsexuals gathered there with a war cry to demand justice and "Thai dignity" for two of their peers who had been attacked the previous night, reportedly by about 20 Filipina transsexuals.
This Sukhumvit area is bustling with nightlife and is said to attract sex workers of various nationalities who exploit the 30-day visa-free period to work in the lucrative Thai sex industry. Their trade is often made possible under the form of protection of organised crime.
Thai transgender groups reportedly said the Filipina transsexuals were not tourists but sex workers. Apart from resenting the losing of their old work turf, the local trans sex workers were also aggrieved by the condescending attitudes and perceived display of arrogance by the Filipina workers, who appeared to act like they were above the law, according to the local transsexuals.
Instead of investigating the underground sex business and the level of corruption at play, mainstream and social media portrayed the brawls comically, perpetuating stereotypes of transgender women as "rowdy ladyboys". The transgender groups also reduced the conflict to nothing more than nationalism.
Meanwhile, Lumpini police swiftly denied any sex work was taking place in their jurisdiction, much to the public's disbelief. To quell the controversy and dispel doubts about their involvement in the sex industry, the police quickly resolved conflicts through compromises and facilitated the Filipina defendants' prompt return home.
The Thai-Filipina trans clash highlights deep-rooted cultural and legal problems that perpetuate gender prejudice and exploitation in Thai society.
The incident also points towards law enforcement's complicity in the Thai sex industry -- which explains their resistance to legalising sex work and other underground businesses.
Although crucial, police reform remains elusive due to a lack of political will. Changing cultural values towards gender also takes time. But change is feasible through decriminalisation -- which would free sex workers from racketeers and ensure they have the same legal rights to benefits as other types of workers.
It should all begin with the amendment of the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act. Repealing the fines and jail sentences for sex workers, focusing on punishing procurers and traffickers, and regulating the sex industry effectively are vital steps.
The lucrative sex industry and related businesses that generate more than 100 billion baht a year contrast starkly with the precarious position of sex workers, who are at the lowest rung of the sex industry's food chain as they are the most exploited and have little safety and security.
According to an International Labour Organization study, over one-third of sex workers reported they had experienced harassment and violence from the police, city officials, and gangsters.
Change begins with recognising sex workers' human rights. When they can work without fear and exploitation, infighting will be replaced with unity to advance welfare and rights, acknowledging that progress that benefits one -- benefits all.