Download "Thailand: The Return of the Sex Tourists | Documentary | NDR | 45 min"

UPDATE: Following the broadcast of our film, the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation on suspicion of aggravated sexual abuse of children. The accused from our film has been arrested, is in pretrial detention, and awaits trial. No verdict has yet been reached, and the presumption of innocence still applies. ++++++++++++ Dear users, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who engaged in a critical yet objective discussion about this documentary! We welcome factual questions and constructive criticism, but not unsubstantiated claims or insults. We had to hide the vast majority of comments because they violated our comment guidelines (https://www.ndr.de/service/technische_hilfe/Die-Kommentarrichtlinien,richtlinien101.html); many comments were racist and/or sexist. Unfortunately, even a large number of the comments we were able to leave online prevent a constructive debate. We experience this differently with other, even controversial, films. Therefore, we have now decided to close the comment section. If you would like to ask us anything further, you can contact us by email: 45Min@ndr.de. 45 Min Editorial Team +++++++++++++++ The sex trade, illegal in Thailand, is back. What do men say about why they flock to Pattaya's Reeperbahn? Go-go bars, seedy massage parlors, and countless open-air beer stands with scantily clad young women—along with pleasure-seeking sex tourists of all ages: The coastal metropolis of Pattaya on Thailand's west coast is returning to what is considered "normal" here. A German tourist sums it up on camera: "Why are we all here? Because you get more sex for less money!" A younger German might disagree: "I'm not looking for sex here, I'm looking for love," says Stefan, complaining that his numerous conquests ultimately only seem to be after his money. Thousands of sex workers in Pattaya alone For two years, the "red-light tourists" waited: Pattaya's huge entertainment district was completely shut down due to the pandemic. This was a precarious situation for the city's approximately 60,000 sex workers. Because the Thai state generates billions in tax revenue from the sex industry, but prostitution is officially illegal, those working in the trade were excluded from all government aid programs. Abandoned with a baby and no support Take Aom, for example, a sex worker. She became pregnant by a German client who initially swore fidelity to her and then abandoned her with the baby. Now, Aom is trying to secure at least child support payments through a lawyer and continues to work in the sex industry. "I'm done with German clients," she says. "When they come, I'll say goodbye." Double Standards Among Sex Tourists The documentary delves into Pattaya's red-light district and encounters a great deal of double standards. German sex tourists who convince themselves that their dates are helping to ensure the survival of impoverished Thai families. And a restaurant owner from northern Germany who claims the girls are only standing on the street in such short skirts because of the warm weather. No Oversight of Travel Companies German tour operators also profit from the sex trade, even if they don't like to talk about it. They all include Pattaya in their itineraries. At least the German travel companies take credit for having signed a voluntary commitment to combat child prostitution. But who is monitoring this? Traces of Pedophiles Also in Pattaya's Red-Light District The COVID-19 lockdown has also massively exacerbated the problem of abuse. In Pattaya's red-light district, where, according to official statements, there is no longer any prostitution involving minors, the film crew uncovers traces of pedophiles. And they encounter a German man who, shortly after his arrest, is nevertheless able to leave the country. How is this possible, and how effective is international cooperation on this important issue? LINKS on the topic of sex tourism: https://ecpat.de/2018/01/21/welt-sichten-dossier-reisende-taeter-gefaehrdete-kinder/ https://www.iamat.org/blog/implications-of-sexual-tourism/ https://thecode.org/ #SexTourists #Prostitution #Thailand