With Pattaya in global spotlight, Thailand mulls decriminalising sex work

15 Sept 10:30 Key points summarised by AI

Pattaya authorities initiated a crackdown on the city's red-light district to sanitize its image, especially during the USS Abraham Lincoln's visit, despite critics highlighting the sex industry's crucial role in the local economy.
Civil society organizations, including SWING, are actively advocating for the decriminalisation of sex work by proposing to repeal the 1996 Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act.
Proponents argue that decriminalisation would grant voluntary sex workers legal protections, labor rights, and reduce widespread exploitation and corruption, while existing child protection laws would prevent increased abuse.
Despite generating billions for Thailand's economy, the illegal status of sex work excludes its revenues from official GDP, leaves it untaxed, and fuels significant police corruption and extortion.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.